AZ Legislative Update 06-03-2022
Behind closed doors this week, Republican legislative leaders continued their efforts to find support from their colleagues for a budget agreement. Their quest for cooperation was hindered by the debates and divisions that unfolded in public, and divisive floor sessions interrupted the two days the House and Senate convened.
In the Senate, the debate unfolded around gun control and whether the state should increase background checks for some gun sales. In the House, Republican leaders quickly adjourned for the week to interrupt an effort to decertify the results of the 2020 election. Focus on the decertification effort, which House Speaker Rusty Bowers (R-Mesa) blocked earlier this year, was renewed by a Senate hearing on election fraud allegations.
Before and between these debates, legislators continued to advance bills toward the Governor’s desk.
In the House, legislators approved bills to expand the role of the Arizona Office of Tourism, require HOAs to allow first responder flags on homes, and add background checks for massage therapists.
Senators voted to seal records on unsuccessful evictions, prohibit public entities from contracting with businesses that use forced labor from Uyghurs in China, change school transportation options, and enact election officials’ requested changes to election procedures.
Legislators failed to pass changes to insurance laws and a statement of support for a multiple-use forest management policy.
Both the House and Senate set aside floor debates and unanimously adopted a recognition of former legislator Herschella Horton’s life and public service.
What’s Next?
Republican leaders are under increasing pressure as the state gets closer to the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. Senate President Karen Fann (R-Prescott) says the discussions are going well, but negotiators continue to work on details of education funding – one of the most controversial components of the budget.
The House and Senate will reconvene on Monday. Aside from spending proposals that await a budget agreement, there are fewer than 140 bills still eligible to advance this year.
Arizona’s New Laws
Governor Ducey signed 14 new laws this week and issued his first veto on a bill that would have required county recorders to cancel voter registrations under certain conditions. The Governor said the bill did not meet the state’s goal to “encourage voters to participate and make it difficult for anyone to cheat.” Republican party officials weren’t happy, and the bill’s sponsor said the veto was “shocking.”
The Governor has signed 267 bills into law this year.
In the Elections
Aaron Lieberman suspended his campaign for Arizona Governor. Senator Kelly Townsend (R-Apache Junction) wants volunteers to monitor ballot drop boxes; Senator Paul Boyer (R-Glendale) doesn’t. Arizona’s statewide and congressional candidates are debating. Election officials are preparing for more in-person voting this year.
In the Courts
Secretary of State Katie Hobbs (D) defended Arizona’s early voting system, opposing the Arizona Republican Party’s efforts to ban it. State officials are still fighting about the Election Procedures Manual. A challenge to Arizona’s condo law is making its way through the courts while lawmakers discuss potential changes to the law.
In the News
Governor Ducey went to Israel. Arizona’s teacher’s union released its education spending plan, which would require a change to the Aggregate Expenditure Limit. A new state law could help normalize HIV testing. Senator Paul Boyer (R-Glendale) will not vote for a bill that would penalize teachers for some curriculum on race and ethnicity. Arizonans are having more babies. The Arizona Department of Transportation applied for a grant that would help improve state highways. Wildfire season affects air quality. Arizonans are still discussing short-term rental laws. Other states have already enacted budgets. Water matters in Arizona and Arizona politics.
On the Bright Side…
Sister Lynne changed women’s sports, and Ken found a way to use news.