Proposal would add 30 members to AZ House
At least two longtime Republican lawmakers think it’s worth a shot to add 30 lawmakers to make Arizona’s government work better. Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, wants voters to approve a... […]
Fears of violence at Capitol fizzle as security ramped up
Double layers of fences, increased police presence and mass Democratic absences from the House and Senate over fears of violence appear to have been for naught.
Covid, threats make ‘People’s House’ less friendly
It’s supposed to be “the people’s house,” or at least that’s what legislators call it in their impassioned speeches. But this session, between an ongoing pandemic, security concerns that led to multiple layers of fences and a hodgepodge of committee rules, the people — and even the paid lobbyists who represent interest groups — are having a harder time than ever making their voices h[...]
GOP lawmaker pushes bill to punish cities that defund police
A Republican House member has, with the support of most of his caucus, introduced bills to take state money away from cities that cut their police budgets and to create tougher new penalties for people who take part in riots.
Dem urges ethics probe of Finchem at Capitol protest
Rep. Cesar Chavez, D-Phoenix, is asking the House Ethics Committee to investigate and possibly expel an Oro Valley Republican who was in Washington D.C. during a protest against the presidential election results that led to a pro-Trump mob storming the Capitol and several deaths.
House, Senate to lock down over holiday weekend
The Arizona House and Senate will lock down over the long Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and Democrats are urging a suspension of the legislative session until after inauguration day following the FBI warning of potentially violent protests at all 50 state capitols.
Ducey seeks expansion of gaming to allow sports betting
Gov. Doug Ducey wants to open the door to allowing Arizonans to bet on -- or against -- the Diamondbacks and the Cardinals. And maybe even the Wildcats and Sun Devils.
Dems seek federal probe of GOP lawmakers at U.S. Capitol during riot
Arizona’s legislative Democrats are asking the FBI to investigate two Arizona Republican congressmen, one state representative and one former state representative for their role in a protest at the U.S. Capitol that turned into a violent siege on the building.
Bill is real but nothing like textbook
So you think you know how a bill becomes law? Well, it isn't exactly the process from the Schoolhouse Rock song, "I'm just a bill on Capitol Hill.''
Covid, unrest affect look, feel of legislative session
The 2021 legislative session will begin January 11 in an exceedingly unusual fashion, with sharp limits on public access and increased security left over from post-election unrest.
GOP lawmaker pushes legislation to give Trump AZ win
A Trump supporter in the state legislature has crafted legislation designed to give the president the state's 11 electoral votes even as some GOP lawmakers in Washington work to keep Congress from certifying the election Wednesday for Joe Biden.
GOP lawmaker seeks legal opinion on Pima County curfew
A state legislator is asking Attorney General Mark Brnovich to investigate whether Pima County is acting illegally in establishing and maintaining a curfew. Rep. Bret Roberts, R-Maricopa, is questioning the... […]