Beginning on Jan. 1, several new laws went into effect in Arizona. Here is an overview of new rulings regarding minimum wage, education and school nutrition, plus one with ties to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

3 Takeaways:

• Arizona’s animal cruelty laws expanded their definitions to include birds, reptiles and more.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks will upgrade stadium features and amenities without increasing taxes.
• Public schools are eliminating ultraprocessed foods. 

Minimum Wage Increases

The Industrial Commission of Arizona announced that the minimum wage in 2026 will increase by 45 cents to $15.15 per hour. The increase was based on studies conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index, which found an increase in inflation from August 2024 to August 2025. 

Flagstaff establishes and maintains its own minimum wage, thanks to residents who voted for that in a 2016 election. In 2026, Flagstaff’s minimum wage will increase by $3 to $18.35 per hour. The city also eliminated “tip credits,” which means staff must be paid a full minimum wage by their employers. 

Two decades ago, the minimum wage in Arizona was $5.15. In 2007, after Proposition 202 passed, the minimum wage increased to $6.75 per hour. 

New Funding Avenues for the Arizona Diamondbacks 

Updates and upgrades are coming to the Arizona Diamondbacks, beyond their 40-man roster.

A new law for 2026 directs millions in public sales tax funds to go toward facility upgrades at Phoenix’s Chase Field, including air conditioning, the retractable roof and other key parts of the stadium. A bipartisan bill was passed in 2025 and signed by Governor Katie Hobbs, who said it was a responsible use of taxpayer dollars and would prevent the Diamondbacks from leaving Phoenix for a new stadium elsewhere. 

The law stipulates that the new sales tax funding can be used only to fix, renovate, maintain or improve Chase Field. 

Removing Ultraprocessed Foods from Schools

Arizona schools are emphasizing a menu of natural and organically grown foods while shying away from ultraprocessed foods. 

The new law calls for the removal of ultraprocessed “junk” foods from Arizona public schools. Specific additives like potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil and artificial food dyes (including yellow, blue, green and red dye) are now prohibited from being served, sold or allowed during normal school hours.

The Arizona Department of Education is required to create and maintain compliance with the new law. Public schools in the state have until the 2026-27 school year to be fully compliant with the new ruling. 

Tobacco Sales Raise to Age 21

A new Arizona law states that those wishing to purchase tobacco products, including vapes, must be 21 or older. Previously, individuals could purchase/possess these products at age 18. 

Anyone under age 21 who purchases or is found to be in possession of tobacco/vape products could be charged a fine or sentenced to community service. Additionally, the smoke shop could receive a reprimand for the violation. 

The only exception is for those serving in the military, who can still purchase and be in possession of tobacco/vape products if it’s approved by their military branch and the individual has their military ID card. 

Arizona state law now matches federal law regarding purchasing tobacco/vape products at age 21. 

Updated Animal Cruelty Laws 

In 2023, Jerry, a chocolate Labrador, was rescued in Chandler after authorities found him and 54 other dogs living in atrocious and inhumane conditions. After the “Chandler 55” were rescued, the need became clear for new animal cruelty legislation and guidelines.

S.B. 1658 defines animal cruelty as knowingly or recklessly failing to provide medical care when the animal needs it, failing to provide adequate shelter, and not providing clean food, water or shelter. Additionally, the new law now includes birds, reptiles and amphibians (covering parrots, lizards, snakes, etc.). 

Jerry and many of his four-legged friends attended the bill-signing on June 27 of last year. 

This year’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 4. 

The general election for statewide offices (governor, legislators), federal offices (U.S. Representatives and Senators) and more will be held on Nov. 3. 

The Nov. 3 general election will give Arizona voters the opportunity to fill a newly established position: lieutenant governor. The lieutenant governor ruling was authorized after the passage of Proposition 131 in the 2022 election. Until now, the secretary of state has been first in line to take over if the Arizona governor was unable to serve; now, the lieutenant governor will be first in line. The position will start in early 2027.