It's Not Over Yet‏

Third Special Session This Year

Late afternoon on July 6, the Legislature convened its Third Special Session which was called last week by Governor Brewer to consider two issues: (1) FY10 budget adjustments, and (2) imposition of a temporary tax to raise revenue for education, health and human services, and public safety expenditures. Four bills were introduced related to the first issue of the session call and passed both bodies with overwhelming, bipartisan support. No bills were introduced regarding the second issue of the session call, nor was there any debate of that issue. After passage of these bills, the legislature adjourned until next Monday, July 13.

Wednesday afternoon Governor Brewer signed all four of the budget bills that were passed by the Legislature on Monday. These bills addressed the funds needed for a scheduled July 15 payment to schools, K-12 education, health and welfare, and payments to the legislature for the days they record attendance in the Third Special Session.

HB2001 education; appropriations; 2009-2010

HB2002 K-12 education; budget reconciliation

HB2003 health and welfare; budget reconciliation

HB2004 legislative subsistence payments; exception

In other news, the Legislature has petitioned the Arizona Supreme Court for reconsideration of its ruling earlier this month in Brewer v. Burns regarding transmittal of bills.

Tick Tock

July 14 is the last day the Governor has to act on each of the 212 pieces of legislation on her desk. Her options are to sign, veto or allow a bill to become law without her signature. On Tuesday, Phoenix delivered letters to the Governor requesting that she veto four bills that impact the City -- SB 1123, a measure that attempts to elevate elections in charter cities as a matter of statewide concern; HB 2258, permitting the sale of fireworks; SB 1022, prohibiting removal of political signs in the right-of-way; and SB 1169, a proposal that preempts cities from collecting impoundment fees for abandoned vehicles from towing companies.

As of July 10, the Governor has signed a total of 70 bills. Among those receiving approval were:

SB 1322: Unemployment Insurance; Benefits (Sen. Barbara Leff, R – Paradise Valley) is an emergency measure that temporarily provides 13 to 20 weeks of additional unemployment benefits to workers who exhaust their regular benefits in a time of high unemployment. There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund. This bill was signed by the Governor on 4/24/09 and with the Emergency Clause, became effective the same day.

SB 1323: Emergency Mutual Aid Agreements (Sen. Barbara Leff, R – Paradise Valley) allows government entities to enter into mutual aid agreements with private water and wastewater companies. This bill was signed by the Governor on 7/9/09 and becomes effective on 9/30/09, the General Effective Date.

Other bills of interest awaiting the Governor's decision include:

HB 2336: Community Facilities Districts; Renewable Energy (Rep. Lucy Mason, R- Prescott) permits a county board of supervisors to establish renewable energy incentive districts. Phoenix supports this bill.

HB 2465: Scrap Metal; Theft; Dealers (Rep. Jerry Weiers, R – Glendale) adds to the list of prohibited items (manhole covers, catalytic converters, water meters, etc.) that scrap metal dealers cannot purchase unless authorized. The bill also requires dealers to electronically submit transaction records to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and make a database of such records accessible to local law enforcement. Phoenix supports this bill.

HB 2530: Reckless Driving; Prior Convictions (Rep. Cecil Ash, R – Mesa) establishes enhanced sentencing for reckless driving offenders with prior reckless driving violations. Phoenix supports this bill.

SB 1048: Emergency Telecommunication Services; Administrative Costs (Sen. Linda Gray, R – Glendale) increases the percentage of Emergency Telecommunications Services Trust Fund revenues that can be used for administrative costs from 3% to 5%. These dollars are needed to maintain operations of the statewide 911 emergency system. Phoenix supports this bill.

Scorebox

1st Regular Session 3rd Special Session
212 - Bills Passed 22 - Bills Posted
16 - Bills Vetoed 4 - Bills Passed
70 - Bills Signed 4 - Bills Signed

Our city's budget for next fiscal year (July 2009-June 2010) was adopted in February and includes difficult cuts that impact services in our community. Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect city revenues!

Source: P.L.A.N.