Using Arizona's Request-to-Speak System
July 25, 2026
Share Your Input on Arizona Legislation: Using the "Request-to-Speak" System
The Arizona State Capitol's Request-to-Speak system, also known as RTS, is a public tool with many uses.
Through this system, you can track the status of bills, signal your opposition or support for legislation, and more. During the Legislative Session, ArMA mobilizes its members by asking them to sign on to RTS in support of or opposition to crucial pieces of legislation.
Creating and Enabling an RTS Account
To signal your position on a bill in RTS, you must first create and enable an account. While accounts can be created from anywhere in the world, they must be enabled by logging in at the Arizona State Capitol or on an associated campus.
Signaling Your Position for Bills on an Agenda
Once you have an active RTS account, you can let legislators know where you stand on bills moving through the legislative process. Follow these steps to signal your position on a bill that is currently on an agenda.
If you cannot locate the bill, it is likely because it is not currently on a committee agenda. While you cannot submit a 'Request to Speak' on bills not assigned to an agenda, you can still signal your position. Scroll down to the next section to learn how.
Step 1: Logging Into RTS
- Once you enter the RTS portal, you will be brought to the screen shown above.
- Click "Sign On" in the upper right-hand corner to log in.
Step 2: Sign In to Your Account
- Enter your login credentials to access your RTS account.
- If you do not have an activated account, refer to the section above for instructions on how to create and enable one.
Step 3: Starting a Request
- Click "New Request" on the left-hand toolbar.
- You can add a position on any bill that is currently on an agenda.
Step 4: Locating the Bill
- Enter the bill number and click "Add Request".
- Senate Bills must start with a 1; House Bills must start with a 2.
- If you don't know the bill number, you can search by agendas or keywords.
Step 5: Registering Your Position
- Select your position: for, against, or neutral.
- Only select that you wish to speak if you will be at the legislature in person to testify.
- Add any comments you'd like to include.
- Click "Submit" to register your position.
Signaling Your Position for Bills NOT on an Agenda
If you want to signal your position on a bill that is not currently scheduled on an agenda, follow these steps:
Step 1: Logging Into RTS
- Follow Steps 1 and 2 from the section above to log in to your RTS account.
Step 2: Adding Your Bill Positions
- Click on "My Bill Positions" on the left-hand side menu.
- Once on the "My Bill Positions" screen, you'll be able to enter any bill currently proposed at the Arizona State Legislature and signal your position on it.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact ArMA's staff.
Statewide orders keep pharmacists and physicians authorized to vaccinate Arizonans amid uncertainty over the next ACIP meeting. Statewide Orders Cover the 2026-27 Flu & COVID Season The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued statewide standing orders supporting access to the 2026-27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arizonans seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact their physician or pharmacy to confirm availability. Why the Orders Were Issued Arizona pharmacists may administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travel, or vaccines authorized under a prescription, including a physician-issued public health standing order. With the timing of the next ACIP meeting uncertain, ADHS worked with the Arizona Board of Pharmacy to issue statewide standing orders for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which function as a prescription allowing pharmacists and physicians across Arizona to administer them to anyone who wants one. ADHS Medical Advisor Weighs In "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. The Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease, reduce pressure on our healthcare system and reduce costs," said Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS public health medical advisor and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General. "We have issued these standing orders to ensure safe and timely access to the vaccines in alignment with scientific and evidence-based guidance." What Arizonans Should Know The standing orders do not require every pharmacy to offer vaccinations, and they do not guarantee insurance coverage for administration. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so Arizonans should check with their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.
State attorneys seek an emergency stay after lower courts reject bids to delay receivership of the prison health care system. State Makes a Last-Ditch Appeal Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to delay a court-ordered receivership of the state's prison health care system. The request comes after both a federal district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause the takeover. In the recent application, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a representative of the department, argued that the state deserves more time to make its case before surrendering control of its operations, including oversight of its employees and health care budget. Roots of the Case The dispute began in 2012 when inmates sued the department, alleging the prison system's inadequate medical, mental health, and dental care amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The case went through years of litigation and a failed settlement agreement. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ruled that the health care system was "grossly inadequate." The court ordered the prison healthcare system to comply with more than 150 "quality indicators," but according to court-appointed monitors, the department failed to comply with 131 of the measures. In light of this finding, Silver named Annette Chambers-Smith, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, to take over as receiver effective Oct. 19. Arguments on Both Sides Clement argues receivership should be the last resort and that Silver moved to it too quickly. He asserts that the department has made measurable progress, including growing its health care staffing by more than 50%, expanding substance-use treatment access, and adopting a new care model. Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, which represents the roughly 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona prisons, called the department's request a "Hail Mary" and said Silver had given the department years of opportunities to comply before ordering receivership. What Happens Next The Supreme Court has not yet set a deadline for the plaintiffs to respond to the stay request. Separately, the 9th Circuit is now reviewing the merits of the receivership order itself. The department filed its opening brief on Sept. 15, and the plaintiffs' response is due Oct. 15. Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Mirror .
