Picture of President Reagan

A political party cannot be all things to all people.  It must represent certain fundamental beliefs, which must not be compromised to political expediency or simply to swell it's numbers....  And if there are those who cannot subscribe to these conservative principals, then let them go their own way.

 

Ronald Reagan, March 1, 1975     

 

 
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Legislative Reports    March 10, 2010

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Legislative Actions as of 7/1/09

Last Updated 12/20/09

 

Narrative for the session:

This was a very unusual session because all bills were held up in the Senate until a budget was passed. This created a dearth of activity – particularly in the Senate – until the final weeks of the session. The final days of the session were extraordinarily hectic as usual – giving proof to the saying “That if it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.”

 

We analyzed the budget bills that came out in the final days of the session and were not generally pleased. We did give some plus 2 weights, but we also didn’t weight the K-12 education bill because it did not make sufficient cuts, and we gave minus 2 weights to the Higher Education and Prison budgets because we did not think they were fiscally responsible. The special session that will resolve the budget looks like it is taking weak to bad budget bills and making them even worse, but that will be a subject for another day..

 

 

 

Grades can range from +100% (supports Republican principles) to -100% (opposes Republican principles)

 

Ratings will be updated on a weekly basis.

 

Please refer to our FAQs section located after the strike all bills. It responds to some of the questions we have been getting regarding the grades assigned.

 

Rank for legislators with the same Grade is determined by bill sponsorship and votes cast. For example, a legislator with 3 committee votes would get a better rank than one with 2 committee votes if they have the same Grade.

 

Legislators are assigned to a Group based on their latest rating.

Over 90 is a Reagan Republican.

Over 75 is a Pro-Freedom Republican.

Over 50 is a Republican.

Over 25 is a Big Government Republican.

Over 0 is a Bipartisan Republican.

Zero or less is a Republican In Name Only (RINO).

 

All grades shown are cumulative grades as of the date indicated.

 

Senators

 

Rank

Legislator

Leg Dist

Latest Grade

Group

1

Russell Pearce

18

93.9

Reagan Republican

2

Thayer Verschoor

22

93.6

Reagan Republican

3

Sylvia Allen

5

88.8

Pro-Freedom Republican

4

Ron Gould

3

85.7

Pro-Freedom Republican

5

Chuck Gray

19

85.6

Pro-Freedom Republican

6

Robert "Bob" Burns

9

84.8

Pro-Freedom Republican

7

Pamela Gorman

6

82.7

Pro-Freedom Republican

8

Jack W. Harper

4

81.6

Pro-Freedom Republican

9

Steve Pierce

1

79.5

Pro-Freedom Republican

10

Barbara Leff

11

77.4

Pro-Freedom Republican

11

Jim Waring

7

72.6

Republican

12

Linda Gray

10

72.4

Republican

13

Jonathan Paton

30

69.3

Republican

14

John Huppenthal

20

60.6

Republican

15

Al Melvin

26

42.7

Big Government Republican

16

John Nelson

12

41.3

Big Government Republican

17

Jay Tibshraeny

21

12.0

Bipartisan Republican

18

Carolyn S. Allen

8

-24.9

RINO

 

 

Representatives

 

