State takes first step toward Real ID
State officials are taking the first steps to ensure that Arizonans are not denied access to commercial flights next year: Asking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for a waiver for Arizona residents from a requirement that they have a special secure license to get on board.
Land Department lawsuit to be dismissed
The Attorney General’s Office and the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest have jointly agreed to dismiss a lawsuit over a self-funding proposal for the Land Department after the state agreed to preserve the group’s ability to re-file the lawsuit after next year’s election.
Arpaio attorney quits after judge-investigation testimony in contempt trial
Already facing federal contempt charges, Sheriff Joe Arpaio faces new legal hurdles as the lawyer representing him in two other immigration-related cases quits.
Appeals court upholds Arizona voter registration forms with top 2 parties only
A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a 2011 Arizona law designed by Republicans to slow the tide of people not registering with their party.
U.S. Supreme Court to hear case on execution drug used in Arizona
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments April 29 on whether the use of the sedative midazolam in a three-drug combination makes for an unconstitutional execution.
Gowan pursues House renovations despite GOP revolt
Reaction was quick and decisive when House Republicans learned of Speaker David Gowan’s plans for a second large-scale renovation of the chamber in the past six months.
Ducey says DCS transition led to lack of info on foster policy
Gov. Doug Ducey attributed his lack of information about a change in policy at the Department of Child Safety, which in February barred married same-sex couples from jointly fostering or adopting children, to the transition between ousted Director Charles Flanagan and his successor, Greg McKay.
Wastewater rates leave Carefree restaurants reeling
During the Corporation Commission April 14 meeting, the Town of Carefree's mayor, Les Peterson, said the high wastewater rates could force half of Carefree’s 11 restaurants to shut. The high rates will be addressed in an upcoming rate case by Liberty Utilities.
Upcoming Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage could leave more legal questions
Many expect the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down state bans on gay marriage as unconstitutional, but even with such a monumental victory, gays in Arizona might still face legal and political hurdles.
Ducey orders agency to allow gays to foster, adopt children
Gov. Doug Ducey ordered the Department of Child Safety to allow married same-sex couples to jointly house foster children and adopt. Ducey ordered the policy change in response to an Arizona Capitol Times report that DCS had quietly reversed a policy that had allowed married same-sex couples to jointly adopt or provide foster care.
Group says AHCCCS director can’t be trusted to defend expansion
A liberal public interest law firm is asking a judge to allow four AHCCCS patients to intervene as defendants in the lawsuit against Medicaid expansion, arguing that the program’s director can’t be trusted to represent their interests because he answers to a governor who opposes the 2013 policy.
DCS bars gay couples from being foster, adoptive parents
The Department of Child Safety quietly reversed a policy in February that allowed married same-sex couples to jointly serve as foster parents or adopt from the more than 16,000 children under the state’s care, even though federal courts have declared Arizona’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.