Legislature to fast-track civics test legislation
The Arizona House of Representatives is fast-tracking a bill to create a new high-stakes civics test that high school students would be required to pass before they could graduate.
House undergoing $335,000 renovation
As one of his first acts as Speaker-elect, David Gowan is making some renovations to the “People’s Chamber.” Gowan has spent and accepted bids totaling more than $335,000 for a variety of renovations in the House, including a new coat of paint throughout the building, testing for asbestos and installing new carpet on the House floor and members’ lounge.
Prosecutor awaits blood test results for lawmaker
It could be months before a decision is made on whether formal charges are filed against an Arizona lawmaker suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Hard hats required on the second floor
The House has assigned offices to the incoming 52nd Legislature, and the floor plan provided by chamber staff shows there was some reconfiguration made to allow more legislators to have offices on the second floor.
House, Senate committee assignments announced
House and Senate leadership announced committee assignments Wednesday afternoon, setting the stage for the 2015 Legislative Session.
Rep. Albert Hale accused of DUI ‘to the slightest degree’
State Rep. Albert Hale was arrested Sunday on one count of driving under the influence. Navajo County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jim Molesa confirmed that Hale, D-St. Michaels, was arrested by the state Department of Public Safety on Sunday. Authorities said Hale was picked up on State Route 277 near Heber.
Arizona House selects committee chairs
House Speaker-elect David Gowan of Sierra Vista announced committee chairmanships for a total of 19 committees, including six committees that are either new or hybrids of past panels.
One House, 19 fiefdoms
Gowan announced committee chairmanships late Friday, creating a total of 19 committees, including six committees that are either new or hybrids of past committees. Not counting those who are in leadership, only two returning Republican representatives did not land committee chairmanships of their own.
Incoming lawmaker’s warrant quashed after friend pays fines
After getting a little help from her friend, Democratic Rep.-elect Ceci Velasquez is no longer wanted by police for a bench warrant from unpaid fines stemming from a trio of traffic tickets in 2010.
House Appropriations Committee gets new chairman
The powerful Appropriations Committee of the Arizona House is getting a new chairman. Term limits barred long-serving committee Chairman John Kavanagh from running for re-election to the House, and he was elected earlier this month to the Senate.
Lawmaker on the run from the law
Democratic Rep.-elect Ceci Velasquez is a wanted woman. Florence Municipal Court records show that Velasquez has a warrant out for her arrest due to her failure to pay fines associated with a trio of traffic violations in 2010, when she was cited for driving on a suspended license, in a vehicle with suspended registration and no mandatory insurance.
House GOP selects David Gowan as next speaker
Arizona House Republicans who won their elections met this afternoon to select a new leadership team, and chose Republican Rep. David Gowan of Sierra Vista for speaker of the House.