Members of our EVP Advocacy & Government Relations Committee are receiving weekly updates from our government public relations firm Triadovcates.The following information will provide a snapshot of Legislative Bills and discussions as of March 10th, 2017:
Economic Development: HB 2422, Annual Report; Corporate Income Tax Credits cleared the Senate Finance Committee last week, but has also been assigned to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where it has not yet been calendared. The bill requires ADOR to waive confidentiality requirements if it is determined that disclosing that information will reveal the specific corporate entity that is using those tax credits.
The Arizona Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case brought by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and others, to overturn the passage of Prop. 206, the Minimum Wage Increase. The key argument against the Proposition is that it had an indirect impact on government spending without identifying a funding source.
Education: SB 1431, Empowerment Scholarships; Expansion, is among a handful of bills that have not yet been put on a floor calendar. Senate bills not yet debated on the Senate floor are increasingly endangered and are likely facing some opposition within the Republican caucus that has not yet been resolved.
Transportation SB 1149 creates a mechanism for “Community Engagement Districts” and “Transportation Reinvestment Zones”, is also awaiting a spot on a Senate Calendar. See description on SB 1431 above.
Another Transportation bill, SB 1211, was killed on the House floor despite support from ADOT, the League of Cities and the Arizona Chamber. The bill has multiple changes to ADOT statutes, including expanded use of private contractors to conduct ADOT services. Rep. Campbell called the bill “too big to fail” and indicated that it may be amended to attract more votes.
Additional Trending News Regarding State Legislature via Phoenix Business Journal: