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Senate unanimously approves new school-rating system
After massive criticism of the new statewide school A-F accountability system, a bill moving through the Arizona Legislature would instead give a “dashboard” of grades to schools.
House panel okays bill to toughen penalties for traffic accidents
State lawmakers are moving to close what appears to be a loophole that allows some people to escape with what amounts to a legal slap on the wrist even if they kill someone while driving.
House panel gives blessing to ‘God enriches’ bill
Saying it just translates a Latin word already in the state motto, a House panel voted Monday to let schools literally put the word "God'' into classrooms -- as long as it's connected to the word "enriches.''
Rep. Blanc arrested, then released following D.C. demonstration
Blanc was in Washington participating in a sit-in along with advocates from Living United For Change in Arizona, or LUCHA, and national groups like United We Dream and Center for Popular Democracy.
Bill changes how much lobbyists must report when they spend on legislators
A House committee approved a bill that would potentially lower how much lobbyists report compared to what they actually spend for events where lawmakers or state employees are invited.
Most medical marijuana bills go up in smoke; Senate OKs 1
Legislators have introduced a swath of bills aimed at amending the state’s voter-protected Medical Marijuana Act, but getting the necessary votes to pass has proven difficult.
Judge fines ex-lawmaker for campaign finance violations
An administrative law judge ruled on Feb. 28 that former Rep. Jesus Rubalcava violated several state statutes and the Clean Elections Commission reporting requirements during his 2016 campaign.
Digital products tax-free under proposal House passed
HB 2479 would spell out in statute that the state cannot impose its 5.6 percent sales tax on everything from digital books and videos to cloud-based software, online storage and web hosting services. The 39-19 vote sends the measure to the Senate.
Bill proposes English as language that governs insurance contracts
HB 2083 would spell out that the English language version of any policy governs any dispute between insurance companies and their customers, even if a version in another language prepared by the company says something else. It would, however, require that there be a disclosure on the non-English version that it has no binding effect, no matter the difference.
Panel to work on code of conduct for legislators
House Speaker J.D. Mesnard and Senate President Steve Yarbrough announced the creation of the bipartisan, bicameral committee in a press release Tuesday.
Senate passes harsher penalty for animal cruelty
State senators agreed Monday to boost the penalty for intentional abuse or killing of pets over objections from a lawmaker who said it could make criminals out of ranchers protecting their herds.
Senate passes bill to settle dispute over embryos in divorce
Arizona senators approved a bill that would override contracts that couples agree to when undergoing fertility treatment.
