Senate committee backs Arizona bill to bar certain Chinese-made equipment from critical infrastructure
March 24, 2026 | 2026 Legislature Arizona, Arizona
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The Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday recommended House Bill 2134 for a due pass, advancing a measure that would bar governmental entities and critical‑infrastructure service providers from entering or renewing contracts with companies of the People’s Republic of China for equipment or software used on critical infrastructure.
Sponsor (speaker 5) described the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act as a step to protect communications and other critical systems from foreign adversary access. The bill would require the Arizona Corporation Commission to publish a list of prohibited equipment, implement a risk‑based oversight program and require annual certifications from communications‑infrastructure providers. If monies are appropriated, providers would be required to remove items on the commission’s list.
A Jamestown Foundation expert (Aaron Hope, speaker 12) testified in support, citing recent U.S. intelligence assessments and examples of state‑sponsored attempts to preposition access to critical systems. He said restricting contract relationships with identified Chinese companies aligns state action with federal national‑security guidance.
Committee members pressed sponsors on scope and cost. Senator Hubert (speaker 10) asked whether the bill duplicates existing federal restrictions and noted a multibillion‑dollar federal 'rip and replace' appropriation; the sponsor said the state bill would “work with federal law” but allow Arizona to target specific risks by maintaining its own list and exemptions. Other members asked about staffing at the Corporation Commission; the sponsor said the commission helped craft language it believes it can implement.
The committee moved the bill and called the roll; members voted 6 ayes to 4 noes, giving HB 2134 a due‑pass recommendation.
What happens next: The measure will be reported out to the Senate for floor consideration and may return to the House if amended.
Sponsor (speaker 5) described the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act as a step to protect communications and other critical systems from foreign adversary access. The bill would require the Arizona Corporation Commission to publish a list of prohibited equipment, implement a risk‑based oversight program and require annual certifications from communications‑infrastructure providers. If monies are appropriated, providers would be required to remove items on the commission’s list.
A Jamestown Foundation expert (Aaron Hope, speaker 12) testified in support, citing recent U.S. intelligence assessments and examples of state‑sponsored attempts to preposition access to critical systems. He said restricting contract relationships with identified Chinese companies aligns state action with federal national‑security guidance.
Committee members pressed sponsors on scope and cost. Senator Hubert (speaker 10) asked whether the bill duplicates existing federal restrictions and noted a multibillion‑dollar federal 'rip and replace' appropriation; the sponsor said the state bill would “work with federal law” but allow Arizona to target specific risks by maintaining its own list and exemptions. Other members asked about staffing at the Corporation Commission; the sponsor said the commission helped craft language it believes it can implement.
The committee moved the bill and called the roll; members voted 6 ayes to 4 noes, giving HB 2134 a due‑pass recommendation.
What happens next: The measure will be reported out to the Senate for floor consideration and may return to the House if amended.
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