AZ Legislative Update 03-17-2023
The pace of progress slowed this week as legislators fought to keep bills alive for consideration. Floor calendars included bills that have stalled in the process, awaiting the right timing or enough votes to advance. House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Glendale), recognizing the delayed process this year, extended the timeline for committee hearings another week. House committees now have until March 31 to hear bills that already passed the first chamber of the legislature; the Senate is likely to extend its committee deadline, as well.
House members unanimously designated this week as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and recognized the Assyrian Genocide. Republicans supported a bill that would begin child support payments at the start of a pregnancy. The bill – and others like it – are connected to the debate about abortion since they extend “personhood” status before birth.
The House and Senate unanimously honored the life of former legislator James Henderson, Jr.
In the Senate, Republicans narrowly agreed to create a new civics education program, put new limits on adult cabaret and adult-oriented businesses, and establish a tax break for new businesses. Senators gave bipartisan support to bills that would put another $360 million into widening I-10, allow animal acupuncturists to be certified, establish a veteran suicide prevention program, and enhance the state’s cybersecurity software.
The Senate failed to pass a high-profile bill that would limit city zoning authority over housing decisions. (The bill may come back for another vote, and the discussion about how to enhance affordable housing options will undoubtedly continue.) Senators also voted down bills to collect more criminal justice data, invest in more student registered nurse anesthetists, and put $45 million into equipment and training for municipal law enforcement.
Committees Approve School Firearms Training
Committee hearings resumed this week, and legislators advanced more than 100 bills toward floor votes. House committees voted to require employers to allow a religious exemption from any vaccine mandate. In the Senate, committees voted to increase the cap on tax credits for contributions to School Tuition Organizations (STOs) and require firearms safety training in schools.
Priority Bill Update
Last week, the Senate:
· Unanimously approved SB 1205 (foster children; education; best interest)
· Amended and voted 23-4 in favor of SB 1209 (education and career exploration program)
· Gave preliminary approval to SB 1402 (ASDB; children with disabilities) (The bill’s sponsor does not plan to move forward with this bill this year, and instead will work on the issue after the legislative session ends.)
· Amended and voted 16-12 in favor of SB 1495 (K-12; school funding; revisions)
Troy Katsur wants Senate Government Committee Chairman Jake Hoffman (R-Gilbert) to schedule a hearing for HB 2456 (ASDB; continuation).
What’s Next?
Policy committee agendas will grow longer next week as lawmakers push bills toward the finish line before the next deadlines. Legislative negotiating teams are talking about the budget with the Governor’s staff, but House and Senate Republican leaders say they still haven’t had budget conversations with the Governor herself. In the Senate, Republicans and Democrats are beginning talks to identify the budget priorities of each caucus.
In the News
There’s a lot of attention on school districts.
On the Bright Side…
Everybody loves Gacek.