The four members of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) who have been appointed by the leadership of the Ariizona legislature will meet next week to select a fifth member, an Independent, to fill out the membership of the AIRC and to serve as chair.
The agenda was emailed to me by Jim Drake of the Arizona Secretary of State's office. Here's a summary:
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2011
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: State Library Conference Room, Ste. 200, 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix (go to the Old Capitol and ask for directions to the office of the Director of the State Library; it's on the 2nd floor.)
Once the meeting is gavelled to order, Secretary of State Ken Bennett will administer the oath of office to the four members. After that, they will interview the five independent candidates individually. The planned order -
3 - 3:30 p.m. - Kimber Lanning
3:30 - 4 p.m. - Colleen Mathis
4 - 4:30 p.m. - Ray Bladine
4:30 - 5 p.m. - Paul Bender
5 - 5:30 p.m. - Margarita Silva
After the interviews, public comment will be accepted, after which the members will make their selection. An executive session is possible/likely.
If the four members who have already been appointed cannot agree on the selection of a fifth member, the responsibility for that reverts to the Arizona Commission on Appellate Court Appointments. Given that the current membership is split between two Republicans and two Democrats, that possibility isn't a remote one. However, not personally knowing any of the current appointees, I cannot speculate on the likelihood of that occurrence.
The section of the Arizona Constitution covering this is here.
Later...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Governor gambles on cuts to AHCCCS, and is told by the feds that she won the bet...
...but the voters are standing in the way of her collecting on the bet...
On Tuesday, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sent a response to Governor Jan Brewer's request for a waiver of federal "maintenance of effort" (MOE) standards for Arizona's Medicaid program, called AHCCCS.
From the Arizona Republic, written by Mary K. Reinhart -
Now Brewer faces two related problems with her effort to kick poor people off of AHCCCS -
1. The affected population (people with an income of up to 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) isn't covered by a federal dictate or because of a decision by Arizona politicians, but because the voters *overwhelmingly* approved Proposition 204 in November 2000. The income eligibility standard is voter-protected and cannot be overridden by Brewer or the legislature. Historically, voters in Arizona have been loathe to overturn measures that were previously approved by the voters themselves, especially when a proposal to do so is pushed by the legislature.
2. If she convinces the legislature to refer this to the ballot, she (and they) will have to deal with the PR nightmare of explaining how the state cannot afford to help Arizona's poorest residents at the same time they're railroading through a bill to give tax gifts to corporations and the wealthy that will eventually cost Arizona taxpayers more than $500 million per year.
Jan and her clan are going to have to some serious tapdancing on this one if they hope to cash in on the bet that they've made against the lives of Arizona's most vulnerable.
On Tuesday, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sent a response to Governor Jan Brewer's request for a waiver of federal "maintenance of effort" (MOE) standards for Arizona's Medicaid program, called AHCCCS.
From the Arizona Republic, written by Mary K. Reinhart -
Arizona doesn't need federal approval to eliminate 250,000 people from its Medicaid rolls in order to continue to receive federal matching dollars, health officials said Tuesday.In other words, the feds didn't grant a waiver so much as tell Brewer if she waited until the end of the federal fiscal year, she could just make changes without the need for federal action. Brewer's almost-gleeful press release on the announcement is here.
Lawmakers had sought to eliminate coverage for low-income Arizonans to help close a huge budget shortfall, but recently passed federal health reform mandates that states maintain their level of coverage.
In a letter to Brewer today, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the state's entire program comes up for federal reauthorization Sept. 30, and Arizona could simply choose to stop covering the childless adults who Gov. Jan Brewer and legislative Republicans are seeking to drop from the rolls.
Now Brewer faces two related problems with her effort to kick poor people off of AHCCCS -
1. The affected population (people with an income of up to 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) isn't covered by a federal dictate or because of a decision by Arizona politicians, but because the voters *overwhelmingly* approved Proposition 204 in November 2000. The income eligibility standard is voter-protected and cannot be overridden by Brewer or the legislature. Historically, voters in Arizona have been loathe to overturn measures that were previously approved by the voters themselves, especially when a proposal to do so is pushed by the legislature.
2. If she convinces the legislature to refer this to the ballot, she (and they) will have to deal with the PR nightmare of explaining how the state cannot afford to help Arizona's poorest residents at the same time they're railroading through a bill to give tax gifts to corporations and the wealthy that will eventually cost Arizona taxpayers more than $500 million per year.
Jan and her clan are going to have to some serious tapdancing on this one if they hope to cash in on the bet that they've made against the lives of Arizona's most vulnerable.
2012 Congressional Speculation
With Senate candidate speculation running wild across Arizona (Flake in, Shadegg out, Arpaio flirting, Democrats waiting until summer to see what happens with Gabrielle Giffords' recovery), now folks are starting with speculation regarding possible Congressional runs.
Some of the names so far, mostly in a run for Jeff Flake's seat (CD6) sort of way, but not really, since redistricting could make the current CD6 a totally different district (with a couple of other committees thrown in for good measure) -
Republican Kirk Adams, speaker of the Arizona House, from East Mesa
Republican Russell Pearce, president of the Arizona Senate, from Central/West Mesa
Republican Scott Smith, Mayor of Mesa
Republican Chuck Gray, former state senator from LD19 (East Mesa), close to Pearce so probably won't jump into the race if Pearce actually runs
Republican Jay Tibshraeny, current Mayor of Chandler, former state senator, and previously considered an heir-apparent for Flake's seat if Flake moved on/out. Redistricting could affect his decision to run/not run (that caveat could apply to almost every possible candidate, so consider it applied for each one)
Republican Rich Crandall, current state senator from East Mesa. Crandall, Adams, and Gray are all from the same district, LD19, but they aren't close friends by any stretch and could easily end up knocking each other off, helping Smith (if he jumps in)
Republican Gabriela Saucedo Mercer has opened a committee to run against Democratic incumbent Raul Grijalva in CD7. Haven't heard of her before this and don't know much about her. However, if she's a serious candidate (and not just a fringe tea party type), we'll know more later in the year
Republican David Schweikert has opened a reelection committee for his seat
Democrat Harry Mitchell hasn't ruled out a run for a rematch with Schweikert, looking to reclaim the seat he formerly held
Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick, like Mitchell a former member of Congress, may also run again
Republican Hugh Hallman, Mayor of Tempe, has ambitions for higher office, but any run for Congress will depend on redistricting and which other candidates jump in
Democrat Neil Giuliano, former Mayor of Tempe and former Republican, could also jump in, especially if Mitchell decides against a run. I don't know how close he and Giuliano are, but Mitchell is the political force of nature in Tempe, so his decision will affect that of the other potential candidates
Democrat Phil Gordon, current Mayor of Phoenix whose term expires this year. Noted for his ambition and his Phoenix-based campaign machine, if he doesn't go for the Senate seat, is seen as likely to pursue a Congressional run. Of course, he could go for Governor in 2014, or for McCain's Senate seat in 2016, or...? :)
Republican State Senator Rick Murphy, a former (and future?) Congressional candidate, has opened a $500 Threshold Committee for a run at the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board. Someone like Murphy standing for a public school committee slot is like someone like me standing for chair of the AZGOP. Except that I don't want to kill off and bury the AZGOP, just help defeat them at the ballot box
There will be other names out there once the new district maps are drawn, and once the field for the soon-to-be open U.S. Senate seat sorts itself out.
