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Still no budget 2 weeks after mass veto
Gov. Doug Ducey’s veto of 22 bills on May 28 to spur the Legislature into passing a budget before the fiscal year ends may have backfired.
Democrats irked at barefaced Republicans, don’t file complaints
A month into the legislative session, nobody has yet filed a formal complaint about lawmakers who deliberately disregard the Covid safety guidelines set up by the House and Senate to ensure the safety of lawmakers, staff and visitors.
Voter Protection Act blocking bipartisan bill
Lawmakers like the idea — it’s criminal justice reform that both helps those in need and serves the community — but stakeholders raised the prospect that voter protection laws and the 13th Amendment, which bans involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime, could stop the bill in its tracks.
Covid, threats make ‘People’s House’ less friendly
It’s supposed to be “the people’s house,” or at least that’s what legislators call it in their impassioned speeches. But this session, between an ongoing pandemic, security concerns that led to multiple layers of fences and a hodgepodge of committee rules, the people — and even the paid lobbyists who represent interest groups — are having a harder time than ever making their voices h[...]
GOP offers body cam support – Dems optimistic, but …
Arizona Republicans are continuing their push for wider body camera usage in the state — but advocates worry whether their efforts are enough to make meaningful change.
At least 90 opinions of what are ‘must-pass’ bills
Some lobbyists and lawmakers have a pitch for legislative leaders dallying over plans to adjourn or resume the session – find a middle ground.
Lobbyists navigate lawmakers’ bad behavior, professional relationships
In 2018, at the height of the Me Too movement, investigators for the House of Representatives dismissed a lobbyist’s allegations of harassment against a state representative because the lobbyist sent friendly text messages after the alleged incident occurred.
Players in movement to remake Arizona’s criminal justice system
Since conservatives got on board with revamping Arizona’s sentencing laws, bills to do that no longer lay unheard, not considered. And as the movement has taken hold over the past few years, a host of groups and people have made their presence known at the Legislature. Following are some of them.
Commission begins discussion on criminal justice data
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission started work this week on developing a definitive set of data lawmakers can refer to while drafting changes to criminal justice policy, but advocates for reform fear the commission will do nothing more than slap a state logo on a faulty report long pushed by prosecutors.
House begins probes into sexual harassment claims against Rep. Shooter
“Multiple investigations” are underway at the Arizona House as Speaker J.D. Mesnard and staff members respond to a growing list of sexual harassment accusations lodged against GOP Rep. Don Shooter.
Capitol reacts to allegations Rep. Shooter harassed women, fellow lawmakers
After seven women publicly accused Rep. Don Shooter of sexual harassment, the Capitol community has taken to social media to condemn - or defend - the Yuma Republican.
Rep. Shooter accused of repeated sexual harassment of Capitol women
Seven women at the Arizona Capitol, including a legislator, say a prominent Republican state lawmaker has harassed them. The allegations against 65-year-old Rep. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, range from sexually-charged comments to unwanted touching.
