Legislative Overview

Today marks the 145th day of the First Regular Session of the 51st Legislature. Activity at the Capitol remained light as neither the House nor the Senate chose to further challenge the bill moratorium imposed by the Governor some time ago. Interestingly, both chambers have taken final actions on bills, but they have yet to send them to the Ninth Floor for gubernatorial action. In 2009, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled in Brewer v Burns that the legislature could only delay transmitting bills as long as is necessary to complete the required clerical actions; however, it appears that the Governor's Office is equally content to let the bills remain in administrative limbo.

The week began with the potential to see a budget move to the floor of the House of Representatives. The Speaker even assigned the bills to the Appropriations Committee, but due to unknown circumstances, efforts to advance the current budget proposal have stalled and no additional action was seen this week. A House Appropriations agenda has been posted for next Monday. At this time, only two bills are noted for consideration: SB 1069, which has a strike-everything amendment on the regulation of abortion clinics, and SB 1492, the budget reconciliation bill containing the Medicaid proposal.

Another week at the Legislature passes without advancing a tax simplification plan. Noting the concerns of Arizona's cities and towns, a number of legislators remain opposed to the current proposal. The League thanks the commitment of those legislators looking to address the few remaining issues.

Elections Changes and HOAs

On Wednesday the Senate passed HB 2518 (city and towns; approval voting) by a vote of 23-0. Amended in the Committee of the Whole earlier in the day, the bill now contains various provisions related to elections and planned communities. The bill no longer proscribes a method of approval voting; rather it establishes a study committee to look at the issue. It does contain essential clean-up language to address items related to consolidated elections, such as incorporation elections and alternative expenditure limitations, but does not address the lengths of terms for councilmembers. It also includes some restrictions on the ability of a municipality to require planned communities. The bill now returns to the House for the sponsor Rep. Justin Olson (R - Mesa) to concur or refuse the Senate changes.

Resolutions Deadline

As a reminder: the deadline for submitting resolutions and accepting appointment to the Resolution Committee is June 14. Please officially accept your appointment or designate a council representative to serve your city/town on the 2013 Resolutions Committee, and submit your resolutions either by emailing your responses to resolutions@azleague.org or by faxing the RSVP form and resolutions format sheet to the League at 602-253-3874.

Other Bills of Note

(All bills being actively monitored by the League can be found here.)

Bill Number - Short Title - Subject(s)

No bills of note.

Legislative Bulletin is published by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
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