AZ Legislative Update 04-29-2022
The legislative session has nearly ground to a halt as lawmakers try to negotiate a state budget that can pass the House and Senate. Legislators spent a total of five hours in floor sessions this week, and much of that time was devoted to speeches honoring specific causes or constituents visiting the Capitol.
There was some progress on bills, though. House members advanced proposals to allow schools to use vans to transport students, broaden parents’ ability to review school library books and sue teachers under the state’s parental rights laws, criminalize hazing, and outline a chain of command for National Guard volunteers.
Senators approved bills to expand property tax exemptions for affordable housing units, expand the use of money from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority, and study new options for retirement savings programs.
Legislators failed to pass changes to the oversight of state agency rulemaking, the self-insurance standards for state agencies, the amount of value a property owner can keep before paying creditors, and tobacco regulations that were supported by the tobacco industry.
What’s Next?
The weeks ahead will bring much of the same slow progress until legislative leaders are ready to move forward with a budget. There are almost 300 bills that are still eligible for votes, though many of those are on hold because they relate to state budget decisions.
Arizona’s New Laws
Governor Ducey signed 34 new laws this week. He has signed a total of 197 bills this year and has not vetoed any.
In the Elections
Through legislative referrals and citizen initiatives, lawmakers and advocacy groups want to ask voters to shape the future of elections in Arizona. Voters know what issues matter to them. Arizona has more political candidates connected to QAnon than any other state.
In the Courts
A Maricopa County Superior Court ruled that officials who participated in events on January 6 can run for re-election, but the issue isn’t going away. Two Arizona politicians asked a court to ban the use of vote-counting machines. The U.S. Supreme Court opted not to consider a prior court ruling that allows Arizona defense attorneys to challenge a state law that bans contact with crime victims. Arizona political leaders have differing opinions about how a future U.S. Supreme Court ruling could impact Arizona abortion laws. A Maricopa County Superior Court judge held the former Cyber Ninjas CEO personally liable for providing records on the Senate’s ballot recount.
In the News
Public health experts are concerned about childhood immunization rates. Half a million AHCCCS members must verify their eligibility when the federal COVID-19 emergency declaration ends. The U.S. Census Bureau delayed its release of demographic data. There’s a shortage of behavioral health nurses. The state continues its efforts to hire veterans. Arizona political leaders have thoughts about free and fair elections. Community health centers in Maricopa County got $21.4 million to serve low-income patients. Arizona’s been in a drought for a long time. Patients with chronic pain hope recent changes to state opioid laws will help them. Arizona is building a paid caregiver workforce.
On the Bright Side…
Shawn’s Suns dreams came true.