AZ Legislative Update 05-13-2022
The legislature continues to set a low bar for itself, and the House and Senate faced attendance challenges again this week as some lawmakers found other things to occupy their time. Both legislative chambers kicked off the week by voting to cancel most floor sessions while Republican leaders continued their budget talks behind the scenes.
The House convened for a short time on Monday, voting to increase mental health care access for medical professionals, add new tools to fight catalytic converter thefts, and require health officials to consult other experts when shaping vision screening rules.
The Senate held short floor sessions Monday and Tuesday before adjourning for the week. Senators approved several bills, including proposals to limit property owners’ liability for some injuries that occur on their land, require the Arizona State Bar to pay fees if it loses an effort to discipline a lawyer, and prohibit home insurers from considering a dog’s breed in most decisions.
What’s Next?
Republican leaders in the House and Senate say they’re optimistic about ongoing budget negotiations, which continued this week. While they are focused on finding areas of agreement between the two legislative chambers, it’s not clear whether they are crafting a proposal that can earn support from every member of the Republican caucus. It’s also not evident whether Governor Ducey supports what House and Senate leaders are crafting since his office has not been in the negotiations.
Lawmakers must face different political dynamics and challenges in every budget cycle, so there’s no “normal” way to put together a financial plan for the state. This year’s process is especially unusual, though, and does not yet include Democrats or Republicans who have been critical of their leadership’s priorities. Diverging views on high-profile budget items – including funding for water and education – will continue to be a factor in the ongoing negotiations.
Arizona’s New Laws
Governor Ducey signed ten bills this week. He has signed 228 bills this year and has not vetoed any.
In the Elections
Former legislator Noel Campbell (R-Prescott) dropped out of the race for a Senate seat. The Cyber Ninjas turned over the first batch of records from its work on the Maricopa County ballot recount, and they show the recount was expensive. Inflation may influence voters’ decisions in the election.
In the Courts
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that elected officials can run for re-election if they allegedly participated in January 6 events. The Arizona Senate wants to protect records about the ballot recount under legislative privilege. Proposition 208 opponents want supporters of the initiative to pay their legal fees.
In the News
Arizona lost former Representative Herschella Horton. Arizona’s not the only state facing a shortage of healthcare professionals. The state is sending some asylum seekers to Washington, D.C. The Governor wants social media companies to limit messages that recruit smugglers. Water officials say it’s time for “drastic action,” but there’s room for optimism. Arizona’s law on mail-order abortion pills is back in the news. State and local officials all have strong views on Title 42. Scientists are still working on healthy forests. Sandra Day O’Connor’s family wants to talk about civics education. Arizona has low preschool enrollment. AHCCCS has a messaging toolkit to help educate members who will have to review their eligibility for coverage when the federal COVID-19 state of emergency ends. Governor Ducey’s talking about his time in office and his concern about “increasing national self-doubt.”
On the Bright Side…
Sometimes art evolves.