Issue 16 - April 25, 2014

Legislative Overview

At 1:46 A.M. Thursday morning, the Legislature adjourned sine die, marking the end of the Second Regular Session of the 51st Legislature. This session saw the passage of 337 bills, memorials and resolutions. Governor Brewer now has ten days (excluding Sundays) to take action on the remaining bills on her desk. Unless vetoed by the Governor, the general effective date for bills will be July 24.

As might be expected, this week saw a flurry of legislative activity, which included a number of bills that were monitored by the League for the harmful impacts on cities and towns. HB 2448 (NOW: just compensation; tax credits) and HB 2091 (just compensation; tolling; time limitation) were defeated on the floor of the Senate and HB 2339 (firearms; permit holders; public places) and HB 2517 (firearms; state preemption; penalties) were vetoed by the Governor.

Although the Legislature has officially adjourned, their labors are almost assuredly unfinished, as the Governor is expected to call them back in to special session in order to address her desired Child Protective Services reforms.

Graffiti Abatement

HB 2571 (criminal damages; economic costs) passed the Senate Third Read and the House Final Read on Tuesday, was transmitted to the Governor's office on Wednesday and signed into law. Sponsored by Representative Juan Carlos Escamilla (D-San Luis) the measure allows for victims of criminal damage, especially graffiti, to recover full economic costs for the abatement of the damage from the perpetrator. The bill is the product of a League Resolution. We thank Rep. Escamilla for shepherding the bill and Governor Brewer for signing it.

Election Calculations

On Thursday HB 2126 (municipal annexation; size; exception) passed the House on a Final Read vote of 56-1. The bill, among other changes, enacts the provisions of SB 1415 (municipal elections; majority vote calculation) on a temporary basis. This means that cities and towns holding councilmember elections this fall without a mayor on the ballot may be able to save taxpayer dollars by using the total of local ballots cast to determine the winner of council races rather than using the votes cast in the gubernatorial primary. It should be noted that although the language of HB 2126 includes the year 2015, this has no practical effect as there is no presidential or gubernatorial election to skew vote calculations. The League would like to thank the numerous legislators whose hard work and commitment helped get this bill through the legislative process and onto the Governor's desk. The bill now awaits final action from the Governor.

Other Bills of Note

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

Bill Number - Short Title - Subject(s)
Legislative Bulletin is published by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
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