The Lege Has Gone Sine Die On Us...

...but don't worry, they left us with a couple of parting gifts on their way out the door...

HB2779 - Bars employers from knowingly employing undocumented immigrants and permanently revokes their business licenses for a second offense. This measure was passed because of threats by Rep. Russell Pearce (R-National Alliance) about gathering signatures to put it out to referendum.

The Democrats who objected to it didn't argue about the appropriateness of going after the employers, just that the bill was overly onerous for small businesses.

Even if the Governor signs it, it will be 'fixed' after the first time that Wal Mart or one of the big homebuilders/campaign contributors runs afoul of the law.

Note - 'fixed' equals 'repealed'. The Chamber of Commerce types from both sides of the aisle will just wait until it's too far into next year's election cycle to gather enough signatures to get the measure onto the ballot.

EV Trib coverage here.


SB1222 - Increases the penalties for being in a street gang, including requiring that those convicted of crimes as part of a street gang be placed on lifetime parole.

That parole is reduced to 10 years if certain conditions are met, including if " the conduct of the defendant on parole warrants it. " [God, I just love vague generalities in my laws! Don't you? LOL]


Now this is more like it! After the whole attempt to repeal the requirement for ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders, I was beginning to worry that our lege had lost its edge. But not to worry, the 'law-and-order, shoot first and ask questions later' lege that we all know and love is back.

Note: The attempt to repeal the IID law died with the end of the session of the lege. SB1582 was in a conference committee but no compromise could be worked out. AZ Rep coverage here.

The AZ Rep's Plugged In has coverage of the legislature's final day here.

Later!