Judge unimpressed with state’s arguments in SB1070 countersuit
U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton didn’t immediately rule on a motion to dismiss Arizona’s countersuit against the federal government, but left no doubt that she would throw out at least part of the case.
Capitol Quotes: July 22, 2011
This week’s most outstanding utterances, gibes and quips.
Brewer-appointed privatization commission issues long-awaited report, recommends more privatization
The Commission on Privatization and Efficiency released its long-awaited report, nearly eight months after it was originally scheduled for completion.
Attorney General Tom Horne announces redistricting commission investigation
Attorney General Tom Horne has announced his office has opened an investigation into the Independent Redistricting Commission in response to an investigation by Arizona Capitol Times and its sister publication, Yellow Sheet Report, that uncovered possible violations of the state’s open meeting and procurement laws.
What we’re not IRC-ing: Map-drawing panel spends half its time meeting behind closed doors
Prior to voting to award a lucrative contract to a mapping consultant on June 29, the Independent Redistricting Commission had spent as much time in closed door executive meetings as it had before the public.
And public records held by the commission itself, as well as statements made by commissioners, indicate the IRC may have violated Arizona’s open meeting laws designed to maintain[...]
Horne asked to probe IRC, Mathis
Brewer's office isn't the only one to receive a landslide of complaints of the IRC's recent hiring of Strategic Telemetry or Mathis, whose vote was critical in securing the services of the firm.
DOJ medical marijuana memo won’t end state’s lawsuit
A recent letter intended to clarify the federal government’s policies on prosecuting medical marijuana cases won’t put an end to the state’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne said July 6.
Arizona officials say medical pot questions remain
Arizona officials said a new federal memo they reviewed Friday on possible medical marijuana-related criminal prosecutions leaves unanswered questions as to whether state-licensed dispensaries and state employees who administer a fledgling medical marijuana program are at risk of prosecution.
Arizona gearing up to raise cash for border fence
Arizona officials are gearing up for a July 20 launch of a website to accept donations to pay for construction of additional fencing along the state's portion of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Arizona reviewing US memo on medical marijuana
Arizona officials on Friday were reviewing a new federal memo on possible criminal prosecutions related to medical marijuana, as a lawyer for would-be dispensary operators said the memo doesn't really change anything.
Judge expected to reject $20M fund sweep
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge is prepared to rule in favor of a special fund that was swept in 2009 to balance the state budget, but he is not likely to order the Legislature to return the nearly $20 million it took.
DPS checking computer system after hacking; Tobin outraged
State police said Friday that they are checking the security of the agency's computer system after an attack by hackers and they are investigating to determine the extent of the infiltration.