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House panel OKs drug tests for unemployment beneficiaries
The House Appropriations Committee narrowly passed a bill Thursday that would require drug tests for anyone receiving unemployment benefits, even though some of the bill’s supporters admit that it could jeopardize the federal funding that helps pay for the benefits.
Bill on drug testing for jobless benefits advances
A bill to require drug testing for all applicants for unemployment benefits is alive but apparently in trouble at the Arizona Legislature. The bill has already been approved by the Senate but it barely emerged from a House committee on a 7-6 vote Thursday.
Bill to phase out capital gains taxes advances, but questions remain
An economic development bill championed by Rep. J.D. Mesnard and House Speaker Andy Tobin passed the Senate Appropriations Committee with unanimous GOP support, but several Republicans said they had concerns about the measure and even the bill’s sponsor said it’s likely to undergo changes.
Glendale woman tells how contraceptive meds ended years of debilitation
Liza Love has found herself at the Arizona state Capitol a lot recently. The Glendale resident has been speaking out against a bill that she has a very personal connection to: HB2625, which she says would make it difficult for women to obtain prescription birth control if their employers have a religious opposition to it.
Rep. Proud wants requirement to watch abortion
An Arizona legislator opposed to abortion says a woman should be made to watch an abortion being performed before having one.
Republicans begrudgingly cast enough votes to pass IRC funding
There was no shortage of complaining about giving the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission additional money to pay its legal obligations, but Republican senators ultimately opted to provide the funding. By doing so, lawmakers avoid a potentially drawn-out legal battle, which would have cost both sides more money.
Pierce wary of Tobin’s planned redistricting lawsuit
Senate President Steve Pierce said today that he has serious concerns about spending public money to sue the state’s redistricting commission – and even if lawmakers could be convinced to do that, he’s not sure it would be legal.
Democrats denounce GOP bills as war on women’s health, choices
Democratic legislators continued to denounce what they call Republican attacks on women’s rights, criticizing today three House bills that they say would reduce women’s abilities to make their own health care decisions.
Arizona mulls drug testing for jobless benefits
State officials warn that legislation to require drug testing for all people applying for unemployment benefits conflicts with federal rules and law.
Anti-union bills being parceled out to gain success
Backers of anti-union bills are planning to parcel out the provisions of a measure that is advancing in the Senate, an apparent move to give each idea the best chance of passing. The Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday approved an amendment to prohibit pay to public employees who do union activities, a practice called “release time.”
House speaker proposes first lawsuit against redistricting map
House Speaker Andy Tobin is planning to ask lawmakers to sue the state’s redistricting commission over the constitutionality of the legislative map the panel crafted.
Aboud in, Walden out following Barber announcement
Sen. Paula Aboud said she’s staying in the race for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, despite Ron Barber’s announcement that he’ll seek a full term after the special election to replace former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
