Arizona lawmakers just took a bold stand against Communist China’s influence over vital state infrastructure. House Republicans are leading the charge to secure power grids, water systems, and communication networks against potential sabotage from America’s biggest rival.
At a glance:
• Arizona House of Representatives passed House Bill 2696 banning Chinese-made technology in critical infrastructure
• The bill prohibits state agencies and utilities from using Chinese software and technology in essential systems
• Affected infrastructure includes water, gas, power, telecommunications, transportation, data storage, and emergency services
• The Arizona Corporation Commission will create a list of prohibited technologies and ensure compliance
• The bill passed with strong Republican support and only one Democrat voting in favor
Republicans Lead Effort to Secure Critical Infrastructure
The Arizona House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at protecting the state’s vital systems from potential Chinese sabotage. House Bill 2696, known as the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, specifically targets and prohibits Chinese-made technology in critical infrastructure throughout the state.
The bill passed with overwhelming Republican support and will now prevent state agencies and public utilities from using software and technology manufactured in China. Only one Democrat, Rep. Consuelo Hernandez of Tucson, crossed party lines to vote with Republicans, while the rest again failed to step up and protect America.
The legislation covers government-owned systems and publicly regulated utilities including water, gas, electricity, telecommunications, transportation networks, data storage facilities, and emergency services. Technologies specifically named in the bill include wi-fi routers, lidar technology, and speed detection systems that could potentially be compromised by foreign entities.
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Protecting American Security Interests
Representative Nick Kupper, a Republican from Surprise who championed the bill, stressed the urgency of protecting Arizona’s infrastructure. “If we do not do something to protect our critical infrastructure now, anytime later might be too late,” Kupper warned.
The bill also includes practical provisions for implementation, acknowledging that certain technologies may be irreplaceable in the short term. These exceptions will require approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission, which will also be responsible for creating and maintaining a list of prohibited technologies and ensuring compliance across the state.
While Democrats argued that the law could lead to supply chain disruptions, Republicans remained focused on the greater threat of Chinese influence. Rep. Aaron Marquez, a Phoenix Democrat, claimed the bill could “cripple our supply chain,” but Republican lawmakers prioritized national security.
Earlier this year, lawmakers also introduced a similar bill to ban land sales to entities from countries considered hostile to American interests.
Great to see @AZHouseGOP standing up to China and advancing legislation to protect Arizonans from CCP influence. Thank you, @Kupper4Arizona for your work on this important issue!https://t.co/p1emojXYb2
— Citizens For Free Enterprise (@Citizens4FE) March 12, 2025
Growing National Security Concerns
The Arizona bill comes amid increasing warnings from federal intelligence agencies about Chinese attempts to compromise American infrastructure. Former FBI Director Christopher Wray has previously testified that Chinese hackers are actively targeting critical infrastructure across the United States.
The Arizona legislation was initially drafted to address technologies from any foreign adversary but was later narrowed to focus specifically on the Chinese threat. Rep. Kupper acknowledged there would be challenges, noting that identifying problematic technologies will be an ongoing process.