Later...
Some of the names so far, mostly in a run for Jeff Flake's seat (CD6) sort of way, but not really, since redistricting could make the current CD6 a totally different district (with a couple of other committees thrown in for good measure) -
Republican Kirk Adams, speaker of the Arizona House, from East Mesa
Republican Russell Pearce, president of the Arizona Senate, from Central/West Mesa
Republican Scott Smith, Mayor of Mesa
Republican Chuck Gray, former state senator from LD19 (East Mesa), close to Pearce so probably won't jump into the race if Pearce actually runs
Republican Jay Tibshraeny, current Mayor of Chandler, former state senator, and previously considered an heir-apparent for Flake's seat if Flake moved on/out. Redistricting could affect his decision to run/not run (that caveat could apply to almost every possible candidate, so consider it applied for each one)
Republican Rich Crandall, current state senator from East Mesa. Crandall, Adams, and Gray are all from the same district, LD19, but they aren't close friends by any stretch and could easily end up knocking each other off, helping Smith (if he jumps in)
Republican Gabriela Saucedo Mercer has opened a committee to run against Democratic incumbent Raul Grijalva in CD7. Haven't heard of her before this and don't know much about her. However, if she's a serious candidate (and not just a fringe tea party type), we'll know more later in the year
Republican David Schweikert has opened a reelection committee for his seat
Democrat Harry Mitchell hasn't ruled out a run for a rematch with Schweikert, looking to reclaim the seat he formerly held
Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick, like Mitchell a former member of Congress, may also run again
Republican Hugh Hallman, Mayor of Tempe, has ambitions for higher office, but any run for Congress will depend on redistricting and which other candidates jump in
Democrat Neil Giuliano, former Mayor of Tempe and former Republican, could also jump in, especially if Mitchell decides against a run. I don't know how close he and Giuliano are, but Mitchell is the political force of nature in Tempe, so his decision will affect that of the other potential candidates
Democrat Phil Gordon, current Mayor of Phoenix whose term expires this year. Noted for his ambition and his Phoenix-based campaign machine, if he doesn't go for the Senate seat, is seen as likely to pursue a Congressional run. Of course, he could go for Governor in 2014, or for McCain's Senate seat in 2016, or...? :)
Republican State Senator Rick Murphy, a former (and future?) Congressional candidate, has opened a $500 Threshold Committee for a run at the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board. Someone like Murphy standing for a public school committee slot is like someone like me standing for chair of the AZGOP. Except that I don't want to kill off and bury the AZGOP, just help defeat them at the ballot box
There will be other names out there once the new district maps are drawn, and once the field for the soon-to-be open U.S. Senate seat sorts itself out.
Later...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Redistricting Update: Linda McNulty, lawyer from Tucson, appointed to AIRC
Senator David Schapira, leader of the Democratic caucus in the Arizona Senate, today announced his selection for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) via Facebook -
... I am pleased to announce I have selected Linda McNulty as the final legislative appointment to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. Linda is an exceptionally qualified individual, and Arizonans will be well-served by her appointment to the IRC.McNulty's application for the AIRC is here.
Special Session hiccup
Nothing major, but the special session hasn't gone totally smoothly for the Republicans. Instead of completing passage of their corporate tax giveaway bill today, they're only going to go through Committee of the Whole (COW) today (for proposed amendments).
The bill is still expected complete passage tomorrow...
The bill is still expected complete passage tomorrow...
Monday, February 14, 2011
Birther bill rebuffed; bill to turn hospitals into immigration checkpoints held
Monday wasn't a "good day" at the legislature (too many bad bills *did* pass committee), but it could have been far, far worse.
On the negative side - Center For ArizonaTheocracy Policy bills targeting the judiciary passed committee (SB1472, SB1482, SCR1047), as did SB1466, a Lester Pearce-pushed bill to give a JP control over prosecutions in his/her courtroom (he's Russell Pearce's brother and a Maricopa County Justice of the Peace). Also passed were SB1467 (barring educational institutions from enacting or enforcing a policy against carrying a concealed weapon on campus) and SB1469 (expanding the justifications for using deadly force). Also passed: SB1471, SB1473, and SB1412, changes to election laws that would serve to suppress the vote (especially 1412).
And that was all before I left the meeting, after more than three hours. There were more bad bills on the agenda.
However, on the positive side -
SB1526, Sen. Ron Gould's "birther" bill, was defeated on a 3 - 5 vote when three Republicans on the committee expressed strong reservations with the bill, especially with clauses in the bill regarding ballot eligibility for presidential candidates that are far more stringent than those in the U.S. Constitution.
SB1481, Gould's plan to expand the size of the Arizona Supreme Court to seven justices (from the current five) failed when Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch testified that she was surprised by the bill, not least because no one had spoken to her about the scheme.
SB1405, the plan to turn hospitals into immigration checkpoints, was held/pulled when committee chair Gould realized that the 75+ members of the public present in the hearing room were there to oppose the bill, and like the anti-14th Amendment bills last week, he may not have had the votes to pass a bill that is this extreme.
Lastly, the two anti-14th Amendment bills, SB1308 and SB1309, have been reassigned to the Appropriations Committee and were scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, but that agenda was revised Monday, pulling the two bills.
Not a perfect day, not by a long shot, but for the first time in a while, it was only a "bad" day, not a "shameful" one.
Little victories...
Pics from the day -
Chief Justice Berch at the Judiciary Committee meeting
Sen. Steve Gallardo at the SB1405 press conference
Arizona "Copper Chopper" in honor of Statehood Day
Dr. George Pauk at the formal press conference on SB1405, speaking on behalf of the Phoenix Urban Health Collective
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Sen. Ron Gould speaking before the Judiciary Committee meeting
Dr. George Pauk, speaking at an impromptu press conference outside the legislature on the effects of SB1405
On the negative side - Center For Arizona
And that was all before I left the meeting, after more than three hours. There were more bad bills on the agenda.
However, on the positive side -
SB1526, Sen. Ron Gould's "birther" bill, was defeated on a 3 - 5 vote when three Republicans on the committee expressed strong reservations with the bill, especially with clauses in the bill regarding ballot eligibility for presidential candidates that are far more stringent than those in the U.S. Constitution.
SB1481, Gould's plan to expand the size of the Arizona Supreme Court to seven justices (from the current five) failed when Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch testified that she was surprised by the bill, not least because no one had spoken to her about the scheme.
SB1405, the plan to turn hospitals into immigration checkpoints, was held/pulled when committee chair Gould realized that the 75+ members of the public present in the hearing room were there to oppose the bill, and like the anti-14th Amendment bills last week, he may not have had the votes to pass a bill that is this extreme.
Lastly, the two anti-14th Amendment bills, SB1308 and SB1309, have been reassigned to the Appropriations Committee and were scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, but that agenda was revised Monday, pulling the two bills.
