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Bill that would deny money to Planned Parenthood ready for governor
The Republican-led Senate today gave final approval to a bill that prohibits public money from going to Planned Parenthood. Although the bill, HB2800, passed on an 18-8 vote and is now ready to be sent to the governor, lawmakers have no plans of sending the measure to the Ninth Floor right away.
Auto glass bill dead, but battle looms next session
A session-long effort to rein in a leading auto glass company appears to be dead, but lawmakers, lobbyists and industry leaders are already looking ahead to next year.
Democrat-turned-independent Nicholas Fontana to replace Patterson
Nicholas Fontana, a Tucson criminal defense attorney who will replace former Rep. Daniel Patterson in the Arizona House of Representatives, said he switched his life-long Democratic affiliation to independent, just so he would qualify for the seat.
State sees robust revenue growth in March
The state posted another robust growth in revenue last month, another sign that the economy is getting healthier. Year-to-date, revenues are 6.7 percent higher, according to a report from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
Poll: Obama taking independents, but race against Romney is toss up
President Barack Obama is appealing to a larger percentage of independent voters in Arizona than his likely Republican challenger Mitt Romney, according to a poll released Monday by Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute of Public Policy.
Proposed curb on punitive damage suits — economic development tool or bad for consumers?
Big business and consumer-rights advocates are squaring off over a bill that would significantly limit the ability of people to sue a manufacturer whose products might pose risks to the public. The legislation would shield manufacturers from punitive damage claims — the most aggressive legal recourse allowed against manufacturers — unless very specific negligence can be demonstrated.
3 new appointees on clemency board; long-time chief out
Duane Belcher, chairman and executive director of the Arizona Board of Clemency, is on his way out after 20 years, as three new appointees take their places on the panel now made up entirely of Gov. Jan Brewer’s picks. Belcher’s departure, some observers say, creates a vacuum of experience and leadership. Belcher is also one of the last members left from a board that unanimously recommended[...]
AG drops Voting Rights Act lawsuit, plans to re-file
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office asked a federal court to dismiss its lawsuit against a provision of the Voting Rights Act, saying it doesn’t have the resources to fight an expensive court battle.
Republican budget talks moving again
Gov. Jan Brewer and legislative leaders resumed talks on the budget Thursday, three days after the governor told them to stop sending her bills until they get the state’s spending plan completed.
The meeting seemed to reaffirm the two sides’ commitment to negotiate the state budget within the Republican Party. The meeting came as some GOP lawmakers considered the possibility of join[...]
AZ Supreme Court unanimous in decision to reinstate redistricting chair
The Arizona Supreme Court acted unanimously last fall to reinstate Colleen Mathis to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, finding that Gov. Jan Brewer’s stated reasons for removing her did not rise to the legal standards required.
Film tax credit gets OK from Senate
A proposal to create a new tax credit for film productions split Republicans but managed to garner just enough support to pass today in the Senate. The debate over measure, which still needs the House’s approval, illuminates a deep divide that is plaguing the majority party over how best to set the conditions for a robust economy.
Former Thomas attorney may sue over appeal costs
Former deputy county attorney Rachel Alexander, a key figure in the case that led to former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas’ disbarment, is planning to sue Maricopa County if it doesn’t pay the legal costs for her to appeal the suspension of her law license.
