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To expose ‘critical race theory’ in classrooms, Republicans move to have teachers post all lesson materials online
To allow parents to scour lessons for elements of “critical race theory,” Arizona teachers would be required to upload a list of every book and worksheet they use in their classrooms online for parental review if a Republican-backed bill becomes law. The goal, says state Sen. Nancy Barto, is to increase transparency for parents who […]
House Republicans pass bill to prohibit sexually explicit materials in schools
The Republican-controlled House passed a measure that would ban sexually explicit materials in K-12 classrooms across the state. Rep. Jake Hoffman, a Queen Creek Republican, said the bill would shield children from inappropriate content. “This (bill) is about nothing more than protecting the innocence of Arizona children from sexually explicit materials,” he said during a […]
Democrats call on Republicans to support paid leave, affordable housing
Democrats urged their Republican colleagues to support legislation that would ensure paid family and medical leave and greater access to affordable housing Tuesday morning at a press conference in front of the state Capitol. Rep. Reginald Bolding, the Democratic House Minority Leader, called on the governor and Republican lawmakers to invest in Arizonans. “Our state’s […]
Mayoral power to shut down businesses in emergencies limited by new legislation
Mayors would no longer be able to order businesses to close during a state of emergency under a GOP-backed proposal fueled by anger stemming from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Arizona cities ordered many businesses to temporarily close. It’s the latest attempt to reduce the use of emergency powers, following the advancement […]
Arizona businesses with vaccine mandates would face $500K lawsuits under GOP proposal
Arizonan businesses would be on the hook for half a million dollars in damages if they refuse a religious exemption from an employee who later experiences significant injury as a result of getting vaccinated under a proposal advancing in the GOP-controlled legislature. Employers who both deny a religious exemption and require a vaccination for continued […]
Republicans seek to criminalize and outlaw gender-affirming care for trans kids
Dana has known she’s a girl since she could talk, but Republican senators want to force her to grow up as a man and put her doctors in jail for providing medical treatments aimed at combating gender dysphoria. A proposal from Sen. Wendy Rogers — who has a history of introducing anti-trans legislation — would […]
Move to limit gubernatorial emergency powers, sparked by COVID-19, advances
New legislation that limits the power of future Arizona governors to declare a public health emergency has passed the Senate Government Committee with a slim margin and now awaits debate by the full Senate. Senate Bill 1009 caps a governor’s state of emergency proclamation for reasons of public health to 120 days, and only 30 […]
No evidence of Ducey claim that victims are being charged $800 for rape kits
In his State of the State speech earlier this month, Gov. Doug Ducey claimed that women are being charged up to $800 in processing fees for rape kits — which would be illegal under federal law — but it’s unclear whether that’s actually happening. To back up its claim, the governor’s office provided the Arizona […]
Controversial Texas abortion law introduced in Arizona
Dr. Gabrielle Goodrick has been a source of comfort for women dealing with unwanted pregnancies in the Phoenix area for more than 25 years. But an attempt to replicate Texas’ sweeping new abortion law that lets citizens police abortion restrictions could tie her hands. Arizona is one of several states where Republican lawmakers are looking […]
Committee approves measure to ease SNAP requirements for ex-felons
A bill to help individuals with drug-related felony convictions keep food on the table cleared committee on Wednesday, taking its first step toward becoming law. The bill won approval in the House Judiciary Committee, which is chaired by the measure’s sponsor, Snowflake Republican Rep. Walt Blackman. It seeks to ease access for those with felony […]
A day early, Arizonans can order free at-home COVID-19 test kits
Arizonans can now receive free at-home COVID-19 tests alongside their online purchase packages, a day earlier than initially planned. Each household can order up to four tests via the U.S. Postal Service website. Last week, the Biden Administration announced it was purchasing 1 billion tests, half of which would be available to order on Jan. […]
Ex-inmates would face less food insecurity under GOP proposal to ease SNAP restrictions
For Kara Janssen, walking out the front doors of Perryville Prison in 2016 was stressful enough without having to worry about food security, especially with three children to think about. “You get $200 when you’re leaving prison,” Janssen said. “They kick you out and say, ‘Good luck,’ and expect you to go and rejoin society.” […]