Rank

Legislator

Leg Dist

Latest Grade

Group

1

Judy M. Burges

4

94.9

Reagan Republican

2

Andy Biggs

22

90.9

Reagan Republican

3

Sam Crump

6

90.6

Reagan Republican

4

Laurin Hendrix

22

90.2

Reagan Republican

5

Steve B. Montenegro

12

90.1

Reagan Republican

6

Carl Seel

6

90.0

Reagan Republican

7

Frank Antenori

30

88.6

Pro-Freedom Republican

8

David Gowan

30

88.3

Pro-Freedom Republican

9

Rick Murphy

9

86.9

Pro-Freedom Republican

10

John Kavanagh

8

86.6

Pro-Freedom Republican

11

Warde V. Nichols

21

86.5

Pro-Freedom Republican

12

Debbie Lesko

9

86.4

Pro-Freedom Republican

13

David W. Stevens

25

86.2

Pro-Freedom Republican

14

Jim Weiers

10

84.3

Pro-Freedom Republican

15

Kirk Adams

19

82.4

Pro-Freedom Republican

16

Steven B. Yarbrough

21

80.9

Pro-Freedom Republican

17

Ray Barnes

7

80.5

Pro-Freedom Republican

18

Frank Pratt

23

80.5

Pro-Freedom Republican

19

Jerry Weiers

12

80.3*

Pro-Freedom Republican

20

Cecil P. Ash

18

80.2

Pro-Freedom Republican

21

Nancy McLain

3

79.1

Pro-Freedom Republican

22

Doris Goodale

3

78.7

Pro-Freedom Republican

23

John McComish

20

75.0

Pro-Freedom Republican

24

Andrew M. Tobin

1

73.9

Republican

25

Tom Boone

4

73.9

Republican

26

Michele Reagan

8

73.8

Republican

27

Nancy K. Barto

7

72.4

Republican

28

Steve Court

18

68.1

Republican

29

Adam Driggs

11

65.9

Republican

30

Russell L. Jones

24

46.4

Big Government Republican

31

Rich Crandall

19

45.8

Big Government Republican

32

Lucy Mason

1

43.1

Big Government Republican

33

Vic Williams

26

42.9

Big Government Republican

34

Bill Konopnicki

5

12.2

Bipartisan Republican

35

Doug Quelland

10

6.8

Bipartisan Republican

 

* Representative Jerry Weiers was out of town on an assignment given to him by the Speaker of the House for votes on June 9-10, 2009. The assignment involved keeping Luke Air Force base active and contributing to the economy of our state. His non-votes on the floor during that trip caused is score to be 63.6. Removing those votes from his score raised his score to 80.3 which we think fairly reflects his record in the legislative session. This adjustment does not affect any other reported scores or average scores.

 

Average Grades for each Party in each Body of the Legislature

 

If people tell you, “Political parties don’t mean anything,” show them this table!

 

Average Grades

Party

Republican

Democrat

Body

House

73

-69

Senate

67

-74

 

  
 
Bills Used In Evaluation Minimize

Bills used in Evaluation

 

Summary of criteria used to weight bills:


1) Supports US Constitution
2) Supports Republican Party Platform
3) Supports individual / private sector empowerment over government empowerment
4) Supports national security (including illegal alien issues)
5) Reduces government spending
6) Reduces tax rates in general
7) Will have a significant impact

 

 

 

Bill Number

Short Title

Weight

Sponsor Weight

Description

Category

Explanation

HB2010

license plate attachment and display

4

4

license plate attachment and display

Civil Rights

Avoid easy excuse for Police stops

HB2026

peace officers; firearms; school grounds

5

5

peace officers; firearms; school grounds

Public Safety

Improves public safety as schools.

HB2027

weapons; peace officers; posse; reserves.

2

2

Allows AZPOST certified members members of reserve or posse to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

Govt Admin

They already have the training, so it avoids wasting time and money.

HB2068

schools; parental educational choice grants

10

10

schools; parental educational choice grants

K-12 Ed

Will reduce costs to state while improving education opportunities for K-12 school children.

HB2069

school choice scholarships; failing schools

9

9

school choice scholarships; failing schools

K-12 Ed

Allows students in failing schools to opt out of government schools to get a decent education instead of being pawns for school districts and teachers unions.

HB2073

state equalization property tax repeal..

10

10

Make tax cut permanent

Taxes

We need to keep taxes low and keep government spending down.

HB2106

prohibit photo radar; state highways

9

9

prohibit photo radar; state highways

Civil Rights

Having big brother watching is not conducive to freedom. Plus, there are constitutional issues related to equal treatment under the law (out of state and commercial vehicles are often not cited).

HB2120

school districts; bonds; purposes.

-2

-2

allows school districts to bond for the purchase of computers and furniture with amendment does not require life of purchased item to exceed term of bond

Govt Admin

allows financially reckless behavior by school boards.

HB2124

photo enforcement; allowable uses

1

1

photo enforcement; allowable uses

Civil Rights

Keep big brother at bay.

HB2168

photo enforcement; highways; DPS study

3

3

photo enforcement; highways; DPS study

Civil Rights

Limit photo radar.

HB2170

traffic tickets; complaints; photo enforcement

1

1

traffic tickets; complaints; photo enforcement

Civil Rights

Limit photo radar.

HB2171

firearms; restaurants

9

9

Allows patrons of  restaurants serving primarily food rather than alcohol to carry concealed weapons, if they have a CCW permit, if they are not consuming alcohol. Restaurants may post a sign prohibiting firearms.

Gun Rights

Based on assumption that restaurant owner can post a sign prohibiting guns. It allows people to protect themselves from criminal activity while in restaurants.

HB2174

firearms; game refuges

4

4

firearms; game refuges

Gun Rights

Allows bow hunters and others without hunting firearms to protect themselves from animals and criminals.

HB2191

cellular telephones; use while driving

-9

-9

cellular telephones; use while driving

Civil Rights

Nanny state not welcome.

HB2213

license plate attachment and display..

4

4

license plate attachment and display..

Civil Rights

Easy excuse for traffic stop.

HB2235

game and fish commissioners; appointment

2

2

game and fish commissioners; appointment

Govt Admin

Having knowledgeable people will be a net benefit for those impacted by these officials and for the state in general.