Not a perfect day, not by a long shot, but for the first time in a while, it was only a "bad" day, not a "shameful" one.
Little victories...
Pics from the day -
Chief Justice Berch at the Judiciary Committee meeting
Sen. Steve Gallardo at the SB1405 press conference
Arizona "Copper Chopper" in honor of Statehood Day
Dr. George Pauk at the formal press conference on SB1405, speaking on behalf of the Phoenix Urban Health Collective
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Sen. Ron Gould speaking before the Judiciary Committee meeting
WOW - birther bill dies in committee
Quick hit-
The first bill heard in Monday's Senate Judiciary Committee, SB1526, was a "birther" bill. Sponsored by the committee chair, Sen. Ron Gould, it looked to have easy sailing through committee, but led by Democrats Kyrsten Sinema and Steve Gallardo, the committee turned the bill back.
Republicans John McComish, Adam Driggs, and Rick Murphy joined Sinema and Gallardo in questioning the expansiveness of the bill and voted against it.
The bill isn't "dead" until the end of the session (it can come back as a strike-everything amendment to another bill at any time), but this is a stinging defeat for Gould.
I'd say he has a sour look on his face, but that's normal for him. :)
Seriously though, he doesn't look happy.
More later...
The first bill heard in Monday's Senate Judiciary Committee, SB1526, was a "birther" bill. Sponsored by the committee chair, Sen. Ron Gould, it looked to have easy sailing through committee, but led by Democrats Kyrsten Sinema and Steve Gallardo, the committee turned the bill back.
Republicans John McComish, Adam Driggs, and Rick Murphy joined Sinema and Gallardo in questioning the expansiveness of the bill and voted against it.
The bill isn't "dead" until the end of the session (it can come back as a strike-everything amendment to another bill at any time), but this is a stinging defeat for Gould.
I'd say he has a sour look on his face, but that's normal for him. :)
Seriously though, he doesn't look happy.
More later...
Special Session called for later today
Nothing has been posted on the Governor's website and no bills have been posted on the legislature's website, but a special session will "organize" at 1:45 p.m.
The scope of the call for a special session only includes corporate tax cuts, but nothing that addresses the deficit (other than making it bigger).
More later...
The scope of the call for a special session only includes corporate tax cuts, but nothing that addresses the deficit (other than making it bigger).
More later...
Giffords update: She's talking!
From AP, via Yahoo! News -
Stay tuned...
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords can walk while holding onto a cart, mouth the lyrics to easy songs and have simple conversations, according to family, staff and her doctors.She has progressed from speaking single words to short conversations in just a few days. This is GREAT news for her and for anybody who cares about her.
Mark Kelly said in an interview broadcast Monday on NBC that he can ask his wife questions and she can respond.
"The communication is coming back very quickly," he said.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Republicans running wild in D.C. - IOKIYAR rules the day
If you have a few minutes (50 or so) and appreciate subtle farce, take a look at this video of Congressman Anthony Weiner taking U.S. House Republicans to task for failing to follow their own rules when introducing new legislation.
When the GOP took over the House of Representatives earlier this year, they made a big show of enacting a rule that requires that a member who introduces legislation must cite the section of the Constitution the specifically grants to Congress the power to legislate in that area.
When the Republicans introduced H.R. 358, one they have named the "Protect Life Act," they were in such a rush to appease a certain segment of their base that they sort of neglected to make the proper citation.
And Congressman Weiner didn't give them a free pass on their hypocrisy. :))
Later...
When the GOP took over the House of Representatives earlier this year, they made a big show of enacting a rule that requires that a member who introduces legislation must cite the section of the Constitution the specifically grants to Congress the power to legislate in that area.
When the Republicans introduced H.R. 358, one they have named the "Protect Life Act," they were in such a rush to appease a certain segment of their base that they sort of neglected to make the proper citation.
And Congressman Weiner didn't give them a free pass on their hypocrisy. :))
Later...
Legislative update: special session likely this week
As reported by KPHO and elsewhere, and confirmed by other sources, Governor Jan Brewer is likely to call a special session of the state legislature to pass a package of corporate tax cuts.
According to one source who has seen a preliminary version of the package, it will cost the state $500 million to $800 million and isn't paid for, so more massive budget cuts, probably to K-12 education, will be needed.
The 49th Arizona Legislature (2009-2010) had nine "special" sessions. The 50th Arizona Legislature (2011-2012) looks to be on pace to eclipse that mark.
More details as they become available...
According to one source who has seen a preliminary version of the package, it will cost the state $500 million to $800 million and isn't paid for, so more massive budget cuts, probably to K-12 education, will be needed.
The 49th Arizona Legislature (2009-2010) had nine "special" sessions. The 50th Arizona Legislature (2011-2012) looks to be on pace to eclipse that mark.
More details as they become available...
The Coming Week, Legislative Edition - Chapter 2: The AZ House
As usual, all info gathered from the website of the Arizona Legislature and other online sources and subject to change without notice.
Like last week, the committee schedules for the coming week are so full (and so *bad*) that this will be a split post. In addition, committee agendas are so full, that I could easily have missed something important. If a committee covers an area of interest to you, check out the agenda to make certain nothing is slipping through.
The House's schedule is up now; it seems quieter than the Senate's, but there are still a number of bad bills up this week.
Note: there are a number of "strike-everything" amendments (aka - "strikers") on this week's agendas, but no text is available for many of them as of this writing. I'll note where one is on the agenda, even if the exact nature of the amendment isn't yet known.
Note2 - an "HHR" designation on a meeting room indicates a "House Hearing Room."
In House committee activity this week -
- Rules will meet on Monday at 10 a.m. in HHR4. Long agenda, rubber stamp.
- Ways and Means will meet Monday at 2 p.m. in HHR1. As with Senate Finance, most of the bills are so subtle it would take someone with more time and knowledge than I have to properly summarize them here. However a couple of the measures do stand out - a striker to HB2166, relating to the property tax classification of low income multifamily housing; HB2597, a bill to reduce the corporate tax rate to 5.4%, paid for by repealing corporate tax credits. This one is sponsored by Democrats, hence it is fiscally responsible and has almost no chance of passing; a striker to HB2279, relating to "insurance tax credit; renewable energy"; a striker to HB2289, relating to "municipal taxes; real property rental".
Let me be clear on this agenda - there are a *lot* of bad bills here, but they are the kind that damage the state's fiscal stability for years, not the kind that get coverage on MSNBC or Dailykos. Watch these bills.
- Energy and Natural Resources will meet Monday at 2 p.m. in HHR4. On the agenda: HB2006, Jack Harper's plan to allow firearms within game refuges; a striker to HB2485, relating to "government land; private land; study"; HCM2002, a postcard to the feds asking them to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list.
