Issue 12 - April 3, 2015

Legislative Overview

With a flurry of conference committees and floor activity the legislature made its final push this week towards sine die, and formally adjourned on April 3rd. There was an unprecedented move by the Senate, who concluded their business unilaterally while the House still had many more bills to consider. Several measures that needed Senate action therefore perished, including SB 1291: firearms; state preemption; penalties and SB 1419: liquor licenses; stores; proximity exemption.

Many bills are however awaiting the governor's action. After the session is over Governor Ducey has 10 days to sign, veto or let bills become law without his signature. Most signed bills will become law on the general effective date of July 3, 2015.

The League will publish its New Laws Report within the next few weeks. There you will find all of the bills that affect cities and towns, with summaries, effective dates and links to the actual bill language. In the meantime feel free to contact us for clarification on pertinent legislative matters.

Firearms in Public Buildings

On Monday HB 2320: firearms; permit holders; public places, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Barton (R-Payson) failed in Committee of the Whole on a roll call vote of 14-15. This measure would have cost the state, cities and counties millions of dollars if those public entities chose to refuse access to their buildings to those people who carry a firearm and have a concealed weapon permit. The League is grateful to those legislators who sided with us.

Pawnbroker Transactions

HB 2419: prohibited transaction fees; municipalities failed to pass the Senate Third Read this Thursday even after being reconsidered. Sponsored by Rep. David Stevens (R-Sierra Vista) the bill would have prohibited cities and towns from charging a transaction fee at pawn shops. This fee is used for law enforcement activity related to tracking stolen goods. We are appreciative of the senators that voted against this anti-public safety bill.

Legislative Bill Monitoring

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

HB 2320: firearms; permit holders; public places

HB 2419: municipalities; pawnbrokers; gold; prohibition fees (commission fees; payment method)
Legislative Bulletin is published by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
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