Alia Beard Rau

The Republic | azcentral.com

All the scofflaws gathering in church halls and neighborhood cul-de-sacs with tuna casseroles and their best salsa recipe may soon find themselves on the right side of the law.

The Legislature on Wednesday gave final approval to House Bill 2341, which exempts all potlucks from inspections and licensing through the Arizona Department of Health Services. Under current law, only office potlucks were exempt from the health requirements. The bill now goes to Gov. Doug Ducey for consideration. He has five days to sign it, veto it or do nothing and allow it to become law.

Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, said she sponsored the bill after hearing from constituents that Pinal County officials were cracking down on criminal potlucks.

"It seems extremely petty, but it continues to go on," she said during a recent hearing. "It seems funny on one hand, but these people's rights are being infringed on."

The bill, she said, would allow Arizonans to hold potlucks whenever and wherever they choose.

"It will be up to them to decide whether they want to take the risk of eating someone else's cooked food," she said.

Roberts: A potluck? In Arizona? What part of illegal don't you understand?