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Senate OKs overhaul of state personnel system
The GOP-controlled Senate today approved Gov. Jan Brewer’s proposal to overhaul the rules that govern state workers. The measure seeks to remove workers from the state’s merit system, giving supervisors more flexibility in firing them. The measure split the Senate along party lines.
GOP lawmakers approve $8.6B spending plan (updated)
Republican leaders quickly consolidated support behind an $8.6 billion budget plan and gave it final approval today, less than a week after finally reaching a deal with Gov. Jan Brewer.
The spending plan is a product of a session-long negotiation between Brewer and legislative leaders, and the give-and-take between the two sides is palpable throughout the budget document.
Traffic engineers: intersection bill safety concerns overblown
Despite safety concerns that some police officers have raised about changing the definition of intersections in Arizona, traffic engineers from the state’s two largest metro areas said small changes to traffic light timing should address at least some of those concerns.
Attorney challenging readiness of new Clemency Board members
An attorney for the next Arizona inmate to be executed is making a legal issue out of the recent shakeup of the Board of Executive Clemency and questioning whether newly appointed members will have enough training to stand in judgment of her client.
Rep. Ash making run for Justice of Peace
Mesa Rep. Cecil Ash says he plans to run for North Mesa Justice of the Peace now that four-time incumbent Lester Pearce resigned from the post this week.
KidsCare open to nearly 22,000 children
A plan for the federal government and several Arizona hospitals to jointly fund the state’s decimated KidsCare program has come to fruition, and enrollment for the public health insurance program is now open for nearly 22,000 children.
Bill shields professionals from losing licenses based on religious objections
The Senate today approved legislation to prohibit the government from suspending or revoking a person’s professional license for declining to provide a service because of a religious objection. The measure, SB1365, divided the Senate along party lines: Republicans backed the bill while Democrats opposed it.
Republican lawmakers begin fine-tuning budget plan
A budget deal between Gov. Jan Brewer and GOP leaders received quick approval in the Senate Rules committee this afternoon.
But Republican leaders indicated they’re open to tweaking the budget proposal before they vote on it, which could take place as early as Tuesday.
Fontana sworn in as Legislature prepares to end session
Nicholas Fontana was sworn in today as the newest member of the House of Representatives, just in time to do the one thing the Constitution requires of the Legislature: approve a budget.
Lawmakers expected to pass budget Tuesday, then tackle Brewer’s personnel agenda
The Republican-led Legislature plans to approve an $8.6 billion spending plan for the state on Tuesday, shortly after Gov. Jan Brewer and GOP leaders sealed a budget agreement last week.
High Court to decide whether to collect DNA from juveniles
The Arizona Supreme Court is going to decide whether it is an unreasonable search to collect DNA from juveniles accused of committing murder, sex crimes and burglaries.
Bills caught in the logjam
Here’s a list of some of the most controversial, substantive or prominent measures that are awaiting a vote, struggling to get support or are simply caught in the moratorium and are ready to be sent to the governor’s desk.