HB2237

AHCCCS; verification of eligibility

6

6

AHCCCS; verification of eligibility

Govt Admin

Help prevent welfare fraud.

HB2238

AHCCCS; DES; fraud reduction

7

7

AHCCCS; DES; fraud reduction

Govt Admin

Help discover state healthcare fraud.

HB2273

health services districts; voter approval

7

7

requires voter approval to establish public health districts

Taxes

requires voter approval for creating a new public health district (which has property tax authority)

HB2274

paycheck deductions; political purposes; limitation

9

9

Prevents payroll deductions for political purposes without explicit employee consent.

Civil Rights

Protects employees from having their money used for political purposes by default payroll deductions.

HB2286

tax credit; charitable organizations

3

3

tax credit; charitable organizations

Taxes

Reduces the complexity regarding the tax credit for charitable contributions to support social services.

HB2287

tax credits; withholding tax reduction

5

5

tax credits; withholding tax reduction

Taxes

Makes it easier to reduce state income tax withholding to take state tax credits into account.

HB2288

premium tax credit; STO contribution

9

9

premium tax credit; STO contribution. Makes program permanent.

K-12 Ed

This helps fund student tuition organization scholarships. Helping students to leave public schools and go to private schools also results, on average, in a net reduction in government money spent on education while giving parents of students more choices.

HB2298

schools; harassment; bullying; protected classes

-9

-9

schools; harassment; bullying; protected classes. Establishes special classes of victims.

Civil Rights

There should be no special protected classes. All bullies should be neutralized regardless of the types of people they bully.

HB2299

smoking in vehicle with minors

-9

-9

smoking in vehicle with minors

Civil Rights

No nanny state needed.

HB2313

process servers; criminal liability

-4

-4

process servers; criminal liability. Exempts private process servers from some trespass laws and makes an assault against them automatically aggravated assault. Gives them access to personal information.

Civil Rights

This provides a special class to be protected, and there is insufficient oversight on who will benefit from these protections. There are also privacy issues.

HB2331

federal immigration law; enforcement

9

9

Foes not allow sanctuary cities

Illegal Aliens

Improves consistency of enforcement against illegal aliens throughout the state by preventing law enforcement agencies from being prevented from enforcing laws against illegal aliens.

HB2342

photo enforcement; urban speed limits

3

3

photo enforcement; urban speed limits

Public Safety

Makes more reasonable rules regarding setting speed limits to photo enforce.

HB2357

public education; students' religious liberties

10

10

public education; students' religious liberties. Allows students to express religious beliefs in public schools with the same freedom any student can express any views on campus.

Civil Rights

Religious freedom for public school students. In the name of "separation of church and state," some teachers forbid students from privately praying, reading bibles, or wearing religious objects while in school. This is designed to prevent that.

HB2386

firearms; prohibition; postsecondary institutions

-9

-9

firearms; prohibition; postsecondary institutions

Gun Rights

This would reduce rather than help safety on campuses. It also infringes on 2nd amendment rights.

HB2400

partial-birth abortions; definition

10

10

partial-birth abortions; definition

Pro-Life

Helps eliminate partial birth abortions.

HB2418

concealed weapons; federal firearms licensee

2

2

concealed weapons; federal firearms licensee

Govt Admin

People with this level of vetting do not need to go through an additional course that would teach them nothing new.

HB2420

misconduct involving weapons; vehicles

3

3

Creates an exception for weapons carried inside a vehicle in a closed purse belonging to a CCW holder.

Gun Rights

This keeps someone from getting in trouble because of someone else's purse left in a car he is driving.

HB2426

enhanced driver licenses; prohibition

10

10

enhanced driver licenses; prohibition

Civil Rights

We oppose what is essentially a national ID card. It violates states rights and threatens individual privacy.

HB2439

concealed weapons permit; safety course

4

4

Someone with previous firearms and firearms safety training would have to take only the portion of the CCW class concerning Arizona laws.

Govt Admin

It makes sense to avoid the cost and trouble of training people who are already trained.

HB2449

mandatory fingerprinting; central state repository

-3

-3

mandatory fingerprinting; central state repository. Even those not convicted would be included.

Civil Rights

It would be too easy for this database to be misused against citizens.

HB2486

health insurance; purchase outside state

7

7

Allows purchasing health insurance from an out of state insurer.

Econ Freedom

More competition will give Arizona consumers more choices and lower prices.

HB2492

text messaging while driving; prohibition

-8

-8

text messaging while driving; prohibition

Civil Rights

Nanny state not welcome.

HB2494

photo enforcement; speed violations

3

3

photo enforcement; speed violations

Civil Rights

There are equal protection issues because some people are excluded from photo enforcement (out of state and commercial drivers).

