Lawmakers defeat measure aimed at making cities pay for higher minimum wages
Two Republicans joined all Democrats on a House panel Wednesday to defeat a measure designed to make the cities of Tucson and Flagstaff pay for their higher minimum wages -- but not because the GOP lawmakers like the voter-approved boosts.
Cops want law to force jaywalkers, errant scooter riders to ID themselves
Riding a bicycle and run into the side of a moving vehicle? It turns out state law doesn't require you to tell police who you are. The same for scooter operators and jaywalkers who violate state traffic laws. And now the Tucson Police Department wants state lawmakers to close that loophole to allow them to demand identification of those people
$10K teacher raise bill stalls; Gress hopes for bipartisan solution
A Republican measure that would give Arizona teachers a $10,000 raise over the next two years stalled as the bill sponsor hopes to reach a bipartisan agreement that Gov. Katie Hobbs can sign.
Legislature spent $8.5 million on renovations, more spending possible
The Senate spent millions on renovations inside the building and a new fence at the Capitol, including more than $20,000 for a new majority caucus table and almost $70,000 on new door handles, but Sen. President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, said he won’t approve the last $2 million in spending that was originally planned.
Bill to remove school blueprints, floor plans from public access stalls
A bill to remove school blueprints and floor plans from public access has stalled in the House despite it having gotten bipartisan preliminary approval a month ago.
Hobbs vetoes bill aimed at motivating banks to work with gun makers, dealers
Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed legislation Tuesday designed to bribe or blackmail Arizona banks into doing business with gun manufacturers and dealers.
Wadsack recall effort underway
Freshman Sen. Justine Wadsack, R-Tucson, is facing a burgeoning recall effort led by her constituents in Legislative District 17 and out-of-district organizers frustrated by controversial bills and colorful comments.
House Republicans give early approval to teacher raises
Arizona House Republicans on Monday gave preliminary approval to $10,000 per year raises for public school teachers over the objections of Democrats who say the plan is a fake effort they know GOP lawmakers can't fund in the long term.
Constitutional change would impact how state manages disaster declarations
A proposed constitutional amendment that is one vote away from being sent to the 2024 ballot for voter approval will have far-reaching impacts on how the state oversees disaster declarations and potentially impact millions of dollars in federal funding.
New DPS director says different approach should be used for protesters
Nearly nine months after Department of Public Safety officers used tear gas on protesters without warning, the department’s new director said officers should take a different approach before dispersing the chemical agent.
Republicans aim to ban ranked choice voting
Legislative Republicans are working to outlaw ranked choice voting despite the fact the practice isn’t used in Arizona.
AEL faces uncertain future over legitimacy, longevity
The Legislature overrode the Aggregate Expenditure Limit (AEL) again this session, leading some to question its legitimacy and staying power.