Bill
SCR 1031
Imposes a four-year elected term with a two consecutive-term limit for the State Mine Inspector, effective for terms starting 2027, via a voter-approved constitutional amendment.
Status: House Second Reading (Senate passed 2025-03-04)
Introduced: 2025-02-10 (Sen. Mesnard)
Action required: Constitutional amendment submitted to voters (Secretary of State to place on next general election ballot)
Purpose
- Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article XIX (Mines) to (1) specify a four‑year term for the State Mine Inspector and (2) add term‑limit provisions for that office. It also repeals the version of Article XIX as amended by Proposition 107 (1992).
Key provisions
- Establishes that the State Mine Inspector is an elected office and that incumbents shall serve a term of four years.
- Imposes a limit of no more than two consecutive terms for the Mine Inspector.
- This two‑term consecutive‑service limit applies to terms beginning on or after January 1, 2027.
- Any part of a term served counts toward the two‑term maximum.
- After serving the maximum consecutive terms, a person may not again serve as Mine Inspector until they have been out of office for at least one full term.
- Retains existing constitutional language establishing the office and vesting the legislature with authority to regulate mine operation and safety (text includes a historical reference that the initial four‑year term was served by the inspector elected in November 1994).
- Repeals Article XIX as amended by Proposition 107 (1992) and replaces/amends Article XIX as amended by Proposition 101 (1992).
Who is affected
- The State Mine Inspector (an elected statewide office) and current/future candidates for that office.
- Indirectly affects stakeholders in Arizona’s mining sector (miners, mine operators, regulators) because the amendment changes the officeholders’ term length and turnover dynamics.
- Voters: the measure must be approved by statewide voters to become part of the constitution.
Procedural and timing notes
- SCR 1031 is a concurrent resolution proposing a state constitutional amendment; it does not take effect unless approved by voters at a general election and proclaimed by the Governor.
- The Secretary of State is directed to place the proposition on the ballot at the next general election (per Article XXI, Arizona Constitution).
- Legislative history highlights: introduced 2025-02-10, passed the Senate 2025-03-04, transmitted to the House and reached House Second Reading (2025-03-13).
Potential impacts
- Creates predictable four‑year election cycles for the mine inspector and formalizes term limits designed to prevent extended consecutive tenure.
- Could increase turnover in the office beginning with terms that start on/after 1/1/2027; may affect institutional continuity, policy direction, and recruitment of candidates.
- Because this is a constitutional change, statutory implementation (e.g., adjustments to election administration) would follow only after voter approval.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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