HB2507

enhanced driver licenses; border travel

-10

-10

enhanced driver licenses; border travel

Civil Rights

We oppose what is essentially a national ID card.

HB2508

central state repository; crime information

-7

-7

central state repository; crime information

Civil Rights

Applies to those arrested rather than just those convicted.

HB2541

budgets; posting on websites

5

5

Puts all state and local government expenditures on a database accessible on the Internet.

Govt Admin

Greater transparency in government spending will, we hope, lead to more prudent spending - and less of it.

HB2551

criminal damage; classification

-4

-4

Lowers threshholds for property damage to become a more serious crime.

Public Safety

The existing laws are sufficient. This is overkill when we already have overworked courts. If violence is involved, the crime will automatically become more serious.

HB2566

nuclear security guards; weapons; ranges

5

5

Gives guards at nuclear reactors some rights regarding firearms that police officers have.

Public Safety

Ensuring that our nuclear reactors are guarded as effectively as possible is critical to our safety.

HB2590

cellular telephones; minors; driving use

-4

-4

Makes it illegal for minors to drive while using celluar phones.

Civil Rights

Nanny state not welcome.

HB2604

schools; ADM audits; repayment

-6

-6

allows school districts to take 5 years to repay overpayments due to errors they made reporting student enrollment

Govt Admin

reduced incentives for school districts to report enrollment accurately which potentially encourages fraud

HB2607

schools; disruption; interference; concealed firearms

8

8

Prohibits public schools from forbidding a CCW permit holder from carrying a concealed weapon on campus. Applies to K-12 and college campuses.

Gun Rights

People who are already certified to carry concealed weapons will only ADD to the safety of campuses if they carry concealed weapons.

HB2616

living wills; health care directives

5

5

Keep life support is default with no directive

Pro-Life

Making keeping a feeding tube in patients the default makes sense. Anyone who objects can execute a living will or give someone a power of attorney.

HB2628

parents' rights; education; health; discipline

10

10

Ensures parental rights over children are respected.

Children

So who else should have these rights? Parents are generally the best people to have making decisions on behalf of their children. That should be presumed unless there is solid evidence to the contrary.

HB2633

general appropriations; 2009-2010

7

0

General Appropriations.

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session. Moves money from a variety of state funds to the general fund. Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HB2634

2009-2010 capital outlay

7

0

Capital Outlays

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session.  Some capital expenditures are reduced. Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HB2635

2009-2010 budget reconciliation; revenues

7

0

Reconciliation: Revenues

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session. Many provisions about multipurpose facilities. Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HB2636

2009-2010 budget reconciliation; general government

5

0

Reconciliation: General Government

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session. Funding is restored for the 21st Century Fund which has govt pick economic winners and losers. Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HB2637

state properties; 2009-2010 budget reconciliation

7

0

Reconciliation: State Properties

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session. Selling unnecessary state property is a good thing. More properties should be identified to be sold.  Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HB2638

2009-2010 budget reconciliation; criminal justice

6

0

Reconciliation: Criminal Justice

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session. Adds or increases fees for criminals a little. Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HB2639

2009-2010 budget reconciliation; K-12 education

9

0

Reconciliation: K-12 Education

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session. Audits school attendance numbers, better provisions for virtual charter schools, eliminates double counting students for paying public schools. Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HB2640

2009-2010 budget reconciliation; higher education

7

0

Reconciliation: Higher Education

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session. Adds some financial transparency and audtiting requirements which is good. Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HB2641

2009-2010 budget reconciliation; health; welfare

8

0

Reconciliation: Health and Welfare

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session. Has  provisions to combat fraud in taxpayer funded health care programs. Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HB2642

2009-2010 budget reconciliation; environment

7

0

Reconciliation: Environment

Govt Admin

One of 10 budget bills. Even though the budget is extremely important, the weights for individual bills are not too high because the total weight of the budget is the total of the weights for ALL of the budget bills. Sponsor weight is 0 because budget bills are directed by legislative leadership and sponsorship does not have the same meaning as for bills introduced at the beginning of the session. Added to evaluation 5/9/09.

HCR2008

eminent domain; slum clearance; repeal

-10

-10

eminent domain; slum clearance; repeal

Civil Rights

This is a way to undo voter protections against unreasonable seizure of their property. It is a way to allow private developers to get governments to force people to sell them property on terms unfavorable to the property owner.

HCR2019

justices and judges; senate confirmation.

7

7

justices and judges; senate confirmation.

Govt Admin

This would be a big improvement over the current method of having an unelected committee appoint judges.

HCR2020

state appropriation limit; reduction.

7

7

state appropriation limit; reduction.

