Arizona Lawmaker Proposes Expansion of State House

PHOENIX – Arizona State Senator J.D. Mesnard has proposed a significant expansion of the Arizona House of Representatives, aiming to increase the number of representatives from 60 to 90. The proposal, if approved by voters, would reshape the state’s legislative landscape and potentially alter the balance of political representation.

Current System and Proposed Changes

Currently, Arizona’s legislative system consists of 30 senators and 60 representatives, with each of the 30 legislative districts having two representatives. Mesnard’s plan seeks to divide each of those 30 districts into three, creating 90 individual districts, each with its own representative.

Rationale Behind the Proposal

Mesnard argues that the current district sizes, with approximately 254,000 residents per representative, make it tough for lawmakers to effectively represent their constituents. Dividing the districts would reduce representation to fewer than 85,000 residents per House member, fostering a closer connection between lawmakers and the people they serve. “This is about good governance,” Mesnard stated. “It allows for the House members to be a little more closer to the people.”

Comparison to Other States

Mesnard highlighted that the average state House has 110 members, and Arizona’s current representative-to-resident ratio is exceeded only by California, where each member of the State Assembly represents over 491,000 constituents.

Implementation and Potential Challenges

The proposal, if passed by the Senate and House, would be put before voters in November. However, implementation would be delayed until after the 2040 census, meaning the first election with 90 representatives would be in 2042.

Several challenges remain, including logistical concerns about accommodating the additional lawmakers. The current House chamber, built in the 1960s, is designed for 60 members, and office space is limited. Mesnard acknowledged potential construction costs associated with modernizing or rebuilding the legislative facilities.

The estimated cost to the state budget for the additional legislator salaries and expenses is approximately $1 million.

Historical Context

Arizona previously had 80 state representatives prior to 1966, but a 1964 U.S. Supreme Court ruling (“one man, one vote”) led to a restructuring of legislative districts based on population equality. This resulted in the current 60-member House.

Mixed Reactions

Senator Lauren Kuby expressed some support for the proposal, believing it could increase representation and lower barriers to candidacy. However, she advocated for a more thorough study of potential alternatives before seeking voter approval.

As Arizona’s population continues to grow – projected to exceed 10 million by 2040 – the need for smaller House districts could become even more pressing, potentially reducing the number of residents per representative to 110,000 under the proposed system.