Bill Text: AZ SB1155 | 2021 | Fifty-fifth Legislature 1st Regular | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Antitrust enforcement; appropriation

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2021-03-10 - House APPROP Committee action: Do Pass, voting: (12-1-0-0-0-0) [SB1155 Detail]

Download: Arizona-2021-SB1155-Engrossed.html

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Senate Engrossed

 

technical correction; supplemental environmental project

(now:  antitrust enforcement; appropriation)

 

 

 

 

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

 

 

 

SENATE BILL 1155

 

 

 

AN ACT

 

Appropriating monies to the attorney general.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Appropriation; attorney general; enforcement actions; exemption

A. The sum of $1,000,000 is appropriated from the antitrust enforcement revolving fund established by section 41-191.02, Arizona Revised Statutes, in fiscal year 2021-2022 to the attorney general to investigate and bring enforcement actions against technology companies that engage in anticompetitive, anticonsumer or monopolistic behavior.  Notwithstanding section 41-191.02, subsection C, Arizona Revised Statutes, monies in the fund may be used to compensate or employ attorneys or counselors at law until July 1, 2023.

B. The appropriation made in subsection A of this section is exempt from the provisions of section 35-190, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to lapsing of appropriations.

Sec. 2. Legislative findings; intent

A. The Legislature finds that:

1. Arizonans rightfully expect and demand a free marketplace where all individuals and companies can compete on a level playing field.

2. Mammoth technology corporations are increasingly smothering, acquiring, censoring or deplatforming emerging competition in their field, thus stifling innovation, value, speech and consumer choice for Arizonans.

3. Since 1974, Arizona law has prohibited actions seeking to restrain or monopolize trade.

4. Action is necessary to investigate the anticompetitive practices of giant technology corporations as Arizona companies and consumers are being harmed.

5. State antitrust laws must be enforced in defense of the free expression and self-determination of individuals and companies, who can currently be censored or canceled for voicing opinions contrary to the inescapable technology conglomerates.

6. The attorney general continues to be a strong leader in the areas of antitrust, consumer protection, data privacy and confronting unlawful business practices.

B. The Legislature intends that this act should:

1. Provide the resources necessary for the attorney general to zealously investigate and pursue enforcement actions against technology companies that engage in anticompetitive, anticonsumer or monopolistic behavior that hurts competition.

2. Ensure the attorney general may fully enforce Arizona's laws.

3. Protect Arizona consumers and ensure Arizona markets are free from anticompetitive, anticonsumer or monopolistic behavior that stifles free speech, competition and equal opportunity.