AZ Legislative Update 02-10-2023

The House and Senate voted to lift the cap on school spending this year, averting the need for schools to cut a total of $1.4 billion from budgets before the end of the school year. Both chambers showed strong bipartisan support for the measure, easily obtaining the supermajority required to pass it despite concerns from some far-right Republicans who wanted to enact controversial policy changes before lifting the spending cap. With the threat of spending cuts averted this year, many education advocacy groups will turn their attention to crafting a ballot measure that would ask voters to permanently lift the aggregate expenditure limit next year.

Republicans’ plans for passing a budget did not go as smoothly, and efforts to pursue a “baseline budget” were sidelined on Monday when one House Republican joined Democrats to vote against the plan. Representative Liz Harris (R-Chandler), who had earlier pledged not to vote for bills until a redo of the 2022 elections, voted against her caucus leaders’ budget because she believes it still spends too much.

The Republican budget package would have continued state spending from last year, with additional funding for formulaic growth in education and AHCCCS programs. Governor Hobbs planned to veto the bills if they reached her desk since the proposals were not negotiated with her office or legislative Democrats.

House and Senate leaders said they remain committed to pursuing the baseline budget plan despite the Governor’s opposition. Without the support of every member of the House Republican caucus, though, they’ll have to go back to the drawing board on budget negotiations.

Lawmakers wrapped up their week with a bipartisan celebration of African American Legislative Day during a special floor session.

Priority Bill Update

This week, the Senate Education Committee unanimously approved SB 1315 (emergency response; students with disabilities) and SB 1417 (students with disabilities; diaper changes), but held SB 1328 (teachers; braille literacy; rules). The Committee also gave unanimous approval to SB 1495 (K-12; school funding; revisions).

The Senate Judiciary Committee amended and voted 5-2 in favor of SB 1411 (developmental disabilities; parents; guardianship).

The Senate Rules Committee approved SB 1032 (developmental disabilities; spina bifida) and SB 1044 (student discipline; nonattendance; suspension; requirements).

What’s Next?

Legislators introduced 1,625 proposals before this week’s deadline, and many of those still await committee hearings. The House and Senate will focus on advancing bills lawmakers hope to enact.

In the News

Governor Hobbs created a task force on educator retention. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne (R) wants school safety to focus on armed school resource officers.

On the Bright Side…

Tim’s work makes a difference.