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Recent Articles from Hank Stephenson
Senator’s bill would scale back Arizona’s open meetings law
A Republican senator is pushing legislation that would dramatically scale back the Arizona open meetings law to allow elected officials to meet in secret to propose and debate policies. The measure would only require the public be allowed into meetings if an official action is taken.
Democrats chided for holding secret meetings while complaining about secret meetings
While House Democrats blasted Republicans for voting to change the rules to allow closed caucus meetings, Republicans fought back by calling Democrats hypocritical for opposing the change because Democrats have held secret meetings for years.
Crimes against children: Boyer fights uphill battle to provide $5M for child Internet victims
When Gov. Doug Ducey released his budget proposal for the upcoming year, Republican Rep. Paul Boyer of Phoenix had only one question.
Lawmakers offer bills to prevent another tragedy, but are they Orwellian?
Republican Reps. Sonny Borrelli and Kelly Townsend are concerned about lawmakers’ safety. So they have sponsored two proposals they believe will protect legislators from attacks by citizens who could target them specifically because of their titles.
House Republicans vote to close meetings for ‘sensitive matters’
House Republicans voted today to allow themselves to meet in secret, closed door discussions for any reason they see fit.
Common Core, elections, veterans issues highlight proposed 2015 laws
Lawmakers have already drafted and introduced more than 600 ideas for new laws and that number will likely double before the legislative session ends.
House Republicans considering closing caucus meetings from public
Republican leaders in the House want to be able to meet and discuss legislation in secret closed-doors caucus meetings.
Fast-tracked Civics Test bill reaches Gov. Ducey’s desk
The Arizona Legislature approved the first bill of the legislative session today, sending to Gov. Doug Ducey a measure that would require high school students to pass a civics test in order to graduate.
Legislature to fast-track civics test legislation
The Arizona House of Representatives is fast-tracking a bill to create a new high-stakes civics test that high school students would be required to pass before they could graduate.
House undergoing $335,000 renovation
As one of his first acts as Speaker-elect, David Gowan is making some renovations to the “People’s Chamber.” Gowan has spent and accepted bids totaling more than $335,000 for a variety of renovations in the House, including a new coat of paint throughout the building, testing for asbestos and installing new carpet on the House floor and members’ lounge.
Yuma lawmaker plans e-cigarette taxation legislation
In light of devastating projections of a $1.5 billion budget shortfall in the current and next fiscal years, a Democratic lawmaker is proposing a tax on e-cigarettes, saying that the modest revenues the new tax could bring in would be a small start to bridging the deficit.
Allen takes aim at Robson with bill and promise of ethics complaint
Prosecutors dropped charges against Republican Rep. Bob Robson of Chandler for allegedly stealing a roadside political sign that was critical of him during the Republican primary, but one of his fellow GOP lawmakers isn’t letting the issue die.
