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PROPOSITION 317; REFERRED TO THE PEOPLE BY THE LEGISLATURE RELATING TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Official Title: AMENDING TITLE 41, CHAPTER 41, ARTICLE 1, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, BY ADDING SECTION 41-4256. Descriptive Title: DECLARES THAT DRUG CARTELS ARE TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS; DIRECTS THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO DO EVERYTHING IN ITS AUTHORITY TO ADDRESS DRUG CARTELS. Ballot measures approved by Arizona voters are difficult to change. Constitutional amendments can be changed only if voters approve another constitutional amendment. Voter-approved laws are protected by Arizona’s Voter Protection Act, which prohibits the Legislature from repealing them and allows amendments only with a three-fourths vote of each legislative chamber when the amendment furthers the measure’s original purpose.Impact on ArizonansA YES vote will enact a state law declaring drug cartels to be terrorist organizations and require the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to use all authority available to it to address threats posed by drug cartels. The law would also establish definitions of “drug cartel” and “threat” and specify that the declaration does not support a claim for asylum under federal law.A NO vote will maintain current Arizona law. Drug cartels would not receive the new designation as terrorist organizations under this measure, and AZDHS would continue operating under its existing statutory responsibilities and authority.BackgroundProposition 317, referred to the ballot as HCR2055, was placed on the ballot by the Arizona Legislature as a proposed change to state law concerning drug cartels and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDHS).AZDHS already has responsibilities under Arizona law to develop policies, plans, and programs to help the state prevent and respond to terrorism, cybersecurity threats, and other critical hazards. The Department may also request and receive homeland-security funding and distribute eligible federal funds to local jurisdictions and other organizations.The Legislature tied the measure to Arizona's 2024 Proposition 314, the Secure the Border Act. HCR 2055's legislative findings cite cartel involvement in human smuggling, fentanyl trafficking, and other drug trafficking and describe these activities as threats to public safety.Proposition 317 would declare drug cartels to be terrorist organizations under Arizona law and direct AZDHS to use the authority it already has to address threats posed by drug cartels.Key ProvisionsDeclare drug cartels to be terrorist organizations under Arizona law.Direct the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDHS) to address cartel threats by requiring the Department to do everything within its existing authority to address threats posed by drug cartels.Define “drug cartel” broadly as an ongoing formal or informal association whose members or associates engage individually or collectively in human smuggling; drug trafficking for profit; or specified acts of terrorism, including certain completed or preparatory offenses involving deadly weapons, weapons of mass destruction, or serious physical injury intended to influence government, disrupt public services, intimidate or coerce civilians, or further the objectives of a terrorist organization.Define a “threat” as something designed to disturb, violate, or harm rights guaranteed by the Arizona or U.S. Constitution, or to harm the public safety, health, or general welfare of the people.Address federal asylum claims by specifying that the declaration of drug cartels as terrorist organizations does not support a person's claim for asylum under federal law.Fiscal Analysis The Senate fact sheet states that there is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with Proposition 317. The measure directs AZDHS to address cartel threats using authority the Department already has and does not itself establish a new appropriation.For more information:Official Ballot LanguageArizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee: NonePublicly filed arguments for Publicly filed arguments againstDownload 2026 BALLOT PROPOSITIONS: MEET VOTE411LWVAZ nonpartisan guide to all the 2026 ballot propositions