State budget negotiations stall as discussions continue on abortion ban

There’s another new Arizona lawmaker and there are no empty seats in the legislature – at least for now. Rep. Junelle Cavero (D-Phoenix), a business consultant, joined the House on Wednesday just in time for another unusual day at the Capitol.

Once again, debates about abortion dominated Wednesday’s floor session. Unlike last week’s rowdy disputes, this week Republicans and Democrats were both armed with procedural motions and legislative rule references to fight for their goals within the official structure of legislative proceedings.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) argues the abortion ban will not take effect until at least June 8. Both the House and Senate reconvene on April 24.

What’s next?

Arizona is still a long way from repealing its law banning most abortions. The new Senate bill must proceed through both chambers of the legislature and will still face the opposition of Speaker Toma in the House. Republican leaders plan to continue convening just once a week, slowing process on any measure.

Meanwhile, House and Senate Republicans are crafting their own plan, which could include sending a referral on abortion to voters this fall. Anti-abortion legislators support the idea of a referral because it would go around Governor Hobbs and compete with the Arizona for Abortion Access, a citizen’s initiative; Democrats oppose the effort to complicate voter decisions about abortion instead of directly repealing the law originally enacted in 1864.

Attention on the abortion debate continues to grow, and it’s playing out in an ethics complaint, protests, healthcare settings and elections. This issue will reshape relationships at the Capitol and overshadow any other policy discussions – including state budget negotiations.

Related to Higher Education 

This week the Senate advanced HB2735 (ABOR; course approval; accounting system) through Committee of the Whole by a voice vote. The bill still needs to receive one final vote in the Senate before being transmitted to the Governor.  A full summary of HB 2735 can be found below. The Arizona Board of Regents is neutral on this bill. 

HB2735 - ABOR; course approval; accounting system (Representative Grantham – Phoenix East Valley) 

ABOR/UA Position – Neutral 

Allows ABOR to delegate its authority to approve academic degrees or organizational units only to a university president, who may not further delegate that authority. 

Requires ABOR and university presidents to consult, rather than share responsibility with, university faculty regarding educational and personnel matters. 

Changes faculty's role in university governance from participation to consultation. 

Requires each university to provide ABOR with access to the university's accounting and reporting system for oversight and monitoring purposes.