In recent months, the Arizona legislature proposed a bill, SB1698, that contained provisions that could have seriously threatened nudist rights in the state. With the potential to impact the nudist community and their way of life, the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) Western region's Government Affairs Team (GAT) stepped up to address this issue and protect the rights of nudists in Arizona.

AANR's Government Affairs Team Takes Action

When the bill was first introduced, the AANR's GAT for the Western region quickly became aware of its implications. They discussed their concerns with AANR's attorney and agreed to monitor the bill's progress. As the bill moved through the Arizona Senate and was transmitted to the House, the GAT decided to send a letter to several members of Arizona's legislature and Governor Hobbs, expressing their concerns about the proposed addition of Section 13-3508 to Arizona's criminal code.

Despite receiving no response to their letter, the GAT continued to monitor the bill's progress. Through their sources, they learned that the proposal had a very low chance of being approved by the Governor. However, as the bill advanced and was transmitted to Governor Hobbs to sign on June 12, 2023, the GAT determined that it was time to involve the nudist community in their efforts.

Mobilizing the Nudist Community

Recognizing the importance of collective action, the GAT sent an email to AANR-West members and posted on the Facebook pages for Shangri La Ranch, requesting members to contact Governor Hobbs and voice their opposition to the bill. This call to action encouraged nudists to stand up for their rights and make their voices heard.

The Bill's Demise and the Importance of Government Affairs

On June 16, 2023, Governor Hobbs vetoed the bill, effectively putting an end to the potential threat to nudist rights in Arizona. The chances of a veto override, given the current makeup of the legislature, are extremely slim. This victory is a testament to the power of community involvement and the crucial role that the AANR's GAT plays in protecting nudist rights.

The GAT would like to extend its gratitude to everyone who took the time to call or email Governor Hobbs in opposition to the bill. It is believed that these actions significantly contributed to the bill's demise and helped to protect the rights of nudists in Arizona.

The Importance of Staying Informed and Involved

This incident highlights the importance of staying informed about legislation that could impact the nudist community. The AANR's GAT is committed to monitoring and addressing any potential threats to nudist rights, but the involvement of the nudist community is essential for achieving success in these endeavors.

By staying informed and engaged, nudists can help ensure that their rights are protected and that they can continue to enjoy their way of life without fear of legislative interference. The AANR's GAT will continue to work tirelessly to protect the rights of nudists and advocate for their interests at the legislative level.

Further Information and Resources

For those interested in learning more about the proposed bill and the specific provisions that were deemed harmful, a copy of the bill can be found at the following link, with the concerning portion beginning on page 19: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/56leg/1R/bills/SB1698P.pdf

Additionally, Governor Hobbs' letter to the Senate President regarding the veto can be found here: https://www.azleg.gov/govlettr/56leg/1r/sb1698.pdf


The recent events in Arizona serve as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and involved in the legislative process. The AANR's GAT plays a crucial role in protecting nudist rights, but the support and involvement of the nudist community are essential for achieving success in these efforts. By working together, nudists can help ensure that their rights are protected and that they can continue to enjoy their way of life without fear of legislative interference.