Taxes

Lower spending limited by reasonable growth criteria will result in lower taxes and streamlined government.

HCR2024

sovereignty; tenth amendment.

7

7

sovereignty; tenth amendment.Send message to Federal government in support of state sovereignty.

Civil Rights

Important 10th amendment issue. Even though it has no legislative effect, it puts the state on record as insisting on having its sovereignty respected.

HCR2028

voter-protected funding; temporary deficit suspension

6

6

Allows referendum dedicated funds to be used in cases of a budget deficit without increasing taxes.

Taxes

Adds needed budget flexibility required to reduce pressure for tax increases when there are budget deficits. Allows the money available to be used more effectively.

HCR2031

state budget; continuation

6

6

Continues the same state budget into the next year if one is not passed in time. Automatic reductions will be in effect when there are revenue shortfalls.

Govt Admin

Provides a reasonable rule to handle cases where there is a budget deadlock. Ideally, this should never happen if the legislature and governor can work together effectively. When they can't, it can help reduce the pressure to increase spending to get a budget agreement.

HCR2032

constitutional gift clause; purpose

5

5

Further restricts governments in the state from providing benefits to specific private organizations.

Econ Freedom

It keeps all private enterprises on an equal footing with respect to government policies. Governments should not pick economic winners and losers. That's the job of consumers.

HCR2033

initiative and referendum reform

-5

-5

 

Govt Admin

We don't need these laws changed. These changes will not help the public.

SB1004

unlawful false compartment; motor vehicles

-8

-8

unlawful false compartment; motor vehicles. Makes it illegal to have a firearm in any compartment that a police officer regards as hidden.

Civil Rights

It is too broad and can be too easily used against innocent citizens.

SB1075

license plates; obscuring name; warning

-1

-1

license plates; obscuring name; warning

Civil Rights

Still permits traffic stops based on this law.

SB1076

license plate attachment and display.

4

4

license plate attachment and display.

Civil Rights

It provides too easy an excuse for a traffic stop.

SB1107

state equalization property tax repeal

10

10

state equalization property tax repeal

Taxes

We don't need to have this tax come back.

SB1113

handguns; restaurants; posting

8

8

handguns; restaurants; posting

Gun Rights

Restaurant patrons with a CCW should be able to carry a concealed weapon in a restaurant if the restaurant has no objections.

SB1142

public expenditure transparency database

5

5

public expenditure transparency database

Govt Admin

Companion bill to HB2541.

SB1143

enhanced driver licenses; border travel.

-10

-10

enhanced driver licenses; border travel.

Civil Rights

We oppose what is essentially a national ID card.

SB1159

trespassing; illegal aliens

8

8

Makes it a crime for an illegal alien to be in Arizona.

Illegal Aliens

It has provisions for handling dangerous people with appropriate severity while still keeping the less dangerous illegal aliens subject to misdemeanor charges for a first offense. SB1175 contains this language.

SB1175

illegal aliens; enforcement; trespassing.

9

9

Makes being an illegal alien in Arizona a crime and prevents municipal governments from having polcies prohibiting enforcement of immigration laws.

Illegal Aliens

Helps keep illegal aliens from remaining in Arizona by making it a crime and preventing sanctuary cities from be legal.

SB1206

dissolution of marriage

6

6

dissolution of marriage. Allows marital misconduct to be taken into consideration during a divorce proceeding.

Children

Allowing judges to make decisions regarding property and child custody based on the behavior of a couple in a marriage protects the rights of a victimized spouse and will help ensure children are better cared for.

SB1212

central state repository; hate crimes

-8

-8

central state repository; hate crimes

Civil Rights

All crimes should be handled similarly. There should not be special classes of victims.

SB1242

weapons; peace officers; posse; reserves

2

2

weapons; peace officers; posse; reserves

Govt Admin

Companion bill HB2027

SB1243

justification; defensive display of firearm

9

9

justification; defensive display of firearm

Gun Rights

A person who feels threatened should not be prosecuted for displaying a firearm in self defense.

SB1270

firearms possession; concealed weapons permit

10

10

firearms possession; concealed weapons permit. Eliminates penalty for carry a concealed weapon without carry the CCW permit. Increases penalties for using a firearm to commit a crime.

Gun Rights

It makes sense to punish criminals rather than innocent citizens.

SB1291

state photo enforcement system

-7

-7

state photo enforcement system

Civil Rights

Photo radar is too "big brother" and has equal protection constitutional issues.

SB1324

corporate income tax rate

8

8

Lowers Corporate income tax over several years

Taxes

Will improve job creation.

SB1329

central state repository; crime information.

-7

-7

central state repository; crime information.

Civil Rights

Applies to those arrested rather than just those convicted.

