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House passes narrowed-down contraception bill
State representatives today passed a scaled-back bill that would allow religious-based employers to deny contraception coverage to their workers.
The amended bill, HB2625, passed the Arizona House by a vote of 36-21, and will need to go back to the Senate for final approval there. If approved there, it will be delivered to Gov. Jan Brewer for either a signature or a veto.
Ariz. bill drops ‘annoying’ online as an offense
A provision in an Arizona bill that riled Twitter and Facebook users for making it criminal to annoy or offend someone online has been dropped. Legislators this week amended a proposal updating state harassment and stalking laws to include smartphones and cyber communication.
GOP leaders heeding Brewer’s veto warning
After Gov. Jan Brewer yesterday told GOP legislative leaders that she will veto any bills that land on her desk before a budget is completed, the warning is being heeded in the Senate. “I am not sending any bills to her today,” said Senate President Steve Pierce. “She asked not to. So we’re going to try and help her out and work with her.”
Sens. Gould, Nelson spar over advancing new tax credits for film industry
Tension among Republicans in the Senate this morning nearly boiled over during a caucus meeting regarding legislation to create new tax credits for the film industry. Some oppose the proposal, and at least one Republican tried to keep the bill from advancing to the floor by invoking an informal rule to block the bill’s progress.
Brewer places moratorium on bills until budget done
Talks on the budget may be on the verge of breaking down, as Gov. Jan Brewer today told Republican legislative leaders that she will not sign any more bills until the budget is done.
Republican lawmakers and Brewer have been at loggerheads over a budget deal all session. The governor called for increased spending in education and some social programs, but Republicans have said she wan[...]
Former AG and U.S. Attorney push for conclusion to Arpaio probe
Some former top prosecutors have called on U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to wind up the federal abuse-of-power investigation of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Compromise cooking on contraception bill
Legislators are advancing a compromise to scale back a controversial bill on health plan coverage for contraception.
Lawmakers narrow down contraception bill
As promised, supporters this afternoon narrowed down a proposal to allow some employers to deny contraception coverage to their workers if they have a religious objection to birth control. Six legislators from the House and the Senate met in a conference committee to dramatically scale down the measure so it would only apply to “religiously affiliated employers.”
Legislature on verge of missing session adjournment goal
A year ago, the Arizona Legislature was just days away from adjournment of its annual legislative session, having already approved a state budget that included painful cuts to state services. But while lawmakers missed their self-imposed 2011 adjournment target of 100 days by just five hours, there's little chance the Legislature will come near as close this year.
American Traffic Solutions leaving ALEC, joining APS
American Traffic Solutions will be the next Arizona to company to cut its ties the American Legislative Exchange Council.
Bill seeks to stop Planned Parenthood funding
The Republican-controlled Senate today gave preliminary approval to a bill targeting Planned Parenthood’s funding.
The measure, HB2800, still needs the chamber’s full vote, which is likely to take place next week.
Lower state revenue gain in new Arizona forecast
Differing revenue forecasts pose a challenge for Republican Gov. Jan Brewer and Republican legislative leaders to resolve as they continue negotiations over spending increases proposed by Brewer.