- Education will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in HHR3. On the agenda: HB2002, barring school districts from expending money to join an organization that attempts to influence the outcome of an election or advocates for/against proposed legislation (aimed squarely at the Arizona School Boards Association); a striker to HB2219, relating to "study committee; unification; consolidation" (creating a committee to reduce the number of school districts and/or schools in those districts); HB2301, mandating that school districts use at least half of their "maintenance and operations" funding for classroom employee salaries and allows districts to use "soft capital" money for "any lawful purpose" ("soft capital" is things like books and desks and such and is the first thing that is cut in any down year); HB2419 and HB2420, related bills requiring school districts to hire and retain phonics-certified reading teachers for K-3 (aka - micromanaging schools); HB2710, creating a committee to study ways to implement an "outcome-based" system of funding education in Arizona.
- Banking and Insurance will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in HHR5. On the agenda: HB2221, creating the Bank of Arizona, backed by taxpayer monies.
- Government will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in HHR4. Long agenda. Highlights/lowlights: a striker to HB2064, relating to "dilapidated building; definition"; HB2140, limiting the ability of landlords to put firearms-related clauses in leases/rental agreements; a striker to HB2204, allowing municipalities to engage in regulated gambling without entering into a tribal-state gaming compact, and that any municipality that does so won't receive any revenue sharing money; a striker to HB2308, making February 14, 2012 a legal holiday called "Arizona Centennial Statehood Day"; a striker to HB2500, relating to "political signs; public right of way"; HB2644. barring municipalities, counties, or state agencies from accepting money for a construction project if those funds are conditioned on giving a preference to union labor for the project; a striker to HB2720 relating to "classification; vicious animal assault'.
Environment will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in HHR5. On the agenda: a striker to HB2136, establishing a state agency fee commission to study, you know, fees assessed by state agencies; a striker to HB2538, barring prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) policies for public works projects; HB2665, weakening enforcement of environmental regulations.
- Employment and Regulatory Affairs will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in HHR3. On the agenda: a striker to HB2165, reducing the length of time folks are eligible for unemployment benefits (from 26 weeks to 16 weeks); a striker to HB2423 relating to the AZ Attorney General's Office entering into contingency fee contracts with private attorneys; a striker to HB2541, relating to "medical marijuana; employer monitoring"; and the big one, HB2726, Speaker Kirk Adams' "reform" of the state's public employee pension plans (legislative staff-written summary here, proposed amendments here, here, and here).
- Military Affairs and Public Safety will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR3. On the agenda: HB2077, requiring any federal agency to register with a county's sheriff and pay a fee before operating in that county; HB2583, stating that if someone commits an act of violence and then calls for emergency services, their statements (in the 9-1-1 calls) aren't admissable in court or are public records subject to release; HB2677, imposing a fee/tax on money transfers to locations outside of the country. It's aimed at Mexican nationals sending money to their families in Mexico, but it's written so broadly that the corporate business lobby may weigh in against this one.
- Health and Human Services will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR4. On the agenda: a striker from HB2099, relating to "hospice care; restoration" to AHCCCS (from Rep. Matt Heinz); a striker to HB2210, relating to "information; health insurance claims; disclosure" (no text available); a striker to HB2211, relating to "inpatient evaluation or treatment" (no text available).
- Commerce will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR5. On the agenda: HB2080, regulating "high volume internet sellers". Aimed at users of EBay and similar sites. Probably pushed by lobbyists from "bricks and mortar" retailed, sponsored by Jim Weiers; HB2191, also from Jim Weiers, lowering the education requirements for someone to receive a cosmetologist's licence; HB2550, Weiers' scheme to bring back payday loans by another name ("small installment loans); HB2584, removing the legal prohibition barring an employer or insurer from requiring that a patient be treated by a specific provider (titled "workers' compensation; directed care").
- Appropriations will meet on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in HHR1. On the agenda: HB2577, allowing the legislature to "sweep" and reappropriate "non-custodial" federal monies; HB2707, relating to "general fund revenue limit". Seems designed to encourage the transfer of state functions to other levels of government, but this one is wordy and should be studied by people with more expertise in this area.
- Transportation will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR3. On the agenda: HB2555, removing the ability of municipalities and other political subdivisions to regulate taxis within their jurisdictions. Soon-to-be breaking news: SpikeTV announces their newest 'reality' TV show - "Demolition Derby: Sky Harbor Airport".
- Technology and Infrastructure will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR1. On the agenda: a striker to HB2114, relating to "large scale computing study" (no text available).
- Judiciary will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR4. Looks quiet so far, but there are a couple of bills where I'm not entirely certain about their intent.
- Agriculture and Water will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR5. Looks quiet so far, but bills like HB2312 and HB2314 could be sneaky bad and may warrant examination later in the week.
Later...
Like last week, the committee schedules for the coming week are so full (and so *bad*) that this will be a split post. In addition, committee agendas are so full, that I could easily have missed something important. If a committee covers an area of interest to you, check out the agenda to make certain nothing is slipping through.
The House's schedule is up now; it seems quieter than the Senate's, but there are still a number of bad bills up this week.
Note: there are a number of "strike-everything" amendments (aka - "strikers") on this week's agendas, but no text is available for many of them as of this writing. I'll note where one is on the agenda, even if the exact nature of the amendment isn't yet known.
Note2 - an "HHR" designation on a meeting room indicates a "House Hearing Room."
In House committee activity this week -
- Rules will meet on Monday at 10 a.m. in HHR4. Long agenda, rubber stamp.
- Ways and Means will meet Monday at 2 p.m. in HHR1. As with Senate Finance, most of the bills are so subtle it would take someone with more time and knowledge than I have to properly summarize them here. However a couple of the measures do stand out - a striker to HB2166, relating to the property tax classification of low income multifamily housing; HB2597, a bill to reduce the corporate tax rate to 5.4%, paid for by repealing corporate tax credits. This one is sponsored by Democrats, hence it is fiscally responsible and has almost no chance of passing; a striker to HB2279, relating to "insurance tax credit; renewable energy"; a striker to HB2289, relating to "municipal taxes; real property rental".
Let me be clear on this agenda - there are a *lot* of bad bills here, but they are the kind that damage the state's fiscal stability for years, not the kind that get coverage on MSNBC or Dailykos. Watch these bills.
- Energy and Natural Resources will meet Monday at 2 p.m. in HHR4. On the agenda: HB2006, Jack Harper's plan to allow firearms within game refuges; a striker to HB2485, relating to "government land; private land; study"; HCM2002, a postcard to the feds asking them to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list.
- Education will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in HHR3. On the agenda: HB2002, barring school districts from expending money to join an organization that attempts to influence the outcome of an election or advocates for/against proposed legislation (aimed squarely at the Arizona School Boards Association); a striker to HB2219, relating to "study committee; unification; consolidation" (creating a committee to reduce the number of school districts and/or schools in those districts); HB2301, mandating that school districts use at least half of their "maintenance and operations" funding for classroom employee salaries and allows districts to use "soft capital" money for "any lawful purpose" ("soft capital" is things like books and desks and such and is the first thing that is cut in any down year); HB2419 and HB2420, related bills requiring school districts to hire and retain phonics-certified reading teachers for K-3 (aka - micromanaging schools); HB2710, creating a committee to study ways to implement an "outcome-based" system of funding education in Arizona.
- Banking and Insurance will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in HHR5. On the agenda: HB2221, creating the Bank of Arizona, backed by taxpayer monies.
