Activists urging Gov. Hobbs to sign ‘tamale bill’ despite opposition from Democratic Senators

(Arizona’s Family – Mar 27, 2024) –

The so-called ‘tamale bill’ is back at the State Capitol. It would allow home cooks to sell their food, like tamales, and supporters say it would be a big help for those families’ finances.

Activists held a party at the Capitol Wednesday, calling on Governor Hobbs to sign this latest version of the bill one year after she vetoed the original.

“The way the law is right now, it puts many of our communities in fear, limits them. It is a barrier to the American Dream and so we believe it is time to change that,” said Jonathon Soto with The Libre Initiative.

HB 2042 would legalize the sale of perishable foods made in home kitchens. The Arizona State Health Department opposed the bill last year, and Hobbs said it would significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness.

This time around, lawmakers and activists have worked to address some of those health and safety concerns. Still, the new legislation was met with democratic opposition.

It passed the State Senate this week with only one Democrat supporting the bill. Sen. Anna Hernandez voted no and worries the legislation could still lead to criminalization. She said an amendment that protected people who violated the regulations from a Class 3 Misdemeanor was not included.

“Unfortunately, at the 23rd hour, we heard concerns that the amendment that would do ultimately what proponents of the bill said last year would do, were not accepted,” said Hernandez.

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. It is unclear if she plans to sign it.

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