Fetal manslaughter , 2 measures target state's spending , Municipal initiatives , Juvenile Courts

Tucson, Arizona Wednesday, 12 March 2003

Legislative briefing
CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES

2 measures target state's spending

PHOENIX - On a voice vote, the House on Tuesday approved two measures designed to keep voters from undermining how lawmakers want to spend state tax dollars.

One measure would require that two-thirds of the people who show up at the polls must support any initiative that increases taxes in order for it to pass. HCR 2009 also would mandate a two-thirds vote for any other measure that results in a net increase in state revenues, such as eliminating tax exemptions for certain industries.

The other, HCR 2024, is designed to deal with what happens after voters approve new programs. It permits the Legislature, with gubernatorial approval, to cut back on voter-approved programs if there are not sufficient funds available.

Both measures would have to be ratified by voters in 2004 to take effect.

Fetal manslaughter

The Senate voted to make it easier to convict someone of manslaughter in connection with the death of an unborn child.

Under current law, someone can be charged with that crime only if life-threatening injuries are inflicted on the mother. SB 1345 specifies that any felonious injury to the mother that results in the death of the child is considered manslaughter.

The legislation, which now needs a roll call vote, exempts abortions and other legal medical procedures and medications.

Municipal initiatives

One day after killing the measure, the House voted to increase the number of signatures necessary in small cities to put issues on the ballot.

Current law requires petitions with 10 percent of those who voted in the last election to refer a council-passed measure to the ballot, with 15 percent to propose an entirely new law. Supporters of HB 2436 said that in a small town with a low turnout, that allows only a few voters to force measures onto the ballot.

The legislation would base the required number of signatures on the number of registered voters in cities of less than 100,000. Foes said the change impairs the right of initiative, more than doubling the number of names needed. The measure goes to the Senate.

Juvenile Courts

State senators voted to open some Juvenile Court hearings involving whether a parent's rights should be eliminated.

Supporters of SB 1304 said open hearings would shed more light on the process used by Child Protective Service in determining whether a child should be removed from a home. Judges could still decide that certain hearings could be closed. A final roll call vote sends the bill to the House.