AZ Legislative Update 11-03-2023
Hundreds of policy changes became law in Arizona on Monday, the 91st day after the 2023 legislative session adjourned. The state constitution provides 90 days for citizens to attempt to overturn an enacted bill before it becomes law, unless two-thirds of the House and Senate approve an emergency clause to the measure. There were no attempts to challenge the laws enacted this year.
The state’s new laws include a tax rebate for Arizonans who have children, and the official start of that law generated more political debate – and potential legal fights – about who should be allowed to publicize the tax changes. Legislative Republicans proudly announced the upcoming rebates last month but criticized Governor Hobbs’ recent celebration of the rebates, since she hadn’t proposed the budget language and they tried to draft the law to prevent her from taking credit for the policy.
Click here to see if you qualify for the one-time tax rebate.
Congressional Campaigns Could Shuffle Seats
The 2024 elections are already influencing relationships and power dynamics at the Arizona legislature. Speaker Ben Toma (R-Glendale) and Senator Anthony Kern (R-Glendale) both filed paperwork to pursue an open seat in Congress next year. Neither has announced their intention to resign from their legislative seats, which they can hold while they campaign for Congress, but just the potential of Speaker Toma’s resignation has caused rumblings in the House Republican caucus.
Toma was elected Speaker over strong objections from the Freedom Caucus, who wanted a more politically conservative leader; the factions of the caucus would have to repeat that divisive process to elect a new leader if the Speaker chooses to resign from his legislative seat or his leadership role.
In the News
The Governor and the Superintendent of Public Instruction agreed on how to spend federal COVID-19 funding in schools. The Board of Education has a new member. The state has new councils for diversity and disabilities. Senator Janae Shamp (R-Wickenburg) thinks the ESA enrollment growth is proof the program is working. House Republicans don’t like the membership of the Governor’s committee evaluating school facility needs.
On the Bright Side…