Legislative Overview

Despite the shortened work week due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day federal holiday on Monday, the Legislature saw significant committee work take place. Similarly, posted documents for next week indicate that even more robust agendas will be tackled by committees. The League is hopeful that this activity is indicative of a desire to have a succinct session with minimal controversy.

On Friday, the Governor released the Executive Budget for fiscal year 2015. Relevant documents can be found here. The League is encouraged by the recommendation for increased staff and funding to the Department of Revenue, specifically earmarked to assist in the implementation of last year's transaction privilege tax bill, HB 2111. Conversely, it was disappointing to see that although the perennial Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) shift is acknowledged, at this time the Executive FY15 budget does not recommend funding HURF according to the statutory formula. The League will continue to work with the Executive and Legislative branches to express our strong support for true HURF restoration.

On the budgetary front, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) presented to the Legislature this week, comparing the JLBC baseline to the Executive Budget. The presentation can be found here. Cities statewide are encouraged by the current legislative proposal to eliminate the HURF shift in FY 15 and FY 16. The League applauds the Legislature for supporting the elimination of the HURF shift, even if on a temporary basis, as the funding will provide much needed support for local road construction and maintenance projects.

As of this morning, 490 bills and 40 memorials and resolutions have been introduced in the house; compared to 209 bills and 7 memorials and resolutions in the Senate. The League is currently tracking and monitoring 154 pieces of legislation for their potential impacts to cities and towns.

Pension Board Membership

This past Tuesday, the House Insurance and Retirement Committee passed an amended HB 2203 (ASRS; PSPRS; board membership) on a 5-3 vote. The amended bill, sponsored by Rep. Phil Lovas (R-Peoria), modifies the board membership of the Arizona State Retirement System and the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System to include a political subdivision from an urban area and one from a rural area. The League is supportive of the issue, which was the subject of a resolution adopted in August at the League's Annual Conference.

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.
Forward your comments or suggestions to league@azleague.org.