Senators passed two measures June 23 that would put additional restrictions on abortions performed in Arizona and modify the statutory definition of partial-birth abortion.

A lawmaker’s four-year struggle to turn a medical malpractice reform bill into law moved one step closer to a successful conclusion June 16 during a hearing of the Senate Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform Committee.

Members of the Senate Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform Committee will consider a bill on June 17 that would make it more difficult for patients to sue emergency room physicians for negligence.

A measure to allow guns in restaurants failed to get enough votes to pass the Senate on June 15. The bill, S1114, failed by a vote of 14-14. It needed 16 votes to pass. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Jack Harper, changed his vote from "yes" to "no" so that he could be on the prevailing side of the vote and, thereby, ask for the legislation to be reconsidered.

The Senate Healthcare and Medial Liability Reform Committee met June 10 to consider bills for the first time since the start of the legislative session almost five months ago.

The Legislature passed a bill May 27 to create a new scholarship program for disabled children and those in foster care - and, with that action, promptly wrapped up the second special session of the year.