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Bills would fund research of psilocybin mushrooms to treat PTSD, depression
Arizona lawmakers are giving a big thumbs up to the party drug known as Ecstasy and turning on to hallucinogenic magic mushrooms, too. But don’t take this wrong – they’re not pushing the drugs for the usual recreational uses. Instead, bills that would fund a $30 million research program to study psilocybin mushrooms in treating post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression, and another to le[...]
Hobbs vetoes bill to bar cities from taxing residential rentals
Calling it a flawed solution to the housing crisis, Gov. Katie Hobbs on Thursday vetoed legislation to bar cities from taxing residential rentals.
Hobbs’ DCS pick is out, with little explanation
Gov. Katie Hobbs’ choice to lead the Department of Child Services on Feb. 22 is out, the governor announced on Feb. 23, saying the move was in the “best interest of all parties involved.”
Fight against fentanyl continues as drug seizures rise
The Arizona border has become the nexus point for the trafficking of fentanyl into the country. Approximately 22 million fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills were seized in Arizona in 2022, according to Jodie Underwood, spokesperson for the Drug Enforcement Administration Phoenix Field Division. This accounts for more than 43% of the 50.6 million pills seized nationwide.
Public records reform bills advance in House, Senate
After Republican lawmakers recently established rules to reduce public records retention, they are now proposing more changes that opponents say would further obstruct access to information.
Abortion debate brings out lawmakers’ personal experiences, emotions
In a usually contentious forum, lawmakers on Wednesday wept, offered comfort, and spoke about their struggles with ambivalence on abortion as they discussed a proposed law that would require medical professionals to try and save any “infant born alive.”
Nominations committee: checks and balances or sabotage?
The problem isn’t the new committee. The problem is the way the committee is being led. If it doesn’t change, and quick, we’re all in a heap of trouble and ordinary Arizonans will be the ones that suffer.
Senate Republicans won’t consider ‘evasive’ Hobbs nominees
A Senate committee charged with reviewing gubernatorial nominees held a candidate from consideration on Monday and pledged to hold all future nominees who don’t clearly answer questions after a lengthy questioning process frustrated committee Republicans.
Congress floats ways to secure skies after Chinese balloon
The Biden administration's unprecedented peacetime downing of the Chinese balloon and three other objects has raised new and troubling questions about the security of American airspace, alarming lawmakers who fear the episode has exposed a vulnerability that could be exploited by other foreign adversaries.
Child fatalities: We deserve an answer
In Arizona, 46% of abuse and neglect deaths involved a prior history with the state’s child welfare agency. Arizona Senate Bill 1252, championed by Sen. Janae Shamp, R-Surprise, recognizes these deaths are preventable, and we desperately need to chart a path toward change that will ultimately save lives.
Bill to expand ESA reporting advances, barely
A bill that would expand reporting requirements for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program narrowly passed the Senate Education Committee on Feb. 15.
Hobbs vetoes Republican skinny budget
Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed 13 budget bills on Thursday, saying they represented a “purely-partisan” plan for the state.
