Arizona Supreme Court punishes former lawmaker for misconduct as justice of the peace
The court's announcement Tuesday says it censured Justice of the Peace Paula Aboud because she took a copy of an assessment and answer key from her judicial orientation mentor while he was out of the room.
Former lawmaker Aboud plays ‘joke’ in JP training, hit with ethics charges
Former Democratic lawmaker and Pima County Justice of the Peace Paula Aboud faces ethics charges after she took and hid a document containing answers to a test required for newly elected judges.
Former lawmakers Aboud, Harper reflect on their 2008 showdown over same-sex marriage
One night in 2008, the Arizona Senate became the backdrop of a showdown over a referral to prohibit same-sex marriage — the same law that was struck down by a federal district court this month.
The return of SB1062? Gay marriage ruling likely to renew push for ‘religious liberty’ protections
With marriage licenses being issued to gay couples across the state, Republican lawmakers are already talking about ways to protect religious organizations and businesses from being forced to participate in gay marriages. And SB1062 is back on the forefront of some minds.
Federal judge strikes law targeting Planned Parenthood
In a major setback for the prolife movement in Arizona, a federal judge today struck down a state law that precludes public funds, such as Medicaid money, from going to any group that provides for an abortion.
Prolife advocates opt against direct assault on ‘Roe v Wade’
Despite the loud lament against legal abortion, the prolife movement in Arizona isn’t pushing for legislation that will directly contravene Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that gave women the right to an abortion.
Political newcomer Nomiki Konst drops out of Arizona CD2 race
Political newcomer Nomiki Konst has dropped out of the race for a full term representing former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' southern Arizona congressional district.
Bipartisan clamp down: Lawmakers passed several bills in 2012 increasing punishment for lawbreakers
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle acted to make life tougher for Arizona criminals during this year’s legislative session by passing a slate of criminal justice bills.
House passes narrowed-down contraception bill
State representatives today passed a scaled-back bill that would allow religious-based employers to deny contraception coverage to their workers.
The amended bill, HB2625, passed the Arizona House by a vote of 36-21, and will need to go back to the Senate for final approval there. If approved there, it will be delivered to Gov. Jan Brewer for either a signature or a veto.
Legislature on verge of missing session adjournment goal
A year ago, the Arizona Legislature was just days away from adjournment of its annual legislative session, having already approved a state budget that included painful cuts to state services. But while lawmakers missed their self-imposed 2011 adjournment target of 100 days by just five hours, there's little chance the Legislature will come near as close this year.
Senate OKs bill to allow employers to deny contraception coverage; but deal in works
Persuaded by a promise to substantially narrow the legislation, the Senate today passed a measure to allow employers with religious objections to not pay for their workers’ contraception coverage.