It was another divisive week at the Arizona Capitol as the focus shifted from abortion to border security

The Senate advanced a new proposal that would ask voters to enact changes to border enforcement and immigration processes. Republicans, frustrated by the Governor’s veto of similar legislation earlier this year, said the proposal is necessary to give voters a chance to address challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border and stem the inflow of fentanyl into Arizona; Democrats decried it as an expensive and hurtful effort, reminiscent of the state’s controversial SB 1070. Governor Hobbs condemned the measure, saying it would harm jobs and wouldn’t fix challenges at the border.

Both the House and Senate are expected to vote on the proposal next week.

Governor signs, vetoes more bills

Governor Hobbs signed bills to alter consent requirements and procedures for mental health evaluations, allow cross-certification of peace officers, expand restrictions on vehicle loads, map aggregate mining resources and allow health insurers to set up savings incentive programs.

The Governor vetoed a bill that would have penalized state agencies for missing financial reporting deadlines.

What’s next?

The Senate plans to return to work on May 14 and the House will reconvene on May 15. Neither chamber has published a schedule of which bills it will vote on in floor sessions that day, but the Senate Elections Committee plans to consider a new ballot referral on elections. 

Negotiations on budget and other remaining policy priorities like education funding will continue behind closed doors.