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Recent Articles from Hank Stephenson
Culling the herd: A majority of bills already have failed
Of the more than 1,000 bills, resolutions and memorials that have been introduced in the Arizona Legislature thus far in 2017, the majority are already being declared “dead."
Democrats suspect mold in House building is causing headaches
House Democrats suspect that mold in the basement of the House of Representatives is causing headaches and lightheadedness during the work day.
House members praise Mesnard’s inclusive approach to budget planning, but Senate president has doubts
It’s still too early to know exactly what impact House subcommittees will have on the budget process, but the reviews from House members are, thus far, positive.
Kevin Payne: From running a food truck to running for the Legislature
Before he was elected to the state House of Representatives in November, Republican Rep. Kevin Payne was just your average IT guy with a love for barbecue and an interest in politics.
Northern Arizona voters are asking: #WheresBob?
Flagstaff voters have been unable to track down their lawmaker, Republican Rep. Bob Thorpe. And they’re getting worried.
Republicans approve repealing Voter Protection Act, target public’s ballot initiatives
Attempting to preempt a committee hearing on a package of legislation aimed at overhauling the people’s ability to enact laws, critics took to the Senate lawn to blast the “coordinated attack” launched by Republican lawmakers and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the Voter Protection Act and the initiative process.
Dems join GOP in approving bill to ignore some U.S. Supreme Court decisions
The Arizona Legislature could ignore U.S. Supreme Court decisions it doesn’t like under a bill approved by the Arizona House of Representative today.
Rats and snakes beware: House gives preliminary approval to ‘snake shot’ bill
Republican Rep. Jay Lawrence of Scottsdale is so sure that “snake shot” can’t hurt people, he considered letting someone shoot him with it to prove it. But in the end, Republicans in the Arizona House took his word for it.
Rules attorneys warn bills are unconstitutional — to no avail
The House and Senate Rules committees are perhaps the most powerful committees in the Legislature. Every bill must pass through the Rules Committee in each chamber before receiving a vote from that chamber.
Kirsten Engel: Freshman lawmaker brings impressive background to Capitol
Democratic Rep. Kirsten Engel of Tucson is a University of Arizona professor and environmental lawyer who has built up an impressive resume in both academia and the legal field.
House to repeal and replace Gowan’s travel policy
After former House Speaker David Gowan got caught using state fleet vehicles for his own personal and campaign purposes, he changed the House rules to encourage all lawmakers to use state fleet vehicles for their travels.
‘Unicorns and rainbows’ – Dems question governor’s budget plan
When Gov. Doug Ducey delivered his 2017 State of the State speech outlining his ambitious budget priorities, especially in the arena of K-12 education, legislative Democrats were more optimistic than they’ve been in years.
