The Arizona Senate gave preliminary approval to expand the size of the board of supervisors in the state's two largest counties.

When a county has over 175,000 residents, its board of supervisors must go from three to five members. This new bill, Senate Bill1498, adds two new thresholds based on population. Meaning, if passed, Maricopa County would have to add four new supervisors and Pima would have to add two. 

Some Democratic lawmakers objected, calling the bill an “unfunded mandate.” But the bill’s Republican sponsor J.D. Mesnard says these counties have grown too large for just five supervisors to handle.

The measure needs a final roll-call vote in the Senate before going to the House.