SB1347

photo enforcement; DPS; signage

3

3

photo enforcement; DPS; signage

Public Safety

This helps prevent police from setting up speed traps.

SB1348

misleading public officials; violation

-5

-5

misleading public officials; violation

Civil Rights

This threatens free speech of private citizens and goes too far to establishes public officials as a class with special privileges compared to private citizens.

SB1355

photo radar; prohibition on highways

9

9

photo radar; prohibition on highways

Civil Rights

Will get rid of big brother cameras. There are also equal protection issues with photo radar.

SB1364

speeding citations; photo enforcement systems

3

3

speeding citations; photo enforcement systems

Civil Rights

Limit photo radar.

SB1391

photo radar; minimum speed

3

3

photo radar; minimum speed

Public Safety

Set reasonable speed limits for enforcement.

SB1410

schools; harassment; bullying; protected classes.

-9

-9

schools; harassment; bullying; protected classes.

Civil Rights

There should be no special protected classes. All bullies should be neutralized regardless of the types of people they bully.

SB1411

seat belt violations

-8

-8

seat belt violations

Civil Rights

Excuse for traffic stop. Nanny state not welcome.

SB1434

publicity pamphlet; judicial performance; comment

3

3

publicity pamphlet; judicial performance; comment

Govt Admin

This will make it easier to get out information about judges before retention elections.

SB1439

passengers; pickup truck beds; prohibition

-9

-9

passengers; pickup truck beds; prohibition

Civil Rights

Nanny state rules infringe on personal freedom even if done for "the children" or any other valued group.

SB1440

minors in vehicle; smoking prohibited

-9

-9

minors in vehicle; smoking prohibited

Civil Rights

Nanny state rules infringe on personal freedom even if done for "the children" or any other valued group.

SB1443

cellular telephone use; texting; driving

-8

-8

cellular telephone use; texting; driving

Civil Rights

Nanny state not welcome.

SB1460

photo enforcement; rights of drivers

3

3

photo enforcement; rights of drivers

Civil Rights

Limits photo radar.

SB1466

council on efficient government

-2

-2

council on efficient government

Govt Admin

It will create another layer of bureaucracy and may be in conflict with existing state laws. There is an small quorum which could allow a minority to move things through the council.

SCR1006

state appropriation limit; reduction

7

7

state appropriation limit; reduction

Taxes

Companion to HCR2028

SCR1009

voter-protection; temporary budgetary suspension

6

6

voter-protection; temporary budgetary suspension

Taxes

Companion to HCR2028

SCR1010

illegal aliens; enforcement; trespassing

8

8

Prevent Sanctuary cities for illegal aliens

Illegal Aliens

Referendum version of SB1159.

SCR1011

taxpayer bill of rights

10

10

taxpayer bill of rights

Taxes

Limiting government to the growth of the private citizens growth in wealth makes sense.

SCR1012

spending accountability and transparency act

4

4

spending accountability and transparency act

Govt Admin

Referendum version of SB1142.

SCR1026

secret ballot; fundamental right

10

10

secret ballot; fundamental right. Allows secret ballots in all public elections and elections for labor union representation.

Govt Admin

This will help protect workers from being pressured to support unions.

SCR1031

discrimination; preferential treatment; prohibition

7

7

discrimination; preferential treatment; prohibition

 Civil Rights

Added to evaluation 5/9/09. Puts a constitutional amendment on 2010 ballot to prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, or ethnicity for state employment, contracting, and education. Applies only to government - not to private organizations.

SCR1033

photo radar; prohibition on highways.

9

9

photo radar; prohibition on highways.

Civil Rights

Companion to SB1355.

SCR1034

constitutional convention; rescinding of call

2

2

constitutional convention; rescinding of call

Civil Rights

Rescind previous call for a constitutional convention. If one is called, our entire US constitution could be rewritten and our liberties would be at greater risk.

SCR1039

speeding citations; photo enforcement systems

2

2

speeding citations; photo enforcement systems

Civil Rights

Limit photo radar.

 

 

Strike Everything Bills used in Evaluation

 

Bill Number

Short title

Now title

Weight

Description

Category

HB2028

jury duty; motor vehicle parking

supplemental reductions; appropriations; FY 2008-2009

8

Transfer Education Funds for this FY

Govt Admin

HB2029

school districts; liability; immunity waiver

school district balances; allocations

8

Utilize excess K-12 funds this FY and put money back in future year.

Govt Admin

HB2049

exchange teachers; technical correction

performance management software; contracts

8

Will help to reduce welfare fraud by cross checking computer records.

