AZ Legislative Update 03-31-2023
It was a dramatic week at the Arizona Capitol, with an ethics hearing, a resignation in the Governor’s senior staff, and disagreements about how zoning laws affect housing affordability. Governor Hobbs signed most of the bills that reached her desk – including proposals to allow county attorneys to represent some schools, assist mobile home owners who have to move because of redevelopment, and require HOAs to allow the Betsy Ross flag.
The Governor also issued four more vetoes, blocking the enactment of bills that would have prohibited sleeping in rights-of-way, required employers to provide religious exemptions from vaccine mandates, directed state contractors to work with firearm companies, and banned city taxes on food. She has issued 20 vetoes within three months, and many expect this year’s veto count to set a new state record.
The Governor will have many more bills to consider in the coming weeks as lawmakers advance hundreds of proposals closer to the finish line.
Priority Bill Update
This week, committees advanced two bills that would continue the ASDB. Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) will decide whether the Senate advances a bill to continue the ASDB for two years or five years.
· The Senate Government Committee unanimously approved HB 2456 (ASDB; continuation), which contains a two-year continuation.
· The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved HB 2291, which has a five-year continuation.
The House amended and debated HB 2800 (teacher salary increase; public schools) but did not schedule a vote on the proposal, due to bipartisan opposition to the current version of the bill.
The House Education Committee unanimously approved SB 1205 (foster children; education; best interest) and SB 1315 (emergency response; students with disabilities).
The House Health & Human Services Committee canceled a hearing on SB 1032 (developmental disabilities; spina bifida).
The Senate Health & Human Services Committee unanimously approved HB 2455 (developmental disabilities; Prader-Willi syndrome).
Next week, the Senate Appropriations Committee will consider HB 2455 (developmental disabilities; Prader-Willi syndrome).
HB 2460 (suspension; requirements; K-4 students) awaits a Senate floor debate.
Several bills never received a House committee assignment:
· SB 1411 (developmental disabilities; parents; guardianship)
· SB 1417 (students with disabilities; diaper changes)
· SB 1717 (dual enrollment; revisions; appropriations)
What’s Next?
There are just a few committee hearings scheduled for next week, and legislators will turn more of their attention to floor votes and debates. This is the 82nd day of the 2023 legislative session, and it seems unlikely the legislature will adjourn before the 100-day goal established in House and Senate rules.
In the News
The Governor announced the membership of her Educator Retention Task Force. The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute has online civics education for adults.
On the Bright Side…
This Goodwill purchase carried a motivating message.