The Arizona State Senate conducted a second reading of several bills on January 12 for the fiftieth legislative session. A bill is required to be read three times before being considered for passage. The brief descriptions given here are from reading the legislation and the authors of the legislation have not been contacted for clarification.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 1007 introduced by Senator Gallardo would allow Arizona voters to amend Article IV, Part 2, Section 6 of the Arizona Constitution relating to the arrest of members of the legislature. It would amend that section to read, “Members of the legislature shall not be subject to any civil process during the session of the legislature, nor for fifteen days next before the commencement of each session.” This strikes the privilege from arrest which Senator Scott Bundgaard evoked amidst charges of domestic disturbance some months ago. He resigned shortly before he was to testify before the ethics committee.

SCR 1008 would declare, “…an emergency within the borders of the State of Arizona and, in order to protect the health, welfare and safety of Arizona’s citizens, notifies all federal agencies with implied de facto authority that due to lack of congressional oversight and the violations of trust with their disregard for strict compliance with the acts of Congress, the State of Arizona will be exercising its right of sovereignty over soil within its boundaries.” The measure is an intent to declare State sovereignty due to the ineptness shown by federal government agencies. They cite the Bear Wallow Fire as an example of the problem. Residents of Williams still recall the frightening events surrounding the Twin Fires of a few years ago when portions of the City had to be evacuated.

In addition, SB 1081 would allow county board of supervisors to take actions to clear the forest of fuel wood and thin trees upon consultation with the State Forester. The job of the State Forester is further empowered by changes that would be enacted if SB 1075 passes.
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