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Recent Articles from Ben Giles
State Senate approves microbrewery compromise
The Arizona Senate approved a bill Wednesday that will allow microbreweries in the state to more than double their alcohol production without having to relinquish retail locations they argued are crucial to their brand.
Budget clears first hurdle, now faces GOP opposition
Arizona legislators advanced a budget deal struck by Senate and House leaders and Gov. Doug Ducey, but the bills won’t move any further unless GOP leadership can change the minds of more than a dozen rank-and-file members opposed to the spending plan.
Bill would strip school districts of money to remedy racial discrimination
Backers of a bill that would strip Arizona school districts of millions of dollars in funding allotted for desegregation and student achievement are struggling to find enough votes for approval.
Beer bill runs afoul of the Constitution
Constitutional issues stalled legislation that aims to update Arizona laws regulating microbreweries, and opponents of the bill are ramping up efforts to defeat it.
Senate approves bill to delay release of officers’ names in deadly shootings
The Arizona Senate approved a bill today that will keep the names of officers who use deadly force a secret from the public for 90 days after a shooting.
Bill advances to provide immunity to teens who drink too much
Lawmakers overwhelmingly advanced a bill that would allow underage drinkers to seek medical attention without fear of prosecution, but worry the measure fails to address the root problem of binge drinking among young adults.
Fundamental disagreement: Beer battle may be beyond compromise
Legislators may talk about finding a compromise between wholesalers and microbreweries in the ongoing craft beer battle, but for some involved in the legislative fight, negotiating seems like an impossible proposition.
Panel advances bill to modernize microbrewery laws
Arizona craft breweries stormed the Capitol in force on Monday and watched a Senate panel advance a bill that allows microbreweries to expand their business in the state beyond current caps on production, without giving up existing parts of their business.
Lawmakers sponsor competing bills in battle between microbreweries and distributors
Frustrated by a fight between microbreweries and alcohol distributors and seeing no end in sight, three Arizona lawmakers signed on as cosponsors of two competing bills that accomplish conflicting goals.
Sen. Smith sponsors bill to keep names of officers secret
An Arizona senator has agreed to sponsor a bill that would keep the names of officers who fire their weapons a secret for 90 days after a shooting.
Lawmaker offers a ‘Good Samaritan’ option for underage drinkers
Underage drinkers could get drunk and then get medical help under a proposal from an Arizona senator.
Rumors persist: Lightning rod bills to surface after Super Bowl
A confluence of circumstances is aiding the persistence of a rumor at the Arizona Capitol – the “crazy” is lurking behind Super Bowl XLIX.
