Corporation Commission asks for public’s views on electricity deregulation
The Arizona Corporation Commission has asked the public to weigh in on electricity deregulation, which would break up the state’s system of “regulated monopoly” under which a handful of public utility companies are in charge of generating and distributing power to homes and industries.
Appeals court will consider whether inmates’ case is a class action
A federal appellate court has agreed to decide whether Arizona’s 33,000 prisoners can be in a lawsuit alleging that prison healthcare and confinement conditions amount to cruel and unusual punishment.
Public interest group claims last-minute HOA bill is unconstitutional
The Legislature violated the state Constitution by combining a comprehensive homeowners association bill with a minor elections bill in the last hours of the 2013 session, a public-interest law firm alleges in a lawsuit filed July 16.
The Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest, suing on behalf of two HOA activists, is asking Maricopa County Superior Court to declare SB1454 unconstitu[...]
Bennett asks Horne for clarification on bills in “limbo”
Secretary of State Ken Bennett wants Attorney General Tom Horne to determine whether two laws that were trapped in legal limbo by the Voting Rights Act are now enforceable a following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that lifted the preclearance requirement from Arizona and other states.
Attorney general blames Democrats for state budget cut
Attorney General Tom Horne sniped at Democrats today for cutting a $1.2 million fund that has been used for combating Mexican drug cartels in southern Arizona since 2009.
Same sex marriage initiative off to fast start
Backers of an Arizona same sex marriage initiative say they plan to report Thursday morning they have collected $85,000 in large contributions since they launched the effort on Monday.
Senator faced pressure to change deciding vote on elections bill
Sen. Steve Pierce was under tremendous pressure from forces within and outside the state Capitol – including at least one official from the National Republican Congressional Committee –during the hours before sine die as lawmakers and others tried to influence his vote on a controversial election bill.
Authorities say Supreme Court decision won’t change the way Arizonans vote
There was no frenzy at Maricopa County Elections upon word of Monday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling forbidding Arizona from requiring proof of citizenship for voters using federal registration forms. Nor does the decision mean voters will encounter changes in the way they register.
Coalition formed to fight Navajo power plant retrofits
A group of Arizona business leaders say they have until Aug. 5 to tell the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency why forcing the Navajo Generating Station to spend as much as $1 billion on retrofits to the coal-powered plant would have dire consequences on the state economy and residents’ pocketbooks.
Three nominees chosen for redistricting commission vacancy
The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments has completed its work and today sent three nominees to Rep. Chad Campbell, who, as the House Minority Leader, will pick one to fill a vacancy on the Independent Redistricting Commission.
Brewer signs Medicaid expansion bill
When Gov. Jan Brewer walked into the room for her Medicaid expansion signing ceremony, she was met by a standing ovation. After she signed the bill, she let out a sigh of relief.
Senate approves sales tax reform compromise
By a 29-0 vote, the state Senate late Thursday approved Gov. Jan Brewer’s sales tax overhaul proposal after she obtained the buy-in of Arizona cities and towns.