The bill moratorium that rankled lawmakers as Gov. Jan Brewer started applying pressure to pass her Medicaid expansion plan helped push her to a near-record number of vetoes in 2013.

Brewer vetoed 26 bills this year, the second highest total of her career, behind the 29 she rejected in 2011.

A senator who believes Middle-Eastern terrorist groups are active in Mexico and Central America persuaded her colleagues to advance a proposal that would create an armed volunteer force to help apprehend criminals who illegally enter the United States.

The Senate passed the measure today by a vote of 20-10.

Gov. Jan Brewer has signed a bill creating a state militia that she could deploy at any time, and for any reason.