On February 9, the AZ House approved two unrelated, but equally important bills. One was HB2132, which deals with the possession and sale of fentanyl. The other, HCR2001, addresses some election issues.
Over the last few years, the use of fentanyl has moved to the top, or near the top, in terms of dangerous drugs in the United States. The devastation it has caused, primarily among people, is way beyond what society can tolerate.
If enacted into law, House Bill HB2132 should be instrumental in reducing the proliferation of this dangerous drug. It would lower the threshold that triggers enhanced prison sentences from 200 grams to 100 grams.
“Fentanyl is killing Arizonans, destroying families, and driving crime across our state,” said the sponsor of the bill, Chairman Quang Nguyen. “HB 2132 targets the dealers who profit from death and puts serious prison time on the table. This bill backs law enforcement, protects our communities, and makes clear that Arizona will not tolerate fentanyl trafficking.”
The vote on HB2132 was unanimous. If those results are any indication, HB2132 should sail right through the Senate and possibly be signed into law by Hobbs.
The House also approved HCR2001. This bill is a concurrent resolution that would change the AZ constitution if approved by both chambers and a majority of voters via a ballot measure.
This bill has been named The Arizona Secure Elections Act. It will:
- Limit voting to United States citizens, ensuring only eligible voters participate in Arizona elections.
- Require government-issued identification to vote, with acceptable ID provided free of charge as prescribed by law.
- Ban foreign money from Arizona elections, prohibiting contributions from foreign individuals.
- End early voting at 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before the general election, establishing a clear, enforceable deadline.
- Prohibit ballots from being cast or accepted after polls close on Election Day, while allowing voters already in line at closing time to vote.
- Guarantee the right to vote in person on Election Day at conveniently located polling places.
- Condition mail-in voting on proof of citizenship and an affirmative ballot
- request before each biennial general election.
“Arizonans are done with excuses, delays, and chaos in our elections,” said sponsor of the bill, Representative Kolodin. “Elections should be decided by citizens—not by disorder and not by foreign money. HCR 2001 puts clear rules in the Constitution: citizens vote, voters show ID, foreign money stays out, ballots are counted on time, and Election Day means Election Day. Voter ID is non-negotiable. The House delivered on that principle today.”
HCR2001 passed along party lines, 32-27. It now goes to the Senate. If it also passes in the Senate, it will be put on the ballot for a vote of the people.
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