AZ Legislative Update 02-17-2023

Republicans succeeded in their efforts to send a “baseline budget” to the Governor this week, after Representative Liz Harris (R-Chandler) overcame her concerns and joined her colleagues to approve the plan. Representative David Livingston  (R-Peoria), the House Appropriations Chairman, praised the budget package as a responsible way to ensure the government is funded even if negotiations on new spending extend into the summer. Representative Andrés Cano (D-Tucson), the House Minority Leader, blasted the bills as a politically motivated way to ignore the Governor’s role in the budgeting process.

The Governor vetoed the bills shortly after they reached her desk, saying the Republicans’ approach “kicks the can down the road.” It’s unclear when budget negotiations between the Governor and legislative leaders will begin.

Priority Bill Update

Today is the last day for bills to pass their first round of committee assignments and lawmakers spent long hours in committee hearings this week, advancing approximately 350 bills ahead of that deadline.

The House Education Committee voted 6-3 in favor of HB 2748 (public schools; student discipline; absenteeism).

The Senate Appropriations Committee:

• Amended and voted 7-3 in favor of SB 1205 (foster children; education; best interest)
• Amended and SB 1209 (education and career exploration program)

The Senate Commerce Committee voted 6-1 in favor of SB 1717 (dual enrollment; revisions; appropriations), with an amendment that requires a child with a disability to have access to any supplementary aids, services and accommodations provided in an IEP while enrolled in a dual enrollment course.

The Senate Education Committee voted 4-3 in favor of SB 1402 (ASDB).

What’s Next?

As the legislature moves past the first big committee hearing deadline, most policy committees will not meet next week. Hundreds of bills failed to advance through their committee assignments and are unlikely to move forward this year. But lawmakers won’t be bored: There are almost 800 proposals still eligible to advance this session. Next week, House and Senate Appropriations Committees will consider dozens of proposals on state spending, and legislators will spend long hours in floor sessions voting on bills that have already passed committees.

On the Bright Side…

This government agency found a new way to highlight important infrastructure.