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House passes bills to clear criminal records
The Arizona Legislature is considering bills to help people like Nez and others who have had their charges dismissed or served their sentences to free themselves from the long-term effects of entering the criminal justice system – wrongfully or not.
Public school open enrollment needs to be truly open
Even though I did not prevail in my claim nearly a decade ago, passage of SB1685 would give me hope that other Arizona families never have to experience the closed doors to their pursuit of the best public education for their child.
Legislature supports dirty air
One can only wonder why the state legislators wish to undo the work of years by the Arizona Corporation Commission with input from citizens like me. Clean energy conserves our precious resources and keeps the air we breathe and the water we drink clean and healthy.
Arizona election laws work – don’t try to suppress voters
Something insidious is happening in the Arizona Legislature. After an election that saw a record high turnout, exemplary election administration in Arizona, and no instances of voter or election fraud, Republican legislators would like to change the election laws.
Former lawmaker Hale dies
Former Navajo Nation president Albert Hale, who also served as a state representative and senator, died Tuesday after battling with Covid, the Navajo Nation Council announced on its Facebook page this afternoon.
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... […]
Supreme Court hears Tucson election case
An attorney for the city of Tucson asked Arizona Supreme Court Tuesday to slap back yet another effort by state lawmakers to tell charter cities when they have to hold... […]
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.
Civil asset forfeiture reform: A solution in search of a problem
If the Arizona Legislature wants to help drug cartels and organized crime, then heeding the Institute for Justice and establishing a “conviction first” statute for civil forfeiture is a great start. The only people such a measure will hurt are law abiding citizens, prosecutors and police officers. But drug dealers? They will absolutely love it.
To improve Arizona Legislature, consider cumulative voting
Imagine an Arizona House of Representatives modeled in part on the system used in Illinois. There would be Republicans elected from liberal bastions like Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson. Democrats would be elected from conservative places like Mohave and Yavapai Counties.
Is Constitution to be taken seriously or for granted?
As an attorney and retired judge I have always considered the Arizona Constitution to be the highest law of the state, not a set of guidelines. That’s why I am a plaintiff, along with a top local businesswoman, in the lawsuit brought by Rose Law Group challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 208, potentially the largest income tax hike in Arizona history.
