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AG: Officials must preserve public records even on private phones
Public officials can’t use private phones or social media messages to get around public records laws, according to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
Public schools opt for teacher bonuses instead of pay increases
School officials say they won’t count on ongoing funding to boost teacher pay until they see it. So instead of increasing teachers’ base salaries, some schools are preparing to make a lump sum payment to teachers in the amount of 1 percent of their salaries.
Lobbyist: Goldwater Institute wants to ‘second guess’ Legislature with regulatory law
SB1437 puts limits on what Goldwater officials describe as burdensome and unnecessary occupational regulations by limiting them to only those needed for one of three narrow purposes – public health, safety or welfare.
Tesla gets dealer license in legal victory
Multiple attempts in the Legislature to amend state law so Tesla Motors could sell its electric cars directly to Arizona consumers were unsuccessful, but it turns it that they weren’t necessary in the first place.
Justice reform in Arizona requires understanding of the system
There is no doubt that criminal justice and sentencing reform is needed in Arizona. But it is also important that the people or groups making proposals for change understand exactly what they are proposing, what the full impact of those changes would be on all stakeholders, and that in the rush to achieve results and re-apply for grant monies to support their work, that they do no harm. Do-gooder[...]
Few lawmakers chalk up perfect attendance and voting records
Only 24 Arizona legislators managed to both attend work on all of the days they were expected during the 122-day session, and push a button each time there was a vote. Two of those perfect record-holders were Speaker of the House J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, and Senate President Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler.
Testy session, debates marked by use of ‘impugning’ rule in House
Throughout the 2017 legislative session, the House floor was a hotbed of animosity, as Democratic lawmakers repeatedly tested the boundaries of what they could say about their colleagues, and Republican lawmakers repeatedly tested the limits of how far the chamber’s rules could stretch to limit speech.
Arizona lawmakers lack trust, respect for the people
107 years ago, Arizona’s founders feared that legislatures could land in the pockets of special interests. They believed that ultimately, the people in power had to be accountable to the citizens. They gave us the power of referendum, recall and initiative. Today’s state Legislature wants to eliminate your access to that power.
Arizona top teachers unload on Legislature
Three current and former teachers of the year lashed out Monday at lawmakers for failing to properly fund schools -- and salaries -- but were more forgiving of local school boards who actually set their pay.
Legislature ends session, passes tax breaks, reverses cuts to public benefits
The House and Senate adjourned the 2017 legislative session for good at sunset Wednesday, capping a day that saw lawmakers expand tax breaks for businesses and benefits for poor Arizona families.
Ducey signs tax breaks into law
Come next April, look to pay the state a little bit less in taxes, or get a little bit more back in refunds.
Arizona Senate joins House in approving terror law expansion
The Arizona Legislature has approved a proposal pushed by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich expanding the state's terrorism laws to include more crimes and adding a mandatory 10 year minimum sentence.
