AZ Legislative Update 04-07-2023
This is turning out to be the year of the veto at the Arizona Legislature. House and Senate leaders have often prioritized proposals that advanced with support only from Republicans; the Governor has responded by vetoing 58% of the bills that have reached her desk.
This week, she vetoed 17 more bills, bringing this year’s total to 37 vetoed bills. It’s not as many as the record 58 vetoes by Governor Napolitano in 2005, but more than the average over the last 20 years.
The Governor has signed 27 bills into law, as well. The enacted bills were all sponsored by Republicans, but most received bipartisan support from the legislature.
About 400 bills are still moving through the legislative process.
Appropriations Committees Advance Spending, Policy Priorities
While most committees have concluded their hearings for the year, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees convened this week for lengthy considerations of bills.
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to direct $10 million to a school safety pilot program. The House Appropriations Committee advanced bills to prohibit schools’ use of preferred pronouns.
Priority Bill Update
This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee amended and voted 9-1 in favor of HB 2455 (developmental disabilities; Prader-Willi syndrome).
The Senate Rules Committee advanced both HB 2291, which continues the ASDB for five years, and HB 2456, which only continues the ASDB for two years. It is unclear which version Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) will allow to move to a final Senate vote.
The House Rules Committee approved SB 1205 (foster children; education; best interest) and SB 1315 (emergency response; students with disabilities).
HB 2460 (suspension; requirements; K-4 students) awaits a Senate floor debate.
SB 1044 (student discipline, nonattendance; suspension; requirements), and SB 1417 (students with disabilities; diaper changes) are unlikely to advance this year.
In the News
Several Arizona politicians are on the national radar. Representative Amish Shah (D-Phoenix) and Senator Raquel Terán (D-Phoenix) are running for Congress while they continue their current roles in the legislature. The Department of Education is continuing a school improvement program.
On the Bright Side…
Margaret’s served a million meals, and there’s a new home for Cinnamon and Felix.