Government agencies, employers and political subdivisions in Arizona may not stop or obstruct an employee, including a designated subject matter expert, from testifying in proceedings over a law enforcement officer's appeal of discipline, and may not retaliate against employees who testify in hearings over whether evidence should be disclosed.
Official title: testimony; disciplinary action; prohibition
- September 12, 2026
What changes
-
NowAn agency, employer or political subdivision of this state may not prohibit or obstruct an employee, including one designated as a subject matter expert, from testifying in an administrative or judicial proceeding about a law enforcement officer's appeal of disciplinary action.
BeforeA hearing officer, judge or appeals board could decide whether certain evidence should be withheld because disclosure was too risky. Existing law already said an employer may not discipline, retaliate against or threaten to retaliate against any witness for agreeing to be interviewed or for testifying or providing evidence in the appeal.
NowIn addition, an agency, employer or political subdivision may not take any retaliatory action against an employee for testifying in a proceeding over whether evidence should be disclosed.
Who it affects
- Law enforcement officers appealing disciplinary actions (not at-will officers employed by a state agency)
- Government employees, including subject matter experts, who may testify in those appeals
- State agencies, employers and political subdivisions such as cities, towns and counties
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- What penalty or remedy applies if an agency obstructs testimony or retaliates against an employee
- What counts as 'obstructing' testimony or 'retaliatory action'
- How an employee would report or challenge a violation
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.