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A rundown of issues likely to rise in 2018 legislative session
While public education is expected to be the top issue when lawmakers return on Monday, a few other subjects are likely to command some attention.
Ducey announces plans for customs center at East Valley airport
The agreement will expedite the ability of U.S. companies to export goods to Mexico and beyond without additional hassles once reaching their final destination.
Leach sics AG on Tempe over allegation of illegal tax breaks
Rep. Vince Leach has followed through on a threat to ask the Attorney General’s Office to investigate whether Tempe broke the law in signing two lease agreements with developers he alleges received illegal tax breaks.
GOP legislator wants to take constant ‘campaign mode’ out of lawmaking
Rep. Drew John, a freshman lawmaker, is planning to introduce legislation that would double legislators’ terms to four years from two.
County supervisors choose Sine Kerr to fill vacant Senate seat in LD13
Republican Sine Kerr was appointed Jan. 4 by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to replace former state Sen. Steve Montenegro in Legislative District 13.
Educators present plan to fund public schools without raising taxes
Hoping to set the agenda, a coalition of educators and others laid out options that could generate more than $950 million for education this coming year, all without a general hike in sales taxes.
GOP lawmaker looks to add restrictions to voter initiatives
The proposal by Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, would limit future ballot measures to "one subject,'' with a requirement that be spelled out in the title.
First candidate certified in race to replace Trent Franks
The Arizona secretary of state's office has certified the first candidate in the special election to replace Republican Rep. Trent Franks, and it is not one of the best-known names.
Schools chief wants to salvage parts of law deemed invalid
Diane Douglas is not directly contesting the ruling by Judge Wallace Tashima that the 2010 law was approved by lawmakers out of "racial animus'' and that "no legitimate pedagogical objective motivated the enactment and enforcement'' of the law targeting the Mexican American studies program in Tucson Unified School District.
Legislation seeks expansion of home-baked goods
Sen. David Farnsworth, R-Mesa, and Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, introduced SB1022, which would add fruit jams and jellies, dry mixes made with ingredients approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services, dry pasta and roasted nuts to the list of “cottage food products.”
State drops plan for prisoner rehab center at county site
The governor’s office has decided to scrap its plan to open two programs in south Phoenix aimed at helping prisoners re-enter society, allegedly because of a lack of cooperation from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Arizona Senate president shuffles committee leadership
New leadership will be at the helm of two Arizona Senate committees due to the impending resignation of Republican Sen. Debbie Lesko.
