Legislative Alert 02/28/10, Update

Friends,

Here is a status of Bills in the Legislature regarding 2nd Amendment, States Rights, Illegal Aliens, Abortion and a couple of others. Please pass this information along to others.

These updates are as of 02/26/10. For updates on bills, Committee information, Floor information or calendar of events go to www.AZLEG.gov. To contact Legislators at the capitol you can use www.lifelibertyfreedom.com

For Liberty,

Russell

SB1242 employer protections; labor relations
Sponsor Sen. Pearce

Summary: Protects employers from unlawful picketing, transgressor assembly and unlawful mass assembly.   Makes it unlawful for a labor organization to engage in picketing or to induce others to engage in picketing if the purpose is to coerce or induce an employer or self-employed person to join or contribute to a labor organization.   Prohibits a labor organization or group that acts on behalf of employees to engage in trespasser assembly.  

Prohibits a person to:

a)      hinder or prevent the pursuit of any lawful work or employment by mass assembly, unlawful threats or force.

b)      obstruct or interfere with entrance to or egress from any place of employment, including by intentionally operating a motor vehicle so as to delay, impede or interfere with the ability of persons or vehicles to enter or leave any property.

c)      obstruct or interfere with the free and uninterrupted use of public roads, streets, highways, railways, airports or other means of travel or conveyance.

d)     use language or words threatening to do harm to a person or the person’s real or intangible property or designed to incite fear in any person attempting to enter or leave any property.

e)      assemble other than in a reasonable and peaceful manner.   Stipulates that these regulations do not prohibit assembly to the extent that is authorized under the Arizona or federal Constitution or federal law.

Last Action:  Held in Commerce due to amendment needed.  Now in trouble due to Committee suspension as we try to finalize a budget.  A critical bill for Employers Private Property rights against organized labor to destroy a business for refusing to allow union organized efforts on their property. 



TAX ISSUES

SB1104: Appropriations limit (requires the legislation to limit spending to population plus inflation a Taxpayer Bill of Rights model to limit future reckless spending)
Sponsor Sen. Pearce

Summary:  Requires the legislature to grow government spending no more than inflation plus population growth.  It requires Joint Legislative Budget Committee to post that budget amount at the beginning of each session.  If the legislature decides to spend beyond that limit, it must take a separate vote acknowledging they knowingly are going to exceed that spending limit.  This requires transparency and accountability to spending and growing government beyond reasonable spending caps.

Last Action:  SB1104 DP (passed) out of Appropriations and now sits in Rules waiting to be assigned to Committee of the Whole for a full vote.


HB2001: taxpayer voluntary contribution; fund (A bill all Liberals should love)

Sponsor: Rep. Burges

Summary: HB2001 establishes the “I Didn’t Pay Enough” Fund for people who want to voluntarily contribute to the Sate General Fund. The “I Didn’t Pay Enough Fund” would be one of the methods of voluntary contributions that would allow citizens to aid the state by adding contributions directed to the General Fund. On the individual income tax form, space for the “I Didn’t Pay Enough Fund” would be included with other voluntary contributions.

Last Action: Assigned to House Ways and Means DP (1/14/10), assigned to House Rules C&P (01/25/10). Given a DP in House COW (02/11/10). On House Third Read Calendar (02/17/10). Passed House Third Read on 02/23/10. Transmitted to the Senate. Senate First Read 02/24/10.



HB2160: tax credit review committee recommendations

Sponsor: Rep. Murphy

Summary: HB 2160 repeals the income tax credits for agricultural pollution control equipment and agricultural water conservation systems, prescribes additional performance measures for the Healthy Forest Enterprise income tax credits, and requires all taxpayers who claim the Healthy Forest Enterprise credit to waive their confidentiality rights for the purpose of compiling statistical information relating to the credit.

Last Action: Held in House Ways and Means (02/01/10). On House WM Agenda 02/08/10. Given a DP in House WM (02/08/10).



HB2250: Arizona’s Job Recovery Act (TAXPAYER RELIEF PACKAGE)

Sponsor: Rep. Adams

Summary: HB 2550 establishes a new Arizona Job Training Program, the Arizona Quality Jobs Program, and the Arizona Opportunity Fund; expands the type of businesses that qualify for Enterprise Zone tax incentives; reduces the Class 1 property assessment ratio from 20% to 15% over five years beginning in TY 2012; phases out the state equalization assistance property tax over three years; decreases the corporate income tax rate from 6.968% to 5% over four years beginning in TY 2011; increases the corporate sales factor from 80% to 100%; and lowers the individual income tax by 10% over four years beginning in TY 2011.