Govt Admin

HB2051

technical correction; cease; desist order

2008-2009; appropriations; budget revisions

-9

Appropriations with pork barrel spending

Govt Admin

HB2106

prohibit photo radar; state highways (name did not change)

9

Modification of elimination of photo radar to conform to requirements of state contracts.

Civil Rights

HB2177

national park support districts

game refuges; firearms

4

Strike all version of HB2174

Gun Rights

HB2280

state budget; revenues; expenditures; report

illegal aliens; trespassing; enforcement

9

Illegal aliens are guilty of trespassing

Illegal Aliens

HB2313

process servers; criminal liability

process servers; rights

-4

Similar to original bill

Civil Rights

HB2369

revenue department; technical correction

noncustodial federal monies; legislative appropriation

6

Gives legislator appropriation authority over Federal payments to state programs.

Govt Admin

HB2449

mandatory fingerprinting; central state repository

fingerprinting; arrest; procedures

-3

Similar to original bill

Civil Rights

HB2616

living wills; health care directives

health care directives; guardian decision

5

Similar to original bill

Pro-Life

HB2643

technical correction; abandoned vehicles; monies

general appropriations; 2009-2010; trailer

2

Budget

Govt Admin

HB2644

technical correction; rebate set-aside

budget reconciliation; general revenues; trailer

2

Budget

Govt Admin

HB2645

technical correction; public roadways

budget reconciliation; general government; trailer

2

Budget

Govt Admin

HB2646

technical correction; state highways

state properties; trailer

2

Budget

Govt Admin

HB2647

technical correction; certificate of title

budget reconciliation; criminal justice; trailer

-2

Budget - Prisons - Mortgages prison facilities - bad fiscal mgt

Govt Admin

HB2648

technical correction; industrial development; insurance

budget reconciliation; K-12 education; trailer

0

Budget

Govt Admin

HB2649

technical correction; open pit mining

budget reconciliation; higher education; trailer

-2

Budget - Higher Ed - Cuts Comm Colleges - No cuts to Universities

Govt Admin

HB2650

technical correction; health services; fees

budget reconciliation; health; welfare; trailer

2

Budget

Govt Admin

HB2651

technical correction; national guard

budget reconciliation; environment; trailer

2

Budget

Govt Admin

HCR2019

justices and judges; senate confirmation.

discrimination; preferential treatment; prohibition

7

Same as SCR1031

Civil Rights

SB1027

technical correction; bonds; tax considerations

capital outlay; FY 2009-2010

5

Criminal Justice Budget

Govt Admin

SB1028

technical correction; private funds; disposition

budget reconciliation; criminal justice

5

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1029

technical correction; budget estimates

budget reconciliation; higher education

5

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1031

tax exemption; technical correction

budget reconciliation; assets

5

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1035

school bonds; technical correction

budget reconciliation; general government

5

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1036

tax anticipation bonds; technical correction

budget reconciliation; general revenues

5

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1113

handguns; restaurants; posting

restaurants; handguns; posting

8

Similar to original bill

Gun Rights

SB1145

technical correction; dry wells; regulation

budget reconciliation; health and welfare

5

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1184

technical correction; boating rules

2008-2009; appropriations; budget revisions

-9

Appropriations with pork barrel spending

Govt Admin

SB1187

technical correction; deceptive mailings

budget reconciliation; K-12

5

Budget - Like HB2639

Govt Admin

SB1188

fiduciary funds; deposits; technical correction

general appropriations; FY 2009-2010

5

Capital Appropriations

Govt Admin

SB1258

mine inspector; education; training; fees

budget reconciliation; environment

5

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1470

technical correction; health services; fees

general appropriations; 2009-2010; trailer

2

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1471

technical correction; industrial development; insurance

budget reconciliation; health; welfare; trailer

2

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1472

technical correction; rebate set-aside

budget reconciliation; general revenues; trailer

2

Budget

Govt Admin

SB1480

technical correction; national guard

budget reconciliation; K-12 education; trailer

0

Budget

Govt Admin

 

 

 

 

  
 
Why is a particular legislator rated better or worse? Minimize

FAQs

 

Why is a particular legislator rated better or worse then I would have expected?

 

There are several possibilities.

 

  • This is a cumulative rating for the entire legislative session up to last week, but, until the session is complete, the ratings are not final. Early in the session, bill sponsorships have more impact on the grade because there have been fewer committee and floor votes. Later in the session, floor votes become more influential for determining the grade.
  • The legislator might be voting differently than in previous years. We only look at sponsorships and votes for this legislative session.
  • The legislator may have missed some votes. This can bring down the grade of a legislator who you think would have voted according to Republican principles, but didn’t vote.
  • If a bill did not have enough votes to pass, a legislator in favor of the bill might vote against it in order to be able to make a motion to reconsider the bill. This is a parliamentary tactic that we cannot reliably capture in our rating system. So a legislator doing this will get a lower rating, based on the vote cast, than is actually deserved based on intent. Unfortunately, there is no adjustment we can reliably make to the ratings to address this problem.
  • Weights for bills and legislator actions are set at the beginning of the legislative session. We avoid looking at who sponsored bills until after we assign weights to them. Therefore, the grades reflect the performance of legislators based on our published criteria rather than a rating that can be “gamed” to make some people look good or bad after the fact. Legislators largely determine their own grade based on how they vote on the bills we are tracking.

