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Time to wake the Ethics Committee?
The news today (June 28) about Murphy and Shooter has prompted some observers to wonder when the two senators will face ethics charges. After word of Shooter’s transgression broke in March, Dem senators said they weren’t ready to file an ethics complaint because the police hadn’t investigated the incident and charges hadn’t been filed, but there will be renewed pressure for them to file a [...]
Deal with the devil? Democrats question tactic colleague used to get her bills passed
The Arizona Senate is no easy place to be in the minority. Few bills sponsored by Democrats are ever heard in committees, let alone the Senate floor, so it’s rare for a Democratic senator to have a bill approved by the bulk of the chamber. It’s even rarer for a Democratic measure also to be approved by the House and reach the governor’s desk.
Sen. Murphy’s trip to Montana leaves 21 Brewer appointments unconfirmed
The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee left the state on a personal matter, making it unlikely that 21 of the governor’s court- related nominations will be filled this year.
Compromise could clear the way for CPS reforms
A compromise between House and Senate lawmakers could allow time-sensitive reforms to Child Protective Services to clear the Legislature this session, but other CPS-related measures may still face the governor’s veto stamp.
Committee chairman’s trip to Montana leaves Brewer’s appointments unconfirmed
The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee has left the state on a personal matter, making it unlikely that 21 of the governor’s court-related nominations will be filled this year.
When bills get hung up, is it policy or personal?
Bills die for a variety of reasons at the Arizona Capitol, but none go down in a more explosive manner than when personal politics outweigh the merits of legislation in the eyes of bill sponsors and lawmakers who vote on the measures.
Gun buyback programs likely to end in Phoenix, Tucson
Officials in Phoenix and Tucson say it’s no longer viable to organize gun buyback programs now that a state law will require the guns to be sold back into circulation, not destroyed.
Senators defeat attempt to nullify Common Core education standards
Arizona senators defeated a sweeping amendment Monday aimed at preventing the state from participating in the Common Core and placing responsibility for approving educational standards in the hands of lawmakers.
Legislature moves to force sale of buy-back guns
The months since the deadly Connecticut school shooting have seen dozens of gun buyback events across the country, with officials getting thousands of unwanted firearms off the street and sending them off to their destruction.
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.
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.
Committee approves bills aimed at public employee unions
Public employee unions in Arizona could take a hit to their pocketbooks and their picket lines if three bills approved late Monday by a state Senate committee become law.