Last Action: House Way and Means DP (1/25/10). Rules (01/26/10). Third Read Passed 34-25-1, transmitted to the Senate (01/28/10)



SB1274: STOs; contribution date (SCHOOL CHOICE LEGISLATION)

Sponsor: Sen. Melvin

Summary: Extends the deadline for STO contributions by individuals, corporations and insurers in order to be eligible for existing income tax credits.

Last Action: DPA ED (02/03/10), Given a PFC in RULES (02/08/10), Passed Caucus, Given a DPA by Senate COW 02/11/10.


SCR1009: publicly financed election; prohibition (GOES AFTER CLEAN ELECTIONS)

Sponsor: Sen. Paton

Summary: Subject to voter approval, constitutionally prohibits taxpayer money from being used to fund any political candidate or campaign for statewide office or a legislative office.

Last Action: DP JUD (01/19/10), PFC RULES (02/01/10). Passed out of Caucus (2/09/10). On Senate COW Calendar 02/25/10. Given a DP from Senate COW 02/25/10.


SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS ISSUES


HB2041: peace officers; firearms; school grounds

Sponsor: Rep. Kavanagh (RETIRED POLICE OFFICER AND STRONG 2ND AMENDMENT ALLY)

Summary: HB 2041 clarifies that school districts, charter schools, public community colleges and public universities are included in the definition of political subdivision in regards to statutes restricting firearm possession by peace officers.

Last Action: Held in MAPS (1/13/10), waiting in JUD and RULES.

HB2543: firearms; regulation; state preemption

Sponsor: Rep. Gowan (MIRRORS SB1168 SEN. PEARCE’S BILL)

Summary: States that a political subdivision of the state may enact laws relating to the enforcement of gun laws but may not be stronger then the state. Strikes subsection 5D.

Last Action: Assigned to MAPS, JUD, and RULES. On House MAPS agenda

(02/17/10). Given DPA from House MAPS 02/17/10.


SB1098: Arizona manufactured firearms; regulation

Sponsor: Sen. R. Pearce

Summary: States that a personal firearm, firearm accessory or ammunition manufactured in this state and remaining within the borders of this state is not subject to federal law or federal regulation.

Last Action: DPA JUD (02/01/10), waiting in RULES


SB1101: firearms; detention officers

Sponsor: Sen. R. Pearce

Summary: Allows certain active duty and retired law enforcement officers who are weapons qualified to possess a concealed weapon without a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit.

Last Action: DPA JUD (01/25/10), PFC RULES (02/01/10). Passed out of Caucus 02/09/10. Given a DPA from Senate COW 02/18/10. Passed Senate Third Read on 02/22/10. Transmitted to the House.


SB1102: concealed weapons; permit; justification

Sponsor: Sen. R. Pearce                                             
Summary: Makes changes relating to the carrying of concealed weapons without a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit; requirements for obtaining a CCW permit; the forfeiture of weapons under court order; and the defensive display of firearms.

Last Action: DPA JUD (02/01/10). Given a PFCA in RULES (02/08/10), Passed through caucus. Given a DPA from Senate COW 02/18/10.


SB1172: schools; gun safety programs

Sponsor: Sen. S. Allen

Summary: Expands the list of qualified Arizona Gun Safety Program course instructors. 

Last Action: DPA ED (01/27/10), PFC RULES (02/01/10). Passed out of Caucus 02/9/10. Given a DPA from Senate COW 02/11/10. Passed Third Read on 02/15/10. Transmitted to House.


TENTH AMENDMENT RIGHTS AND STATE SOVEREIGNTY ISSUES

HCR2001: sovereignty; tenth amendment
Sponsor: Rep. Burges

Summary: Concurrent resolution establishing our Tenth Amendment right as a sovereign state of the United States of America.

Last Action: DP GOV (01/19/10), C&P RULES (01/25/10), passed out of caucus. Given a DP from House COW 02/18/10. Passed House Third Read 02/23/10. Transmitted to the Senate. Senate First Read 02/24/10.


