State lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to legislation that will require special parental permission before a student is taught anything about sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill Tuesday to study the prevalence of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

Rep. Jennifer Jermaine, D-Chandler, sponsored House Bill 2570 to establish the Study Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to find ways to reduce violence against indigenous women.

According to the report, people with cognitive disabilities are seven times more likely to be sexually assaulted than the general public, and 12 times more likely if the victim is also a woman.

In the wake of horror at Hacienda HealthCare, there is no shortage of ideas for how to prevent abuse in the disability community. But what action can and will actually be taken at the state Legislature this year is not yet clear.

Jennifer Jermaine has long dedicated her career to public service in the nonprofit sector, but this was the year for her to take it to the next level.

While all eyes were on the state Senate in anticipation of a potentially momentous Democratic power shift, it was the House of Representatives that saw a big step away from Republican dominance.

Arizona Democrats' wish list included picking up a U.S. Senate seat, ousting Gov. Doug Ducey, picking up other statewide seats and flipping the state Senate.

The “blue wave” appears to have missed Arizona. Democrats not only failed to make significant strides at the statewide level but also remain the minority party in both the state House and Senate.

Both Democrats in the Legislative District 18 House race maintained last night’s early lead and have won.