Software firm criticized for pushing bill to require AZ to buy its product
State lawmakers are moving HB2485 to require the state to buy computer programs for English learners with specifications that were crafted in detail by a company selling the software.
Measure to end term limits advances; still faces committee hurdle
A proposal asking voters to end legislative term limits cleared a House committee April 6, though a second committee still hasn't scheduled it for a hearing, which could scuttle the measure.
Family values — a case of conflicting views
Ask any politician if they promote family values, and you'll get the answer you'd expect. Ask a group of politicians to define family values, though, and you'll likely get completely different, perhaps conflicting answers.
Power line cost pits lawmakers vs. ACC
The Arizona Corporation Commission decided three years ago that homebuilders should pay the cost of extending power lines to new houses, but some lawmakers now want to go back to the way things used to be and force utility companies to foot the bill.
Officials: Budget cuts will increase boating dangers
The latest plan to address the state's budget deficit would sweep a fund that helps law enforcement patrol Arizona's waterways, something that two local officials say would endanger boaters.
Going nuclear?
For Arizona politicians, the easy part of plunging back into the nuclear-energy business is well under way - the talking part. Now come the details, which include such hurdles as finding enough water, winning federal permits and - what else? - coming up with the billions of dollars needed to pay for construction.
Married parents would get preference in adoptions
Rep. Warde Nichols, a Republican from Gilbert, has introduced an adoption bill that would require the state to give preference to married couples.
Bill aims to discourage lawmakers from skipping floor votes by docking pay
Rep. Jerry Weiers is fed up with fellow lawmakers who skip floor votes. His solution: Dock their pay and list their names on the Web.
13 House members will be looking for new jobs
There are 13 legislators in the House of Representatives who can hear the hoof-beats of term limits fast approaching, and their plans after the forced exit from the chamber range from possible runs for higher office to recapturing memories from youth.
Lawmakers lament term limits, but the public supports them
Looking for supporters of term limits? Good luck finding any at the Capitol. Many who actively worked to change the state's Constitution nearly two decades ago say the rules harm the political process and need to be scrapped.
Lawmakers adjourn sine die; questions loom
The Arizona Legislature ended its special legislative session at 1:42 p.m. Aug. 25, although it may be a short-lived break from the Capitol. "Well, I'll see you next week," Rep. Warde Nichols, a Gilbert Republican, said as he prepared to leave the House of Representatives.
Scores of sidelined bills coming back in 2010
Lawmakers may not be finished with their work for the year, but many are already looking ahead to 2010, when they can resurrect the plethora of bills that fell victim... […]