AZ Legislative Update 06-13-2023
The Arizona Capitol burst to life early this week as lawmakers returned for an intense push through dozens of bills still eligible for consideration this year. In a two-day voting marathon, legislators found bipartisan support for proposals that continue the Office of Economic Opportunity, outline required actions for finding missing children, and require the Arizona Power Authority to encourage electricity storage.
Other topics were more divisive. Republicans narrowly approved measures to allow parents to review teacher training materials, limit minors’ access to drag shows, and give school board members access to school district facilities.
Priority Bill Update
This week, the Senate voted 18-12 in favor of HB 2460 (suspension; requirements; K-4 students) and sent the bill to the Governor.
The Session Isn’t Over
The rush through bills normally signals the end of the legislative session, but that isn’t the case this year. Republican leaders made the unprecedented decision to keep the session officially open until at least July 31, when the House and Senate will reconvene. Legislative leaders do not plan to consider more bills when they return.
In the meantime, lawmakers will continue the activities they normally do during the interim between sessions: They’ll talk to constituents in their districts, join occasional informative discussions in study committee hearings, and start preparing their legislation for the 2024 session. The Senate Committee on Director Nominations plans to interview more of Governor Hobbs’ nominees to lead state agencies.
Unlike a normal interim, however, lawmakers will continue to collect their daily payments unless they individually opt out of the compensation.
On July 1, the 174th day of the session, this will become the longest legislative session in Arizona history.
Because the 2023 legislative session continues, the laws enacted this year will not yet go into effect – most become law 90 days after the official end of the session.
A Censure, A Resignation, and A Leadership Shuffle
Even apart from the policy debates, it was a dramatic week at the Capitol. House Republicans attempted to expel Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D-Tucson) for hiding Bibles at the Capitol. That effort failed when a handful of Republicans said they couldn’t support such an extreme action, but the House voted to officially censure their colleague instead.
Senator Steve Kaiser (R-Phoenix) announced that he is leaving the legislature, resigning this week to start a political non-profit that will support Republican candidates for state and local elected offices. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors will select his replacement from three candidates chosen by Republican Party officials.
While House Minority Leader Andrés Cano (D-Tucson) will not officially resign until next month, he stepped away from his leadership role as he prepares to leave the legislature to pursue a graduate degree. The Pima County Board of Supervisors and Democratic Party officials will choose his replacement in the House; House Democrats will select a new lawmaker to fill his role as the leader of their caucus.
In the News
Legislative Democrats want to repeal the state’s English language learner laws. The Legislative Black Caucus got a new leader. Pranksters found the state’s school complaint hotline, but the Superintendent of Public Instruction is investigating several of the complaints. A new task force wants to address the increase in student absences. Arizona is getting federal grants to enhance internet access in rural parts of the state.
On the Bright Side…
It’s time for Monsoon Madness.