- Government will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in HHR4. Long agenda. Highlights/lowlights: a striker to HB2064, relating to "dilapidated building; definition"; HB2140, limiting the ability of landlords to put firearms-related clauses in leases/rental agreements; a striker to HB2204, allowing municipalities to engage in regulated gambling without entering into a tribal-state gaming compact, and that any municipality that does so won't receive any revenue sharing money; a striker to HB2308, making February 14, 2012 a legal holiday called "Arizona Centennial Statehood Day"; a striker to HB2500, relating to "political signs; public right of way"; HB2644. barring municipalities, counties, or state agencies from accepting money for a construction project if those funds are conditioned on giving a preference to union labor for the project; a striker to HB2720 relating to "classification; vicious animal assault'.
Environment will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in HHR5. On the agenda: a striker to HB2136, establishing a state agency fee commission to study, you know, fees assessed by state agencies; a striker to HB2538, barring prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) policies for public works projects; HB2665, weakening enforcement of environmental regulations.
- Employment and Regulatory Affairs will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in HHR3. On the agenda: a striker to HB2165, reducing the length of time folks are eligible for unemployment benefits (from 26 weeks to 16 weeks); a striker to HB2423 relating to the AZ Attorney General's Office entering into contingency fee contracts with private attorneys; a striker to HB2541, relating to "medical marijuana; employer monitoring"; and the big one, HB2726, Speaker Kirk Adams' "reform" of the state's public employee pension plans (legislative staff-written summary here, proposed amendments here, here, and here).
- Military Affairs and Public Safety will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR3. On the agenda: HB2077, requiring any federal agency to register with a county's sheriff and pay a fee before operating in that county; HB2583, stating that if someone commits an act of violence and then calls for emergency services, their statements (in the 9-1-1 calls) aren't admissable in court or are public records subject to release; HB2677, imposing a fee/tax on money transfers to locations outside of the country. It's aimed at Mexican nationals sending money to their families in Mexico, but it's written so broadly that the corporate business lobby may weigh in against this one.
- Health and Human Services will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR4. On the agenda: a striker from HB2099, relating to "hospice care; restoration" to AHCCCS (from Rep. Matt Heinz); a striker to HB2210, relating to "information; health insurance claims; disclosure" (no text available); a striker to HB2211, relating to "inpatient evaluation or treatment" (no text available).
- Commerce will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in HHR5. On the agenda: HB2080, regulating "high volume internet sellers". Aimed at users of EBay and similar sites. Probably pushed by lobbyists from "bricks and mortar" retailed, sponsored by Jim Weiers; HB2191, also from Jim Weiers, lowering the education requirements for someone to receive a cosmetologist's licence; HB2550, Weiers' scheme to bring back payday loans by another name ("small installment loans); HB2584, removing the legal prohibition barring an employer or insurer from requiring that a patient be treated by a specific provider (titled "workers' compensation; directed care").
- Appropriations will meet on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in HHR1. On the agenda: HB2577, allowing the legislature to "sweep" and reappropriate "non-custodial" federal monies; HB2707, relating to "general fund revenue limit". Seems designed to encourage the transfer of state functions to other levels of government, but this one is wordy and should be studied by people with more expertise in this area.
- Transportation will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR3. On the agenda: HB2555, removing the ability of municipalities and other political subdivisions to regulate taxis within their jurisdictions. Soon-to-be breaking news: SpikeTV announces their newest 'reality' TV show - "Demolition Derby: Sky Harbor Airport".
- Technology and Infrastructure will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR1. On the agenda: a striker to HB2114, relating to "large scale computing study" (no text available).
- Judiciary will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR4. Looks quiet so far, but there are a couple of bills where I'm not entirely certain about their intent.
- Agriculture and Water will meet on Thursday at 9 a.m. in HHR5. Looks quiet so far, but bills like HB2312 and HB2314 could be sneaky bad and may warrant examination later in the week.
Later...
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The coming week: Legislative Edition, Chapter 1 - Arizona Senate
As usual, all info gathered from the website of the Arizona Legislature and other online sources and subject to change without notice.
Like last week, the committee schedules for the coming week are so full (and so *bad*) that this will be a split post. In addition, committee agendas are so full, that I could easily have missed something important. If a committee covers an area of interest to you, check out the agenda to make certain nothing is slipping through.
The Senate's schedule is up first, with a summary of House activity posted sometime Sunday...
Note: there are a number of "strike-everything" amendments (aka - "strikers") on this week's agendas, but no text is available for many of them as of this writing. I'll note where one is on the agenda, even if the exact nature of the amendment isn't yet known.
Note2 - an "SHR" designation on a meeting room indicates a "Senate Hearing Room."
In Senate committee activity this week -
- Rules will meet on Monday at 1 p.m. in Caucus Room 1. Long agenda and lots of bad bills, but this committee is purely a rubber stamp/gate keeper for Senate President Russell Pearce. No real debate or discussion will take place here.
- Natural Resources and Transportation will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in SHR109. On the agenda: a striker to SCM1005, urging the U.S. Congress to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced federal budget; a striker to SB1270 to turn it into an "ADOT omnibus" bill; a striker to SB1371 to turn it into a "revenue allocation authority" bill; a striker to SB1432, turning it into a bill about "off road vehicles; sales"; SB1538, a very mild ban on texting while driving.
- Judiciary will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in SHR1. This agenda is long and ugly: SB1526, Sen. Ron Gould's "birther" bill; SB1472, mandating the publication of arguments on the retention of the judges on the ballot; SB1481, expanding the membership of the Arizona Supreme Court to seven justices from five; SB1469, greatly expanding the allowable uses of deadly force; SB1464, mandating that private prison operators are subject to the same public records rules as state prison operators (a good bill; not coincidentally, one proposed by Democrats like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema); SCR1034, the "we can ignore any federal law or regulation we don't like" (aka - "nullification") bill; SB1405, impeding immigrant health care by turning hospitals into immigration status screening stations; SCR1054, a proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution mandating that any punitive damages awarded as a result of a lawsuit be redirected into a state fund; SB1355, limiting the amount of punitive damages and the circumstances under which they may be awarded; SCR1055, "instructing" all U.S. Representatives and Senators from AZ to cosponsor and vote for a federal office term limits amendment to the U.S. Constitution; SB1330, reducing voters' ability to cast early ballots by requiring that the signature on the ballot envelope be notarized.
There were others of questionable value, but this paragraph is long enough as it is.
Note: there will be a healthcare providers/community press conference regarding SB1405 at noon on Monday at the legislature.
- Education will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in SHR3. On the agenda: a striker to SCR1005, expressing the legislative Republicans' dislike of federal rules and regulations that impact private for-profit colleges; SB1209, mandating that each school district in the state publish the salary of each of its employees, including teachers; SB1256, an "education omnibus" bill and SB1258, relating to per pupil funding . These 2 bills make all sorts of changes to education laws in AZ and should be analyzed by someone who is more knowledgeable in this area.
- Veterans and Military Affairs will meet on Tuesday at 9 a.m. in SHR3. Looks quiet so far.
