AZ Legislative Update 06-23-2023
Governor Hobbs added to her veto total this week, rejecting another 32 bills. The vetoes included Republican-supported proposals to limit minors’ access to drag shows, publish more criminal justice data, require schools and local governments to serve as polling locations, mandate school complaint hotlines, create a tax break for car purchases from outside the state, and expand requirements for solar and wind energy.
The Governor also vetoed a controversial version of a ballot measure that, if approved by voters, would extend and change transportation sales tax allocations in Maricopa County.
Another 37 bills met with the Governor’s approval and will eventually become law – including proposals to preserve benefits for foster children, require emergency technicians to provide emergency treatment to police dogs, continue the Office of Economic Opportunity, create a Veterans Memorial Park, and require Scottsdale to provide water to the Rio Verde Foothills.
The Governor has signed 202 bills and vetoed 143 this year.
Priority Bill Update
Governor Hobbs signed HB 2460 (suspension; requirements; K-4 students) this week. It will go into law 90 days after the legislative session ends.
What’s Next?
The legislature is not scheduled to reconvene until July 31. Legislative leaders are defending the unprecedented decision to extend the legislative session that far, pointing to their plan to use the time to consider more of the Governor’s nominees and continue negotiations on Proposition 400.
House Democrats Choose New Leaders
House Democrats spent long hours in a closed caucus meeting this week, choosing a new leadership team that will represent them for the remainder of the 2023-2024 legislative term. The vote was necessary because of the resignation of current House Minority Leader Andrés Cano (D-Tucson). Representative Lupe Contreras (D-Avondale) will be the new Minority Leader; Rep. Oscar De Los Santos (D-Laveen) will be Assistant Minority Leader, and Rep. Nancy Gutierrez (D-Tucson) and Melody Hernandez (D-Tempe) will serve as caucus whips – responsible for counting votes on specific bills and floor motions.
In the News
There’s no more budget surplus. Former Governor Doug Ducey has a new job.
On the Bright Side…
Coffee and courage can change lives.