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Legislative UpdateToday is the 47th day of the second regular session of Arizona's Centennial Legislature. Nearing the halfway mark of the 100-day session deadline established by House and Senate rule, the pace of legislative activity in the Committees of the Whole and on Third Reading calendars accelerated considerably during the past week.Read more... Impacts of Legislative Budget on MunicipalitiesDespite widespread support for returning funding responsibility for the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to the state's general fund, the legislative budget continues the imposition of an assessment on cities and towns to fund departmental operations. The budget assumes a municipal contribution of $6.25 million to ADWR, the same level as last year.Read more... Regulatory Tax CreditsOn Monday, February 20, the House Rules Committee approved HB 2815 (employment; incentives; regulatory tax credit) by a unanimous vote. The bill was cleared in caucus the next day and awaits consideration by the Committee of the Whole.Read more... Department of Water Resources AssessmentOn Wednesday, February 22, the House Appropriations Committee considered and unanimously passed HB 2493 (department of water resources; funding). The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Russ Jones (R-Yuma) establishes a joint legislative study committee to determine alternative funding mechanisms for the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). Furthermore, it repeals the statutory authority of ADWR to impose an assessment on municipalities in two years. The bill previously passed the House Committee on Agriculture and Water and now proceeds to the Rules Committee.Read more... Homeowners' Associations (HOA)On Tuesday, February 21, the House Committee on Government passed SB 1239 (planned communities; zoning; requirements) by a vote of 6-2. The measure prohibits municipalities from requiring a homeowners' association (HOA) as part of a subdivision regulation or zoning ordinance. The League opposes the measure because of its potential to increase the financial burden on taxpayers who do not reside in subject developments. SB 1239 includes language permitting counties to require HOAs to provide for the maintenance of community-owned property. The League proposes that similar permission be granted to cities and towns.HOA Parking and Road EnforcementOn Thursday, February 23, the Senate passed SB 1113 (homeowners' associations, public roadways) by a vote of 18-11. Sponsored by Senator Nancy Barto (R-Phoenix), this bill divests homeowners' associations of their authority over roads that are dedicated to a governmental entity. The League opposes the measure because of the burdens it imposes on local law enforcement and financial resources.Read more... Transaction Privilege Tax Reform CommitteeOn Thursday, February 23, the Senate Committee on Finance unanimously passed HB 2123 (transaction privilege tax reform committee). The bill establishes a 12-member committee to study various issues related to the future of sales and income taxes in Arizona.Read more... Revenue Allocation DistrictsOn Thursday, February 23, HB 2469 (revenue allocation districts) passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 44-13. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Rick Gray (R-Sun City), authorizes municipalities to form Revenue Allocation Districts, which can pledge increases in both property tax and sales tax revenue to secure bonds issued to benefit the district. The League actively supports the measure, which now heads to the Senate for further consideration.Government TransparencyOn Thursday, February 23, HB 2621 (local government budgets; posting; contents) passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 56-1. The legislation makes a number of changes to the statutes governing local government budget processes.Read more... Government DepositsOn Monday, February 20, the House Committee on Banking and Insurance unanimously passed SB 1135 (government deposits). The bill, sponsored by Senator John McComish (R-Phoenix), previously passed the Senate by a vote of 29-0. The League supports the measure.Read more... Law Enforcement OfficersEarlier this week, the House Committee on Employment and Regulatory Affairs decided to hold SB 1212 (law enforcement officers; just cause). Sponsored by Senator Andy Biggs (R-Gilbert), the bill mandates that the same "just cause" process required for the termination of law enforcement officers be applied to demotions and suspensions lasting longer than 40 hours. The League opposes the measure because it limits the authority of municipalities to discipline problematic officers.Traffic EnforcementOn Tuesday, February 21, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed SB 1313 (intersection; definition) by a vote of 9-3. The measure, sponsored by Senator Frank Antenori (R-Tucson), modifies the definition of intersection for those intersections that are managed by traffic control signals. The League opposes the bill as an encroachment on local authority. The legislation now proceeds to the Senate Rules Committee.State Retirement ContributionsThe House Appropriations Committee held a special meeting on Thursday February 23, and considered HB 2264 (ASRS; employee; employer contributions; rate). The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bob Robson (R-Chandler), provides for a 50/50 split between employers and employees with respect to contributions to the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). The measure effectively repeals the portion of last year's SB 1614 that moved ASRS to a 47/53 split between employers and employees, respectively. HB 2264 passed out of committee on a 10-1 vote and was amended to make various technical changes.Legislator Profile - Representative Kimberly Yee Representative Yee has a manner that is, in person, as easy, relaxed and charming as it appears on a local morning television show. She has appeared on this show on several occaions to share her innovative craft and project ideas. Her television colleagues have described her as a "creative crafts guru" and the "most creative person in the world." Given the enormous challenges faced by the State of Arizona, the Legislature can certainly use the creativity and fresh ideas that Yee brings to the enterprise of lawmaking. Read more... |
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Legislative Bulletin is published by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Forward your comments or suggestions to league@azleague.org. |