 

 

What if I disagree with the rating for a legislator?

 

First, you must keep in mind that legislators are rated strictly on sponsorship and votes for the bills we are tracking. For that reason, it is critical that you look at how the bills are weighted. If you think a bill is weighted incorrectly or that a bill should be included in our rating is not on our list, use our feedback form to let us know about that.

 

If the weights on individual bills looks OK to you, then check to weight multipliers for individual actions such as sponsorships and votes. Please read the entire web page for the explanation of how scores are calculated. If those do not look reasonable, then use our feedback form to let us know. For the bill number, you can put in any bill even though this comment would not apply to a specific bill.

 

If everything looks fine up to this point, it may be that the legislator is performing at a different level than you expected. One reason for having a standardized, consistent, comprehensive evaluation system is to show what legislators do rather than just reflect what they say they will do.  It also focuses on what they are doing in this session rather than how they have voted in previous sessions.

 

If you have a criticism of the grades, please make it in terms of the bills tracked and their weights.  Complaints about the outcome for particular legislators are not helpful. The outcomes are strictly a result of this year’s legislative actions. 

 

 

Interim ratings can be misleading. Why not wait until the end of the session to publish comprehensive ratings?

 

We want to help Republican voters see how their legislators are doing during the legislative session. This allows them to influence their legislators during the session in order to have maximum impact on legislation. If we wait until after the session, it is too late to actually influence that session.

 

We also want to encourage Republican legislators to vote in accord with party principles by providing continuing feedback during the session.

 

 

 

 

How does the evaluation work?

 

The Pachyderm Coalition, a Reagan Republican organization, is rating Republican Arizona legislators on their support of Republican Party principles and the Republican Party Platform.

We have selected bills and strikers for the 2009 session that we think provide a good measure of whether legislators are adhering to Republican Party principles. They are listed above. We weight bills based on our determination of their importance and whether they should be supported or defeated. Positive weights mean we support the bills. Negative weights mean we oppose the bills. When a bill has a larger number (whether positive or negative), it means we consider the bill to be more important than a bill with a small number.

We have determined our ratings by reviewing bills of interest to Republican grass roots workers across Arizona and whether they are in alignment with traditional Republican principles.

In addition, we have worked in concert with other highly respected organizations that track legislation such as Americans for Prosperity (AZ Fdtn of Taxpayers) and the Arizona Citizens Defense League. The proprietary software used to manage and manipulate the information used to calculate legislator scores, HOWARD LEVINE (Hierarchically Organized Weighted Average Reporting Database Legislators Evaluated In Nearly Everything) software, was written by (coincidentally enough) Howard Levine who is a Pachyderm Coalition officer.

We appreciate the assistance of these organizations in working with us to provide pertinent insights on specific pieces of legislation. These insights have helped us determine how to set weights on particular bills. Some of this information is on their publicly available web sites.

As the legislative session continues, there will be bills added or weights changed based on amendments and new information brought to our attention. We will make modifications to our lists of bills and strikers to reflect that.

The final selection of bills and their weights is done by the Pachyderm Coalition Policy Committee based on how these bills uphold Republican principles. Of course, we take full responsibility for the selection of bills to include in the evaluation, their weights, and the results.

We are open to feedback from all Arizona Republicans on the weights assigned to our bills.

We also welcome suggestions for other bills for us to add to our evaluation. We want this evaluation system to serve as a coaching device for legislators in addition to simply providing evaluations. Publishing ratings during the session will allow us to provide feedback to legislators and their constituents while the legislature is in session instead of just afterwards.

These are the official actions we evaluate: sponsorship, committee votes (except Rules Committee), and floor votes. Each of these actions on bills we evaluate causes a legislator to get a score based on the bill weight multiplied by the action weight. For example, Prime-Prime sponsorship is multiplied by 10, so if a legislator is the PP sponsor a bill we support with a weight of 5, the legislator will get a score of 10 x 5 = 50 points. If we opposed the bill, the score would be negative 50 (-50) points. There are weight multipliers applied to all actions as follows:

PP sponsorship

10

P Sponsorship

3

C Sponsorship

1

Committee Vote

2

Miscellaneous Motion vote on Floor