All Roll Calls
Yes: 111 • No: 2
ArizonaHB 2179Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular SessionHouseWALLET
air ambulance services
Sponsored By: Julie Willoughby (Republican)
Signed by Governor
air ambulance servicescourts and civil proceedings - title 12criminal code - title 13emergency medical servicesprofessions and occupations - title 32public health and safety - title 36state government - title 41
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
AHCCCS covers needed air ambulance rides
AHCCCS covers medically necessary air ambulance rides. A doctor-directed ride needs prior approval. A qualifying ride started by calling 911 or another designated emergency system does not need prior approval.
Air ambulances join victim compensation program
Qualifying air ambulance services can receive money from Arizona’s victim compensation program if they agree to its rules. This adds eligible providers for people using the program, but the law gives no funding amount.
Emergency crews exempt from transport ban
First responders, ambulance attendants, air ambulance attendants, and emergency medical technicians are exempt from the state transport restriction when they act under Arizona’s emergency medical services law. The exception does not cover other transportation.
More protection for emergency crews
During a governor-declared public health pandemic emergency, ambulance and air ambulance attendants receive certain legal protections for good-faith care. Licensed ambulance attendants, air ambulance attendants, drivers, and pilots also receive protection when they give free, good-faith emergency care; gross negligence is not protected. Trained air ambulance attendants can give epinephrine under a qualifying standing order when they believe someone is having a severe allergic reaction. These attendants also count as first responders under state rules on communicable-disease information and exposure risks.
New reviews for air ambulance staff
The state director may let an air ambulance service investigate an employee’s fitness to care for patients. The service must have required safeguards and report its findings. It may limit an attendant’s work during an investigation, but this authority does not apply to a felony conviction, plea, or court admission.
Arizona updates air ambulance oversight
The state director must set reasonable equipment, staffing, and safety standards for ambulance and air ambulance services. The director may contract with air ambulance services and may support emergency communications with them. Officials must recommend standards that account for urban, rural, and wilderness areas. The director no longer has to set air ambulance response and operating times.
Rules for out-of-state air ambulances
Some out-of-state air ambulances are exempt from Arizona rules for qualifying transports and emergency responses when Arizona has too few registered ambulances. An out-of-state service must be registered to pick up a patient in Arizona and take them to another place in Arizona, unless the stated emergency exception applies.
Air ambulance operators face new rules
Air ambulance operators need a state registration certificate and proof of insurance. The state may charge up to $50 per aircraft for registration or renewal; volunteer nonprofit services pay no registration fee. Registered aircraft must be inspected at least every 12 months, and transport vehicles need location tracking, though a service that shows it cannot comply must receive a waiver. Patient transfers between facilities require two attendants, and violations can be a class 1 misdemeanor; the director can also require bonds for subscription services.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Julie Willoughby
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/7/2026
Third Reading: Passed
Yes: 28 • No: 1
Senate vote • 3/4/2026
Health and Human Services: DP
Yes: 7 • No: 0
House vote • 2/23/2026
Third Reading: Passed
Yes: 56 • No: 1
House vote • 2/2/2026
Rules: C&P
Yes: 8 • No: 0
House vote • 1/22/2026
Health & Human Services: DP
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor
4/13/2026GovernorThird Reading: Passed
4/7/2026SenateRules: PFC
3/9/2026SenateHealth and Human Services: DP
3/4/2026SenateSenate Second Reading
3/3/2026SenateSenate First Reading
3/2/2026SenateThird Reading: Passed
2/23/2026HouseCommittee of the Whole: do pass amended
2/19/2026HouseRules: C&P
2/2/2026HouseHealth & Human Services: DP
1/22/2026HouseHouse Second Reading
1/14/2026HouseHouse First Reading
1/13/2026House
Bill Text
Chaptered Version
House Engrossed Version (02/23/2026)
Introduced Version