Tucson, Arizona Thursday, 13 March 2003
Legislative Briefing
New abortion curb is one vote short
PHOENIX - The House of Representatives fell one vote short Wednesday of imposing a new restriction on abortion.
The legislation to require women to be given certain information at least 24 hours before terminating a pregnancy gathered only 30 votes. While there were only 27 in opposition, legislation needs a majority of the 60 lawmakers to get out of the House.
The final tally actually was 29-28 as Rep. Gary Pierce, R-Mesa, changed his vote in support of the measure to "no."
That procedural move allowed him to push for the measure to be reconsidered Tuesday. Pierce and supporters of HB 2493 believe it can get the required votes at that point because three lawmakers were absent Wednesday when the vote was taken.
Homeowner lawsuits
On a 36-20 margin the House voted to make it more difficult for homeowner associations to file suit against builders.
Current law requires only that all homeowners be notified. Critics said that creates situations where the board can drag the association into expensive and protracted litigation.
Foes of HB 2034 said raising the burden really protects developers who are guilty of shoddy construction. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Guns in restaurants
Rejecting claims of potential disaster, the House voted 36-21 Wednesday to let people carry guns into restaurants that sell liquor.
Current law precludes guns anywhere alcoholic beverages can be consumed.
HB 2319, which now goes to the Senate, allows restaurant owners to post signs keeping gun-toting patrons out.
Jury service
Jurors who serve on trials lasting more than 10 days could get up to $300 a day under the terms of legislation approved by the House.
The cash necessary for the extra payments would come from a surcharge on Superior Court filing fees..
Urgent-care centers
The House approved a watered-down bill dealing with staffing of urgent-care centers.
As proposed by Rep. Deb Gullett, R-Phoenix, HB 2198 would have mandated that all such facilities in Pima and Maricopa counties have a doctor on site at all times. But opposition to the measure forced her to rewrite it so that it now specifies that urgent-care centers only post a notice of whether a doctor is available.
Presidential primary
PHOENIX - With only Republicans in support, the Senate voted 17-12 to kill the state's presidential primary set for next February.
Rep. Jack Harper, R-Sun City West, said the state can't afford the $3 million cost even though taxpayers paid for Republican-only events in 1996 and 2000. Harper acknowledged Gov. Janet Napolitano said she intends to veto the bill.
"She can use that veto stamp on my forehead if she likes," he quipped. "Don't tempt her," responded Senate President Ken Bennett. The bill now goes to the House.
Capitol Media Services