AZ Legislative Update 07-14-2023
It’s quiet at the Capitol, but the 2023 legislative session still continues. Senate Republican leadership has signaled a willingness to continue consideration of Governor Hobbs’ state agency nominees, even though the Governor refused their demands to rescind her executive orders on abortion prosecutions and conversion therapy. The Senate Committee on Director Nominations has not yet scheduled any hearings, however. The Committee’s work is one of the main priorities that legislative Republicans have cited as a reason for continuing the legislative session through the summer.
Two committees did convene this week to discuss water security and air quality – part of the legislature’s efforts to study key policies of importance to the state. More study committees will convene next week to discuss off-highway vehicles and the freedom of expression at universities.
Party Officials Nominate Candidates for House, Senate Vacancies
Republican Party officials named three candidates for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to consider for the Senate seat vacated by Senator Steve Kaiser (R-Phoenix). Democratic Party officials in Pima County nominated three candidates Pima County Supervisors can consider to fill the House seat vacated by Representative Andrés Cano (D-Tucson), but might have to repeat the process due to claims that the process violated Arizona’s open meeting laws.
Neither county has scheduled a hearing to appoint new legislators to fill the vacancies.
In the Courts
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action admissions might not impact Arizona universities. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne (R) asked a judge to uphold the state’s law on transgender athletes.
In the News
The Governor issued two executive orders about school facilities. Several legislative Democrats want the Attorney General to determine whether the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s policy on English Language Learner programs is legal. Everyone is still watching ESA enrollment and state revenues. Arizona will receive $1 billion in federal funding for broadband. There’s a park named after former state Representative Frank Pratt.
On the Bright Side…
Love’s lasted for Fred and Jocelyn and Carl’s back at the Capitol.