Buckeye legislators’ busy week

Buckeye Legislators Senator Tim Dunn, House Majority Leader Michael Carbone, and Rep. Nick Kupper, are advancing an array of legislative priorities this week. Here’s a deeper dive into the bills being heard in committees and things continue to progress this legislative session.

Senator Tim Dunn’s bills

• SB 1079 (Primary Sponsor, Senate Appropriations, Tues., 2 p.m. Update: This bill passed through committee unanimously.)
  Dunn’s bill seeks to allocate $20.65 million to replace reductions in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding. The funds are split among the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, the Department of Economic Security, and the Department of Public Safety to maintain victim services like compensation, advocacy, and shelter programs. This funding is critical given federal cutbacks in crime victim support.
• SB 1083 (Primary Sponsor, Senate Appropriations, Tues., 2 p.m. Update: This bill passed through committee 8-1, it already made it through Natural Resources Committee and will get a full vote of the House soon.)
  This measure appropriates $3.5 million to the University of Arizona’s Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture. The funding will enhance research in areas like water conservation, soil health, and disease management for crops in desert conditions. Dunn’s bill reflects Arizona’s focus on sustaining agriculture amidst ongoing water challenges.
• SB 1123 (Co-Sponsor, Senate Judiciary & Elections, Wed., 2 p.m., Update: This bill passed through committee along party lines 4-3)
  This bill mandates advanced security features on all ballots, such as watermarks and holograms, to deter fraud and strengthen election integrity. It also requires ballot paper vendors to meet strict certification standards. Supporters argue it’s a step toward building public confidence in Arizona’s electoral processes.
• SB 1078 (Primary Sponsor, Senate Judiciary & Elections, Wed., 2 p.m., Update: This bill passed through committee unanimously)
  Amends laws governing manufacturer license plates, requiring proof of contractual relationships for vehicles operated on Arizona roads. This is intended to prevent misuse of such plates and ensure compliance with regulations surrounding unregistered vehicles.

House Majority Leader Michael Carbone’s bills

• HB 2102 (Primary Sponsor, Public Safety & Law Enforcement, Mon., 2 p.m. Update: This bill passed through committee unanimously.)
  Prohibits transfers from the Anti-Racketeering Revolving Fund to Arizona’s General Fund. This ensures resources remain dedicated to gang prevention, substance abuse programs, and racketeering prosecutions.
• HCR 2041 (Co-Sponsor, Judiciary, Wed., 9 a.m., Update: This bill passed through committee 6-3 with bipartisan support)
  Proposes a constitutional convention to establish term limits for members of Congress. The resolution aims to limit terms in both the House of Representatives and Senate, reflecting widespread public support for reducing career politicians.
• HB 2319 (Co-Sponsor, Government, Wed., 9 a.m., Update: This bill was held on the committee agenda)
  This bill restricts municipalities from imposing design standards on single-family homes outside of designated historic districts. Carbone’s support highlights a focus on protecting property rights while balancing local control.
• HB 2317 (Co-Sponsor, Government, Wed., 9 a.m., Update: This bill failed on a 1-6 vote)

  

  
  Prohibits municipalities from banning specific building materials if they meet state building codes. This measure promotes affordable housing and greater consumer choice in construction materials.
• HB 2450 (Primary Sponsor, Commerce, Tues., 2 p.m., Update: This bill was not heard in committee this week)
  Revises unemployment insurance benefits to align with state unemployment rates. For example, when unemployment is below 5%, benefits would last 12 weeks, while rates above 8% would allow for 26 weeks. Carbone positions this as a fiscally responsible way to balance benefits with economic conditions.
• HB 2259 (Co-Sponsor, Transportation & Infrastructure, Wed., 2 p.m., Update: This bill passed through committee unanimously)
  Strengthens railroad crossing safety by expanding requirements for stopping at crossings when on-track equipment or trains are present. The bill also addresses safety protocols for heavy equipment crossings.
• HB 2197 (Co-Sponsor, Regulatory Oversight, Tues., 2 p.m., Update: This bill passed 3-2 along party lines)
  Repeals Arizona’s Certificate of Necessity (CON) requirement for ambulance services. By removing this regulation, Carbone aims to simplify entry into the emergency medical transport market, fostering competition and potentially lowering costs.
• HB 2192 (Co-Sponsor, Appropriations, Wed., 2 p.m., Update: This bill passed through committee unanimously)
  Allocates $70 million to widen I-10 between State Route 85 and Citrus Road, including a lighted median. This infrastructure project is intended to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.
• HB 2171 (Co-Sponsor, Education, Tues., 2 p.m., Update: This bill passed through committee 8-4.)
  Establishes a $5 million scholarship fund for spouses and dependents of law enforcement officers. The scholarships would cover tuition at Arizona universities, community colleges, or vocational programs, ensuring access to higher education for families of first responders.
• HB 2170 (Co-Sponsor, Education, Tues., 2 p.m., Update: This bill passed through committee unanimously.)
  Requires IEPs for children with specific learning disabilities to include dyslexia diagnoses. This ensures schools provide tailored support and resources for students with dyslexia.

Rep. Nick Kupper’s bills

• HB 2376 (Co-Sponsor, Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections, Wed., 2 p.m., Update: This bill passed through committee unanimously)
  Expands the Clean Elections pamphlet to include county-level candidates, aiming to enhance voter awareness and transparency in local elections.
• HB 2112 (Primary Sponsor, Judiciary, Wed., 9 a.m., Update: This bill passed through committee along party lines 6-3)
  Introduces stricter age-verification requirements for internet pornography to protect minors from exposure to explicit content. Kupper highlights this as a family values measure aimed at safeguarding children.

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