What You Can Do to Stop Hobbs from Being a Pirate?
1. If you are on the AZ Legislature's Request to Speak system, thumbs up👍 HB2516 and HB2517. If you aren't, you can sign up at ezaz.org/rts.
2. Send message or call 📞 your State Senators and ask them to support HB2516 and HB2517.
3. Look up if you have any unclaimed cash or property💰 the state is currently holding. Go to missingmoney.com.
📊 Arizona’s Unclaimed Property: Where Is the Money Going?
This chart highlights a disturbing trend in Arizona’s unclaimed property system. Over the past decade, the state has absorbed significantly more unclaimed property than it has returned to rightful owners.
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In 2024, under Gov. Hobbs' leadership, the state absorbed $211 million while returning only $88 million to the people.
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The gap between what is taken vs. returned has widened dramatically, with the state now absorbing over 70% of unclaimed funds.
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Since 2015, the amount the state has kept has increased by 290%, reaching an all-time high.
(All data extracted from the AZ Dept. of Revenue Annual Reports: https://azdor.gov/sites/default/files/document/REPORTS_ANNUAL_2024_ASSETS_fy24_annual_report.pdf)
Implications
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The state is profiting off unclaimed property, using it as a revenue stream instead of returning it to rightful owners.
GOV. HOBBS BLOCKS UNCLAIMED PROPERTY OWNERS FROM ACCESSING RESOURCES TO RECLAIM THEIR PROPERTY & MONEY
When Choice Plus, LLC submitted a public records request to help people find their unclaimed property, Gov. Hobbs' Office blocked the request. Choice Plus, LLC sued and the courts ruled in their favor that the records should be released.
Instead, Gov. Hobbs issued an Executive Order to block the release of the public records, claiming it is for a commercial purpose.
Implications
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The state’s refusal to release these records hinders the ability of rightful owners to claim their property.
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The longer the state holds unclaimed property, the more it benefits financially, raising concerns about government overreach and lack of transparency.