AZ Legislative Update 04-21-2023

Governor Hobbs rejected another 15 bills this week, bringing the total to 63 vetoes – higher than any previous Arizona Governor.

This week’s vetoes included bills that would have limited school immunization standards and allowed parents to have guns on school campuses.

he Governor announced the vetoes with an objection to the bills Republicans had sent to her desk, classifying them as an effort to “play political games with our state government.”

Senate Republicans decried the vetoes, saying they “showcase weakness and lack of leadership” from the Governor.

Some Democrats joined the outcry about the Governor’s veto of a proposal to add more options for selling food made at home. Governor Hobbs said the measure increased the risk of foodborne illness, but legislators like Representative Alma Hernandez (D-Tucson), who gave supermajority bipartisan support to the bill in the House and Senate, said those concerns “make no sense.” Republican leaders may try to override the Governor’s veto of the law, which would require some Democrats to help reverse the Governor’s action.

The Governor also signed another 40 bills into law this week. She has signed 93 bills so far this year.

Legislature Awaits New Members, Return to Capitol

There were no public hearings at the Capitol this week because the House and Senate are on a break from legislative proceedings. Rumors of closed-door budget meetings continue, but the House and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairmen say the discussions are progressing very slowly.

Both the House and Senate are still short a member due to the seats vacated by former Senator Raquel Terán (D-Phoenix) and former Representative Liz Harris (R-Chandler).

This week, Democratic Party leaders quickly nominated three candidates for the empty Senate seat: Representative Flavio Bravo and Representative Cesar Aguilar, who both represent the district in the House of Representatives, and Quantá Crews, a property appraiser.

The Republican Party appointment process was more dramatic and drew protests from some who believe Liz Harris should not have been expelled from the House. The person who received the most support from Republican officials was Liz Harris herself; GOP leaders also chose Steve Steele and Julie Willoughby as other candidates for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to consider. Steele is a political ally of Liz Harris, and Julie Willoughby ran for the legislature last year and lost to Harris by just 270 votes. 

The Board meets Monday to discuss the appointment process but has not scheduled a day to select two new lawmakers. State law does not set a deadline for the Board’s appointment process.

Priority Bill Update

The legislature did not act on bills this week. The House and Senate will return to work Tuesday to continue voting and debate on the remaining bills, but have not scheduled any votes or debates on priority bills for next week. Budget talks will continue under increased pressure as legislators face a dwindling workload and the approaching end of the fiscal year.

In the Courts

Two parents are challenging Arizona’s law on gender in school sports.

In the News

Former Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman has a new job.

On the Bright Side…

This museum celebrates Arizona’s official state neckwear.