AZ Legislative Update 05-19-2023
It’s the 131st day of the legislative session, and it’s unclear when the session might actually end.
The week began with a whirlwind of activity as the House and Senate voted on more than 100 bills, moving through most of the work remaining for this session. Rather than adjourning sine die, as they normally would, the House Speaker and Senate President opted to suspend work and return in a month. House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Glendale) said the break is necessary because of legislators’ vacation schedules and the need for more negotiation on several high-profile issues the legislature will address this year.
The delay may also reflect political calculations. Once the regular session ends, lawmakers can only come back into special session with Democratic support or if the Governor calls them back. By extending the session, lawmakers ensure they can act if they disagree with Governor Hobbs’ decisions.
It is unclear how legislative leaders plan to proceed once they return in mid-June.
Priority Bill Update
The legislature did not act on bills of interest this week.
What’s Next?
The House and Senate are scheduled to reconvene on June 12, though they can return earlier if the House Speaker and Senate President call them back. In the meantime, legislators will participate in hearings on COVID-19 and the Senate Committee on Director Nominations plans to consider some of Governor Hobbs’ nominees to lead state agencies.
Democrats Select Candidates for House Vacancy
Democratic party officials have nominated three candidates to fill the vacant seat created when the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed Rep. Flavio Bravo (D-Phoenix) to the Senate: Quant’a Crews (a real estate appraiser and chaplain), Christian Solorio (an architect and former legislator), and Veronica Monge (an advocate with the Civil Rights Center and Arizona Poor People’s Campaign).
The County has not yet scheduled a hearing to appoint the new lawmaker.
On the Bright Side…
Cassie has had her days in court.