Senate approves emergency declaration measure

The state Senate has approved a resolution declaring a state of emergency in Arizona because the shared border with Mexico is not secure and the forests have been badly managed, leading to large wildfires.

Arizona lawmakers target Planned Parenthood funding

Abortion providers in Arizona would be barred from receiving federal government funding through the state for family planning services under a bill that received preliminary approval from the state House on Friday.

Arizona GOP lawmakers want to take control of energy policy from Corp. Comm.

Majority Republicans at the Arizona Legislature are moving to grab control over energy policy from state utility regulators in a move that supporters say would help protect consumers but that critics say puts at risk growth of the state's solar industry.

Universities: Guns-on-campus measure would have multimillion-dollar impact

Universities are offering one more reason to oppose a measure to allow guns on campuses — it would cost millions of dollars to implement.

Tucson lawmaker rejects calls for resignation

State Rep. Daniel Patterson is rejecting calls by Democratic legislative leaders and an Arizona Democratic Party official that the Tucson Democrat resign from the Legislature.

Line in the sand

Republican governor and GOP Legislature are digging in for long budget fight

Lovas to replace Burges in the House

Phil Lovas, a 43-year-old hotel developer and Peoria Republican, will replace Rep. Judy Burges in the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 4.

Legislature introduces budget after negotiation non-starter with Brewer

Legislative leaders are pushing ahead with their budget proposal after efforts to get the governor involved have failed.

But in going ahead, lawmakers risk alienating Gov. Jan Brewer, who has a competing budget plan.

The move could also spur the sides to begin meeting on the state’s spending plan.

Potty mouth legislation ignores deeper problems

It's hard to believe the Arizona Legislature is spending its time on a bill to limit indecent speech by teachers. Of course, nearly everyone would agree teachers should not be foul or crass. But nearly no teachers are.

Don’t give redistricting back to the Legislature

Five pieces of new legislation introduced by House Speaker Andy Tobin have taken power-grabbing to a whole new level, and would set redistricting back to a time of shadowy legislative deals. We could start by asking the now worn-out phrase, “What part of independent does the Arizona House not understand?”

Richard Miranda resigns from House

Rep. Richard Miranda is resigning from the state House of Representatives, claiming health and family issues.

Bill giving Legislature and governor final say on Corp Comm rules passes committee

The House Government Committee today approved a bill that would give the Legislature and governor final say over new rules and rule changes adopted by the Arizona Corporation Commission.