- Banking and Insurance will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in SHR3. On the agenda: a striker to SB1039, relating to "housing finance program" (no text available); SB1590, allowing two or more employers enter into a joint health insurance/risk pool (only it won't be called "insurance"); SB1593, allowing out of state insurers to sell insurance in AZ without regulation by Arizona; SB1594, essentially mandating continued coverage of "biologics or a plasma‑derived prescription drug" by an insurance company if it already does so. This looks like a lobbyist-driven measure.
- Appropriations will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in SHR109. Another bad one. On the agenda: a striker to SB1013, relating to the Capitol Police; SB1216, mandating the imposition of a copay upon a woman who receives obstetric services covered by AHCCCS (minimum: $150); SB1308 and SB1309, the anti-14th Amendment bills that didn't pass the Judiciary Committee last week; SB1399, eliminating the publication requirements for the formation of corporations and business partnerships, instead the info will only be posted on the website of one or both of the Arizona Corporation Commission or Arizona Secretary of State; SB1491, relating to the privatization of correctional health services; SB1518, would suspend any funding of new school construction and mandate that school districts use charter schools to address any need for additional capacity; SB1561, allowing the legislature to "sweep" and reappropriate as it sees fit any "non-custodial" federal monies (such as block grants); and SCR1051, a proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution that would allow the legislature to override the voters' will if we pass a program that requires funding from the state's General Fund.
- Commerce and Energy will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in SHR109. On the agenda: three executive nominations - Fletcher, Gonzalez, Everett; a striker to SB1041 relating to "invest Arizona" (no text available); a striker to SB1403, relating to "mandatory project labor agreements; prohibitions" (no text available, but this is probably an anti-union measure targeting Davis-Bacon Act wage requirements, but without seeing the actual language, I'm not absolutely certain of that); SB1545, Al Melvin's declaration that nuclear fuel created in Arizona isn't subject to federal regulation or jurisdiction; SB1547, Melvin's scheme to dictate energy transmission line siting criteria to the Arizona Corporation Commission; SB1548, Melvin's scheme to fund public education in Arizona via the establishment of a nuclear fuel recycling facility in Arizona (what? no provision that any such facility be built *next* to a school? Melvin needs a refill for his glass of Kool-Aid); SB1569, making it more difficult for a homeowner to file a complaint about their newly-built home; SCM1007, a postcard to the feds asking them to allow more mining in Arizona; SCR1050, a proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution to mandate the election of members of the Arizona Corporation Commission by district.
- Public Safety and Human Services will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in SHR3. On the agenda: a striker to SB1020 barring the issuance of a private investigator's license to peace officers, including reserves; SB1083, allowing a non-custodial parent to block a move by a custodial parent; SB1189 and SB1190, mandating that developmentally disabled persons in state care be moved from skilled nursing facilities into "intermediate care" facilities (SB1189) and the outsourcing/privatizing that intermediate care (SB1190); a striker to SB1377, relating to "schools; notification; drug use" (no text available); SB1499, "probate omnibus" (long and involved and should be looked at by someone more knowledgeable on the subject); SB1520, a measure related to "Arizona background clearance card" (another long and involved measure); SB1541, mandating a specific overtime policy for deputy county sheriffs (seems to be targeted at one county, but I'm not sure which one or why); SB1560, relating to "dependent children; hearings; notice", contains a clause that mandates that someone who refuses to take a test to determine the parentage of a child relinquishes all parental rights to that child, though that someone may still be required to pay child support.
- Government Reform will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in SHR1. A bad one. On the agenda: SB1282, exempting politically active religious groups/organizations from registering as political committees; SB1286, mandating that a municipality must approve/deny a permit within 60 days of receipt of an application for one, or it is considered approved after 60 days; SB1288, exempting (for the most part) religious professionals from the standards of conduct for their professions (i.e. - if a pharmacist refuses to fill a prescription for birth control, he can cite his religious beliefs to avoid professional sanctions); SB1325, barring labor unions from using union dues for political activity, with certain exceptions; SB1352 and SB1354, banning local photo radar traffic enforcement (SB1352) and making photo rader-based tickets unenforceable (SB1354); SB1358, adding Arizona residency and sourcing requirements to the state's new medical marijuana law, would require a 3/4 vote to pass, and might not survive a legal challenge at that - it doesn't further the purpose of the voter-protected law; SB1365, restricting payroll deductions for poltical purposes (my guess is that this is targeted toward unionized workers, especially teachers); a striker for SB1374 relating to "municipalities; counties; fire sprinklers; code" (no text available, but earlier this session, there was a bill to bar counties and municipalities from requiring fire suppression sprinklers in new homes); a striker to SB1379 relating to "fireworks" (no text available); SB1410, declaring that a county sheriff is the supreme law enforcement official within his county; SB1411, making each elected county office an independent fiefdom (in counties with a population of more than 350K people); a striker to SB1414, relating to "local flexibility spending" (no text available); SB1501, eliminating the one-year waiting period for former legislators who want to become professional lobbyists; SB1523, restricting sanitary districts from enacting moratoriums on new construction; SB1555, barring withholding/payroll deduction of union dues for government employees (definitely targeted at teachers); SB1598, inhibiting the ability of municipalities and counties to enforce regulations and licensing standards (this is a long one, so summing this up in a single sentence is an activity that is fraught with the likelihood of missed nuances); SB1605, ending the requirement of counties, etc. to publicly advertise requests for proposals (RFPs); SCR1027, a retroactive proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution to require regular voter reauthorization of certain voter-enacted measures affecting general fund revenues and expenditures; SCR1029, if approved by the voters (and hence voter-protected), a ban on photo radar; SCR1035, making the strictures of the state's "English as the official language" law even stricter; SCR1052, a proposed amendment to the AZ Constitution to make the state mine inspector an appointed position (it's an elected one right now). This paragraph is so long, I felt it was appropriate to include one good bill in the list. :)
- Economic Development and Jobs Creation will meet on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in SHR109. Only presentations on the agenda so far.
- Water, Land Use, and Rural Development will meet on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in SHR3. On the agenda: a striker for SB1157 relating to "sewer and wastewater charges" (no text available); a striker for SB1512, relating to "bond election; disclosure pamphlet' (no text available); SB1319, requiring a governmental entity, upon acquisition of private property, to sell off or otherwise dispose of an equal quantity of property (based on appraised value) that it already owns; SCR1032, a proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution that seeks to minimize the power of the voters to determine the direction of the state by mandating that any referendum to approve a new or increased tax needs at least 60% support before going into effect.
- Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform will meet on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in SHR1. On the agenda: SB1176, "medical board omnibus," mostly serves to reduce transparency and information available to the public about bad actors in the medical professions; SB1250, apparently seeking to reduce the number of "donor conceived" children by burying health care providers and facilities under paperwork; SB1315, "podiatry board omnibus"; SB1357, imposing a "missed appointment" fee on AHCCCS patients; SB1390, reducing access to abortions for women in rural Arizona; SB1591, requiring the disclosure of health insurance claim information by insurance companies and exempting same from liability for disclosing protected info (but criminalizing non-disclosure); SB1597, declaring that patients have a number of rights relating to their medical information. Seemed like a good bill (an unusual occurrence for the sponsor, Nancy Barto) until I read the clause that declared these "rights" legally unenforceable. Thanks a lot, Sen. Barto. Really.