IMMIGRATION ISSUES

HB2382: schools; student data collection (MIRRORS SB1097 SEN. PEARCE’S BILL)

Sponsor: Rep. Seel

Summary: HB 2382 requires the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to collect and compile data relating to students who are enrolled in a public school and cannot prove their lawful presence in the United States

Last Action: DP House GOV (02/23/10).

HB2632: immigration; law enforcement; safe neighborhoods (MIRRORS SB1070 SEN. PEARCE’S BILL)

Sponsor: Rep. Gowan

Summary: Requires officials and agencies of the state and political subdivisions to fully comply with and assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.  Establishes crimes involving trespassing by illegal aliens, stopping to hire or soliciting work under specified circumstances, and transporting, harboring or concealing unlawful aliens, and their respective penalties.

Last Action: Introduced. On House MAPS agenda for 02/24/10. Given a DPA in House Maps on 02/24/10.


SB1027: immigration; seismic sensors; pilot program

Sponsor: Sen. R. Pearce

Summary: Requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to seek grants to implement a pilot program that uses seismic sensors to monitor airport runways and remote sites known for illegal drug traffic and human smuggling activities.

Last Action: DP PSHS (1/13/10), PFC RULES (01/25/10), Passed caucus, given a DPA from Senate COW 02/11/10. Passed Third Read on 02/15/10. Transmitted to the House. 


SB1070: immigration; law enforcement; safe neighborhoods (COMPANION BILL TO HB2632 BY REP. GOWAN)

Sponsor: Sen. R.  Pearce                                                                                                               
Summary: Requires officials and agencies of the state and political subdivisions to fully comply with and assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.  Establishes crimes involving trespassing by illegal aliens, stopping to hire or soliciting work under specified circumstances, and transporting, harboring or concealing unlawful aliens, and their respective penalties.

Last Action: DPA PSHS (01/20/10), PFCA RULES (02/01/10). Passed Caucus 02/09/10. Given a DPA from Senate COW 02/11/10. Passed Third Read on 02/15/. Transmitted to the House.


SB1097: schools; data; non-citizen students (MIRROR BILL TO REP. SEEL’S HB2382)

Sponsor: Sen. R. Pearce

Summary: Requires the Arizona Department of Education to collect and report data on students enrolled in Arizona school districts who cannot demonstrate proof of legal U.S. residence.

Last Action: Being heard in Senate ED Committee on 02/24/10.

ABORTION ISSUES

HB2649: abortion; reporting requirements

Sponsor: Rep. Barton

Summary: Creates more strict reporting requirements for institutions that perform abortions.

Last Action: Introduced, On House HHS Agenda for 02/10/10. Given a DPAn House HHS (02/10/10). On House RULES agenda 02/22/10. On House COW Calendar 03/1/10.


SB1304: abortion; reporting requirements

Sponsor: Sen. L. Gray

Summary: Creates more strict reporting requirements for institutions that perform abortions.

Last Action: Assigned to PSHS and RULES. Being heard in Senate PSHS on 02/17/10. Given a DPA in Senate PSHS 02/17/10.  Waiting in Senate RULES.


SB1305: public monies; insurance; abortion; prohibition

Sponsor: Sen. L. Gray

Summary: Prohibits the use of public monies to fund or subsidize any abortion procedures.

Last Action: Assigned to PSHS and RULES. Being heard in Senate PSHS on 02/17/10. Given a DPA in Senate PSHS 02/17/10. On Senate RULES agenda 02/22/10. Passed Caucus on 02/23/10.


SB1306: human egg providers; protection

Sponsor: Sen. L. Gray

Summary: Defines direct expense and an egg. Prohibits the sale or solicitation of a woman’s egg.

Last Action: Assigned to PSHS, RULES. Being heard in Senate PSHS on 02/17/10. Given a DP in Senate PSHS 02/17/10. On Senate RULES agenda 02/22/10. Passed Caucus on 02/23/10.

SB1307: human embryos; treatment

Sponsor: Sen. L. Gray

Summary: Defines human embryo and places restrictions on the treatment, sell, and destruction of them.

Last Action: Assigned to PSHS, JUD, RULES. Being heard in Senate PSHS on 02/17/10. Given a DP in Senate PSHS 02/17/10. On Senate RULES agenda 02/22/10.  Passed Caucus on 02/2