Friday, 24 May 2002
http://www.azstarnet.com/star/today/20524rSIGNINGS.html
By Howard Fischer
CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
PHOENIX - Teen-agers who are caught with alcohol in their systems will be breaking the law under the terms of a new statute.
But Gov. Jane Hull, while agreeing to let it become law without her signature, is not happy about it.
HB 2467 makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for anyone age 20 or less to have any alcohol in their bodies. If they do, it means a potential four months in jail and a $750 fine.
Hull said she recognizes the legislation was sought by law enforcement officials who complained about youngsters crossing the border into Mexico, where the liquor laws are different, getting drunk and then coming back to the United States.
"While I certainly do not condone underage drinking nor binge drinking, I also do not support turning thousands of our young adults into criminals," she said.
"I am troubled that a young adult could be charged with a crime in Arizona for conduct that was legal in the place where it occurred," Hull said. Beyond that, she said, it could have "unintended consequences," with teens who fear being arrested if they come back intoxicated choosing instead to stay longer in Mexico, "making it more difficult for them to call family or friends if they need assistance."
Insurance disclosure
Hull did sign legislation that requires insurance companies to provide more disclosure to applicants and policyholders if they want to continue to use credit reports to determine premiums.
Insurers have used credit ratings in Arizona for about a decade, contending there is a direct link between how people handle payments and debts and the likelihood they will file a claim against their homeowners or automobile insurance policies. Prior efforts to make the practice illegal have failed.
HB 2386 specifies that insurers must tell consumers they use credit ratings and inform them if a negative report results in denial of coverage or higher premiums. It also gives people the opportunity to correct the report.
Other bills signed by Hull include:
Seat belts
HB 2402, which requires any passenger age 15 or younger to use a seat belt. Current law mandates only that front-seat occupants and small children be belted.
Bioterrorism
HB 2044, giving the governor new emergency powers in cases of bioterrorism or where there is an outbreak of a contagious disease.
Animal welfare
HB 2036, making it a crime to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly leave an animal unattended and confined in a car or truck where death or serious injury is likely to result. It also permits a police or animal control officers to use "reasonable force" to open a vehicle to rescue an animal.
Reading help
HB 2465, which requires that third-graders who do not pass the AIMS reading test be given intensive instruction until they meet the standards. It also says schools where 20 percent of the third-graders do not meet the standards must review their programs.
Cardinal stadium
HB 2177, requiring the Tourism and Sports Authority to choose a site for a new home for the Arizona Cardinals by Sept. 12. It also revamps the law to allow Indian tribes to bid to host the stadium - a provision that could become necessary if Mesa voters overrule the vote of the City Council to finance that city's portion of the stadium.
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