- Finance will meet on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in SHR1. Most definitely *not* good, but the effects of most of these bills is so subtle it would literally take hours to explain most of these measures. If you are interested in tax policy, public employee pensions or urban revenue sharing, check out the agenda and the bills on it.
- Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty will meet on Thursday at 8:30 in SHR109. On the agenda (and it's easy to tell this committee is chaired by Sylvia "6000 years" Allen): SB1391, SB1392, and SB1395, new Confederacy/"interstate compact" bills all; SB1433, creating a commission to oversee the nullification of federal laws by Arizona legislators; SB1495, establishment of a paramilitary (presumably anti-immigrant) force outside of the National Command Authority; and SB1498, the "awww shucks" bill of the week, Russell Pearce's measure to create "Arizona Centennial Medallions."
Capitol Events note: Monday is the celebration of Statehood Day (#99!). Not sure what events/displays will take place.
Like last week, the committee schedules for the coming week are so full (and so *bad*) that this will be a split post. In addition, committee agendas are so full, that I could easily have missed something important. If a committee covers an area of interest to you, check out the agenda to make certain nothing is slipping through.
The Senate's schedule is up first, with a summary of House activity posted sometime Sunday...
Note: there are a number of "strike-everything" amendments (aka - "strikers") on this week's agendas, but no text is available for many of them as of this writing. I'll note where one is on the agenda, even if the exact nature of the amendment isn't yet known.
Note2 - an "SHR" designation on a meeting room indicates a "Senate Hearing Room."
In Senate committee activity this week -
- Rules will meet on Monday at 1 p.m. in Caucus Room 1. Long agenda and lots of bad bills, but this committee is purely a rubber stamp/gate keeper for Senate President Russell Pearce. No real debate or discussion will take place here.
- Natural Resources and Transportation will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in SHR109. On the agenda: a striker to SCM1005, urging the U.S. Congress to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced federal budget; a striker to SB1270 to turn it into an "ADOT omnibus" bill; a striker to SB1371 to turn it into a "revenue allocation authority" bill; a striker to SB1432, turning it into a bill about "off road vehicles; sales"; SB1538, a very mild ban on texting while driving.
- Judiciary will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in SHR1. This agenda is long and ugly: SB1526, Sen. Ron Gould's "birther" bill; SB1472, mandating the publication of arguments on the retention of the judges on the ballot; SB1481, expanding the membership of the Arizona Supreme Court to seven justices from five; SB1469, greatly expanding the allowable uses of deadly force; SB1464, mandating that private prison operators are subject to the same public records rules as state prison operators (a good bill; not coincidentally, one proposed by Democrats like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema); SCR1034, the "we can ignore any federal law or regulation we don't like" (aka - "nullification") bill; SB1405, impeding immigrant health care by turning hospitals into immigration status screening stations; SCR1054, a proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution mandating that any punitive damages awarded as a result of a lawsuit be redirected into a state fund; SB1355, limiting the amount of punitive damages and the circumstances under which they may be awarded; SCR1055, "instructing" all U.S. Representatives and Senators from AZ to cosponsor and vote for a federal office term limits amendment to the U.S. Constitution; SB1330, reducing voters' ability to cast early ballots by requiring that the signature on the ballot envelope be notarized.
There were others of questionable value, but this paragraph is long enough as it is.
Note: there will be a healthcare providers/community press conference regarding SB1405 at noon on Monday at the legislature.
- Education will meet on Monday at 2 p.m. in SHR3. On the agenda: a striker to SCR1005, expressing the legislative Republicans' dislike of federal rules and regulations that impact private for-profit colleges; SB1209, mandating that each school district in the state publish the salary of each of its employees, including teachers; SB1256, an "education omnibus" bill and SB1258, relating to per pupil funding . These 2 bills make all sorts of changes to education laws in AZ and should be analyzed by someone who is more knowledgeable in this area.
- Veterans and Military Affairs will meet on Tuesday at 9 a.m. in SHR3. Looks quiet so far.
- Banking and Insurance will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in SHR3. On the agenda: a striker to SB1039, relating to "housing finance program" (no text available); SB1590, allowing two or more employers enter into a joint health insurance/risk pool (only it won't be called "insurance"); SB1593, allowing out of state insurers to sell insurance in AZ without regulation by Arizona; SB1594, essentially mandating continued coverage of "biologics or a plasma‑derived prescription drug" by an insurance company if it already does so. This looks like a lobbyist-driven measure.
- Appropriations will meet on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in SHR109. Another bad one. On the agenda: a striker to SB1013, relating to the Capitol Police; SB1216, mandating the imposition of a copay upon a woman who receives obstetric services covered by AHCCCS (minimum: $150); SB1308 and SB1309, the anti-14th Amendment bills that didn't pass the Judiciary Committee last week; SB1399, eliminating the publication requirements for the formation of corporations and business partnerships, instead the info will only be posted on the website of one or both of the Arizona Corporation Commission or Arizona Secretary of State; SB1491, relating to the privatization of correctional health services; SB1518, would suspend any funding of new school construction and mandate that school districts use charter schools to address any need for additional capacity; SB1561, allowing the legislature to "sweep" and reappropriate as it sees fit any "non-custodial" federal monies (such as block grants); and SCR1051, a proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution that would allow the legislature to override the voters' will if we pass a program that requires funding from the state's General Fund.
- Commerce and Energy will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in SHR109. On the agenda: three executive nominations - Fletcher, Gonzalez, Everett; a striker to SB1041 relating to "invest Arizona" (no text available); a striker to SB1403, relating to "mandatory project labor agreements; prohibitions" (no text available, but this is probably an anti-union measure targeting Davis-Bacon Act wage requirements, but without seeing the actual language, I'm not absolutely certain of that); SB1545, Al Melvin's declaration that nuclear fuel created in Arizona isn't subject to federal regulation or jurisdiction; SB1547, Melvin's scheme to dictate energy transmission line siting criteria to the Arizona Corporation Commission; SB1548, Melvin's scheme to fund public education in Arizona via the establishment of a nuclear fuel recycling facility in Arizona (what? no provision that any such facility be built *next* to a school? Melvin needs a refill for his glass of Kool-Aid); SB1569, making it more difficult for a homeowner to file a complaint about their newly-built home; SCM1007, a postcard to the feds asking them to allow more mining in Arizona; SCR1050, a proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution to mandate the election of members of the Arizona Corporation Commission by district.
