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With Napolitano out, Arizonans are wary of new Homeland Security chief
When former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano stepped down as the Department of Homeland Security secretary in August, the reaction from policymakers along Arizona’s border with Mexico was mixed.
Feds award $5.3 million to help seven Arizona cities add police officers
Federal grants worth $5.3 million will fund 43 new law enforcement positions in seven Arizona communities, officials said Thursday. Through a competitive grant process, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) awarded the funding to address specific law enforcement challenges.
High court rules police must avoid coercion when drawing blood in DUI cases
Police investigating drunken driving cases must get voluntary consent from a suspect without any signs of coercion when drawing blood for testing or else get a search warrant, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled today.
Hotly debated firearms bill goes to the governor
A bill headed to Gov. Jan Brewer’s desk would close a loophole used by some Arizona cities to destroy firearms turned over to police and other state agencies. The Arizona Senate approved HB2455, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Barton, R-Payson, by an 18-12 vote Tuesday afternoon, giving its final approval to a measure that also requires agencies to sell all unclaimed firearms in their possession.
Predicting Brewer vetoes is difficult; reasons vary
Figuring out how to avoid Gov. Jan Brewer’s veto pen is a guessing game that leaves even some of the most seasoned veterans at the Capitol perplexed.
Many lawmakers and lobbyists say there are no hard and fast guidelines for avoiding a veto from a governor who vetoed 91 bills in her first four legislative sessions.
Arizona lawmaker cancels bulletproof vest demo
An Arizona lawmaker invited a bulletproof vest retailer to do a demonstration at the state Capitol but canceled the event on Monday after a legislative lawyer advised him that making a sales pitch to lawmakers on state property was improper.
Police drone measure stalls, heads to study committee
The Arizona Legislature will wait to consider the regulation of drones for at least another year.
Mental Health First Aid plan advancing at State Capitol
Representatives from law enforcement, behavioral health and faith-based groups are urging lawmakers to expand a state training program that helps community members recognize and assist those facing mental health challenges.
Drone Revolution: Lawmakers react to fears of Big Brother
For decades, police have been peering into backyards from helicopters to look for signs of crime without having to get search warrants. But the impending revolution of drones, or unmanned aircraft, brings fears of a Big Brother rising to watch over people’s lives. And now concern about unmanned aircraft has spawned legislation to force police officers to get court approval when they want to u[...]
Bill arming some rural Arizona teachers gets OK
Some teachers or administrators in rural schools and retired police officers working in any Arizona school would be allowed to carry a gun under a proposal approved by a Senate committee Tuesday.
Democrat’s gun control be will be heard before deadline
A gun control bill sponsored by a Democrat will go before a state Senate committee on the day before the deadline to hear bills introduced in the chamber.
Medical marijuana is a responsible program — reform, don’t repeal
Arizona’s Medical Marijuana law is two years old. Patients have had the ability to get medical marijuana cards, giving them the legal protection they need. But the regulated dispensary portion of the program that was specifically called for in the law has been delayed due to numerous obstructions and legal challenges from state and local officials, primarily Republicans.
