The activity at the capitol this week revolved around two topics that are of great interest to voters, namely abortion and immigration.
HB2677 – abortion ban; repeal On Wednesday, this bill received a third-reading vote in the Senate, where it was passed 16-14. This vote was accomplished as the result of two Republicans joining all Democrats voting in favor. Hobbs signed it immediately. Since this bill did not contain an emergency provision, it will not go into effect until 90 after the adjournment of the current legislative session. When that happens, then ARS 36-2322, the law that limits abortion to the first 15 weeks, will be the law of the land. Until then, ARS 13-3603, the pre-statehood abortion prohibition, will remain in effect, but it is not clear how diligently it will be enforced.
As a result of this move, the law in Arizona now reflects the wishes of the majority of citizens. They believe that abortion should be allowed, but with significant restrictions. That is exactly what ARS 36-2322 does.
HCR2060 – lawful presence; e-verify program; penalties In typical Phoenician style, this bill was resurrected from its own ashes as it received a first reading in the Senate. The plan appears to be to advance this bill and modified it via a strike-everything amendment that would allow local and state law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws. It is a last resort, since both Biden and Hobbs refuse to do their duty to properly address the issue of illegal immigration. Since this is an HCR bill, it is a voter referral. Therefore, is it passes the two chambers, it will go directly to the voters for approval, thereby by-passing Hobb’s veto.
The next step is for HCR2060 to be heard in the Senate Military Affairs, Public Safety and Border Security, which is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 8. Voters who wish to express their opinion on this bill may do so in the usual manner, namely via email, telephone, or the RTS system. Assistance in this endeavor is available at the azpeopleslobbyist.com
In the governor’s front, it is business as usual. Her veto count is now 55 of the 243 bills that have been sent to her.
For a list of all the bills that Hobbs has vetoed, go here.
To find out what bills have been sent to the governor, click on this link.
Then click on “Select Bills to Display” and choose “Sent to Governor”
Those folks who wish to contact the governor regarding these and other bills may do so by using this contact information:
CONTACT GOVERNOR VIA EMAIL: here.
CONTACT GOVERNOR VIA TELEPHONE:
Phoenix: 602.542.4331 Tucson: 520.628.6580