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Commercial real estate industry secures major wins in 2018 session
The biggest victory was a grand compromise on GPLET (Government Property Lease Excise Tax) reform. A unanimous deal was struck between developers, cities and tax watchdogs on the long-term retention of the 8-year property tax abatement and narrowing the application in the future to a capped land mass contained in a central business district (CBD) within a city. HB2126 passed virtually unanimously [...]
Wendy Briggs
A founding director at lobbying firm Veridus LLC and one of the most respected in her profession, Wendy Briggs has built a reputation as relentless, tireless, dependable and tough as nails – qualities that have served her clients well.
Lovas tops lawmaker ‘batting average’ with only 4 winning bills
Of the 1,079 bills lawmakers introduced in the 2017 legislative session, 353 were passed and sent to Gov. Doug Ducey’s desk. Ducey signed 97 percent of those bills into law, vetoing 11—the lowest number of vetoes since 2004, when Janet Napolitano, a Democrat, was governor.
Partisan politics not in play with most legislation
Most legislation comes from citizens, businesses, organizations and associations who are confronted by a specific problem that needs redress. They look at their options at the state and political subdivision level. They look at their legal opportunities and whether court action might address the issue. And frequently they decide that fixing a perceived statutory deficiency is their best option.
Wild claims about patient-safety risks posed by SB1336 are baseless
I am embarrassed that my physician colleagues have turned to scare tactics in opposing Senate Bill 1336. This legislation provides for a very modest but necessary update to Arizona’s nearly century-old statutes governing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
Mesnard says he killed rioting bill because it became politically unacceptable
House Speaker J.D. Mesnard said Monday he does not know whether changes in state statutes are needed to go after those who organize violent demonstrations.
Head of police association says rioting bill won’t chill rights to protest
The head of the Arizona Police Association is rejecting arguments that legislation to include rioting in racketeering and conspiracy statutes will chill the rights of Arizonans to protest.
Culling the herd: A majority of bills already have failed
Of the more than 1,000 bills, resolutions and memorials that have been introduced in the Arizona Legislature thus far in 2017, the majority are already being declared “dead."
Phoenix parents fight for passage of ‘Joe’s Law’ to test drivers for drugs, alcohol
Steve and Tana Smith have agonized over their son’s death for seven months. They want one question answered, but it’s an answer that will never come.
GCU flexes political muscles with new campaign committee
Following the defeat of a high-priority bill that would have given Grand Canyon University a massive property tax break, the school is looking to wade into the world of electoral politics.
Ducey signs bill that undermines campaign finance referendum
Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill that creates a major roadblock for opponents of a new campaign finance law on “dark money” organizations who hope to get the law repealed via citizen referendum.
New law finally lets cops stop drivers for broken tail light
Sometime this summer, police will have a new excuse to pull you over. Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation Tuesday that requires each and every tail and brake light on your vehicle to be working.