- Public Safety and Human Services will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in SHR3. On the agenda: a striker to SB1020 barring the issuance of a private investigator's license to peace officers, including reserves; SB1083, allowing a non-custodial parent to block a move by a custodial parent; SB1189 and SB1190, mandating that developmentally disabled persons in state care be moved from skilled nursing facilities into "intermediate care" facilities (SB1189) and the outsourcing/privatizing that intermediate care (SB1190); a striker to SB1377, relating to "schools; notification; drug use" (no text available); SB1499, "probate omnibus" (long and involved and should be looked at by someone more knowledgeable on the subject); SB1520, a measure related to "Arizona background clearance card" (another long and involved measure); SB1541, mandating a specific overtime policy for deputy county sheriffs (seems to be targeted at one county, but I'm not sure which one or why); SB1560, relating to "dependent children; hearings; notice", contains a clause that mandates that someone who refuses to take a test to determine the parentage of a child relinquishes all parental rights to that child, though that someone may still be required to pay child support.
- Government Reform will meet on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in SHR1. A bad one. On the agenda: SB1282, exempting politically active religious groups/organizations from registering as political committees; SB1286, mandating that a municipality must approve/deny a permit within 60 days of receipt of an application for one, or it is considered approved after 60 days; SB1288, exempting (for the most part) religious professionals from the standards of conduct for their professions (i.e. - if a pharmacist refuses to fill a prescription for birth control, he can cite his religious beliefs to avoid professional sanctions); SB1325, barring labor unions from using union dues for political activity, with certain exceptions; SB1352 and SB1354, banning local photo radar traffic enforcement (SB1352) and making photo rader-based tickets unenforceable (SB1354); SB1358, adding Arizona residency and sourcing requirements to the state's new medical marijuana law, would require a 3/4 vote to pass, and might not survive a legal challenge at that - it doesn't further the purpose of the voter-protected law; SB1365, restricting payroll deductions for poltical purposes (my guess is that this is targeted toward unionized workers, especially teachers); a striker for SB1374 relating to "municipalities; counties; fire sprinklers; code" (no text available, but earlier this session, there was a bill to bar counties and municipalities from requiring fire suppression sprinklers in new homes); a striker to SB1379 relating to "fireworks" (no text available); SB1410, declaring that a county sheriff is the supreme law enforcement official within his county; SB1411, making each elected county office an independent fiefdom (in counties with a population of more than 350K people); a striker to SB1414, relating to "local flexibility spending" (no text available); SB1501, eliminating the one-year waiting period for former legislators who want to become professional lobbyists; SB1523, restricting sanitary districts from enacting moratoriums on new construction; SB1555, barring withholding/payroll deduction of union dues for government employees (definitely targeted at teachers); SB1598, inhibiting the ability of municipalities and counties to enforce regulations and licensing standards (this is a long one, so summing this up in a single sentence is an activity that is fraught with the likelihood of missed nuances); SB1605, ending the requirement of counties, etc. to publicly advertise requests for proposals (RFPs); SCR1027, a retroactive proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution to require regular voter reauthorization of certain voter-enacted measures affecting general fund revenues and expenditures; SCR1029, if approved by the voters (and hence voter-protected), a ban on photo radar; SCR1035, making the strictures of the state's "English as the official language" law even stricter; SCR1052, a proposed amendment to the AZ Constitution to make the state mine inspector an appointed position (it's an elected one right now). This paragraph is so long, I felt it was appropriate to include one good bill in the list. :)
- Economic Development and Jobs Creation will meet on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in SHR109. Only presentations on the agenda so far.
- Water, Land Use, and Rural Development will meet on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in SHR3. On the agenda: a striker for SB1157 relating to "sewer and wastewater charges" (no text available); a striker for SB1512, relating to "bond election; disclosure pamphlet' (no text available); SB1319, requiring a governmental entity, upon acquisition of private property, to sell off or otherwise dispose of an equal quantity of property (based on appraised value) that it already owns; SCR1032, a proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution that seeks to minimize the power of the voters to determine the direction of the state by mandating that any referendum to approve a new or increased tax needs at least 60% support before going into effect.
- Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform will meet on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in SHR1. On the agenda: SB1176, "medical board omnibus," mostly serves to reduce transparency and information available to the public about bad actors in the medical professions; SB1250, apparently seeking to reduce the number of "donor conceived" children by burying health care providers and facilities under paperwork; SB1315, "podiatry board omnibus"; SB1357, imposing a "missed appointment" fee on AHCCCS patients; SB1390, reducing access to abortions for women in rural Arizona; SB1591, requiring the disclosure of health insurance claim information by insurance companies and exempting same from liability for disclosing protected info (but criminalizing non-disclosure); SB1597, declaring that patients have a number of rights relating to their medical information. Seemed like a good bill (an unusual occurrence for the sponsor, Nancy Barto) until I read the clause that declared these "rights" legally unenforceable. Thanks a lot, Sen. Barto. Really.
- Finance will meet on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in SHR1. Most definitely *not* good, but the effects of most of these bills is so subtle it would literally take hours to explain most of these measures. If you are interested in tax policy, public employee pensions or urban revenue sharing, check out the agenda and the bills on it.
- Border Security, Federalism, and States Sovereignty will meet on Thursday at 8:30 in SHR109. On the agenda (and it's easy to tell this committee is chaired by Sylvia "6000 years" Allen): SB1391, SB1392, and SB1395, new Confederacy/"interstate compact" bills all; SB1433, creating a commission to oversee the nullification of federal laws by Arizona legislators; SB1495, establishment of a paramilitary (presumably anti-immigrant) force outside of the National Command Authority; and SB1498, the "awww shucks" bill of the week, Russell Pearce's measure to create "Arizona Centennial Medallions."
Capitol Events note: Monday is the celebration of Statehood Day (#99!). Not sure what events/displays will take place.
Friday, February 11, 2011
That didn't take long - Arizona sued over law passed this session
From the Arizona Republic, written by Cecilia Chan -
I'm soooooo proud of Arizona. We're #1, and people love to tell us that.
I just wish they'd use their *index* fingers when telling us. :))
The text of the HB2534, signed into law by Jan Brewer on February 1, is here.
A southern Arizona Indian tribe is suing the state over a new law that attempts to stop a proposed casino near Glendale.
The Tohono O'odham Nation challenge House Bill 2534, which moved rapidly through the state Legislature and was signed by Gov. Jan Brewer on Feb. 2. The measure allows a city, in certain instances, to annex land without the owner's permission if the landowner has asked the federal government to place the property into trust, or as a reservation.We were definitely the first state to have a lawsuit over 2011 redistricting, not even waiting for 2011 to arrive, and I think that we are the first state to be sued over a law passed in 2011 (though that is far from certain).
The law, which takes effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, would allow Glendale to annex land owned by the Tohono O'odham Nation.
I'm soooooo proud of Arizona. We're #1, and people love to tell us that.
I just wish they'd use their *index* fingers when telling us. :))
The text of the HB2534, signed into law by Jan Brewer on February 1, is here.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
LD17 Legislators to hold office hours
Rep. Ed Ableser, Rep. Ben Arredondo, and Sen. David Schapira will meet, greet, and speak to constituents next Saturday at the Tempe Library.
From the website of the Arizona State Senate Democratic Caucus -
From the website of the Arizona State Senate Democratic Caucus -
Senate Minority Leader David Schapira, Rep. Ed Ableser and Rep. Ben Arredondo (District 17)Top to bottom: Sen. David Schapira, Rep. Ben Arredondo, Rep. Ed Ableser
When: Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe
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