In a race against Thursday’s deadline to prevent a potential conflict between state law and the federal election calendar deadline, Republican lawmakers have advanced a proposed set of bills while Democrats have balked. It’s unlikely the bills will become law, however, as Gov. Katie Hobbs quickly rejected them as “dead on arrival.”
Republican lawmakers from both the House and Senate announced their proposed solution, two bills, on Monday afternoon; by Tuesday morning, a joint committee had advanced the bills.
In a press release, the lawmakers said that the pair of bills, SB1733 and HB2785, would provide counties with an additional 19 days in the primary election calendar and an extra 17 days in the general election calendar to comply with federal deadlines.
State Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-LD07), chair of the Senate Elections Committee, expressed hope that Hobbs would sign the legislation if passed, claiming that a refusal would cause election turmoil and voter disenfranchisement. However, Hobbs dismissed the proposal almost immediately after its release.
“This commonsense solution promises to strengthen voter confidence, is backed by all Arizona county recorders, and allows our men and women who are serving in our armed forces overseas the opportunity to cast a ballot in our elections,” said Rogers.
HB2785 sponsor State Rep. Alexander Kolodin (R-LD03) remarked that it was “highly unlikely” the feared calendar conflict would come to fruition, and that the solution was “more complicated” than some other, unnamed solutions.
“There were many simpler ways to solve this problem, some of which do not require legislative solutions,” said Kolodin. “Nevertheless, we negotiated in good faith and agreed to accept this more complicated solution in exchange for signature verification and several other commonsense reforms.”
The solution aligns with recent requests by election officials, including that of Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates over the weekend.
On Tuesday, both SB1733 and HB2785 passed quickly and narrowly out of a special joint meeting with the Senate Committee on Elections and the House Elections Committee. Democrats uniformly opposed the bills, while all Republicans voted for them.
Arizona House Democrats described the bills as “a Christmas tree of unrelated and controversial policy provisions” that they and, likely, Hobbs would oppose.
Watch now, joint House/Senate Elections committees hear GOP bill for emergency recount issue. Far from a clean fix, their bill includes a Christmas tree of unrelated and controversial policy provisions that are non-starters with Dems & Governor’s Office.https://t.co/jxH2G5QbDr
In a joint statement issued over the weekend, Hobbs and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes clarified that the governor wouldn’t approve any bill that carried “harmful unrelated legislation.”
The contested provisions include the imposition of the state’s first signature verification standards, as well as the expansion of signature curing hours to the weekend before and after an election for those elections including federal offices.
The proposed legislation would also create a category of verified early ballots exempt from review for voters who show ID when turning in their mailed early ballot in person.
The Arizona Association of Counties gave their support for both bills during Tuesday’s committee hearing.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
State Rep. Alex Kolodin (R-LD03) and Allyson Miller, former Pima County supervisor, filed a bar complaint against the Cochise County attorney, Brian McIntyre, on Monday.
Kolodin and Miller accused McIntyre of violating Rule 1.6, attorney-client privilege, for revealing privileged advice given to the Cochise County Board of Supervisors in connection with handling the 2022 election results.
The board considered a post-election hand count audit last year; during a public meeting, McIntyre revealed that he’d advised the board against the audit. Kolodin and Miller said the revelation amounted to a violation of attorney-client privilege.
Following the lawsuit against the supervisors — his clients — over the audit, McIntyre also sent a letter to their counsel disclosing a list of laws he believed the supervisors potentially violated. Kolodin and Miller asserted that McIntyre’s letter was unnecessary, crafted in a way to provide legal analysis, and used by the media to the detriment of the supervisors.
For these actions, the pair also accused McIntyre of violating Rules 1.1, requiring competent representation of a client; 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9, prohibiting conflict of interest; and 3.8(f), requiring behavior to promote public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the legal system.
“It is time for equal justice under law,” posted Kolodin on X.
This AM @SupervisorAlly and I filed an election-related bar complaint against Cochise Co. Atty Brian McIntyre for apparent violations of the atty/client privilege – his most sacred duty. It is time for equal justice under law. pic.twitter.com/2iPjSVonaO
The complaint comes shortly after the bar put Kolodin on 18 months of probation for representing those challenging the 2020 election results. The State Grand Jury indicted Cochise County Supervisors Peggy Judd and Tom Crosby last month over the 2022 audit controversy, which resulted in a delay of the statewide canvass.
Kolodin says he filed the complaint in order to ensure the equal application of ethical standards, regardless of political alignment.
In a statement to AZ Free News, Kolodin said that McIntyre’s actions were deserving of scrutiny and, if applicable, discipline.
“Equal justice under law is a foundational legal principle,” said Kolodin. “Regardless of the policy preferences we advocate for, the law must be fairly and neutrally applied.”
Miller told AZ Free News that McIntyre should’ve done better to protect the supervisors by handling privileged legal information through an executive session. Miller opined that McIntyre abandoned the supervisors.
“He doesn’t have a right to be a judge,” said Miller.
The former supervisor also asserted that Judd and Crosby abided by the statutory deadline on canvassing, since they certified on Dec. 1 and state law imposes a deadline of the fourth Monday following the general election — or, Dec. 5 — for certification. The statute also allows for the canvass to be postponed “from day to day” for up to 30 days from Election Day until all counties submit their canvasses.
“If the official canvass of any county has not been received on the fourth Monday following the general election, the canvass shall be postponed from day to day, not to exceed thirty days from the date of the election, until canvasses from all counties are received,” reads A.R.S. 16-648(c).
Miller said she felt every official in the state should sign onto their complaint, surmising that McIntyre’s actions set a dangerous precedent for counsel to undermine officials based on political reasons.
“You have a right to be represented in the discharge of your duty,” said Miller.
Kolodin and Miller’s bar complaint prompted a flurry of online commentary from Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09), who applauded the bar complaint against McIntyre. Gosar pointed out that no Democrat-aligned lawyers were sanctioned under 2000 or 2016 election challenges.
The unfounded attacks on @KariLake lawyers and @realAlexKolodin is unprecedented. Not 1 dem lawyer was sanctioned for frivolous legal filings in FL in 2000 or WI, MI or PA in 2016 where dems spent $7.4 MILLION in recount lawsuits in those states & lost every suit. (3/4) https://t.co/QC8e5yj3ho
Gosar portrayed Kolodin as one of a class of lawyers punished for representing causes and individuals “disfavored by the regime,” a hallmark of autocracy according to the congressman.
“This form of oppression is well documented by autocrats desperate [to] stop any challenge [to] their legitimacy,” said Kolodin.
@realAlexKolodin The assault on lawyers willing 2 rep causes & people disfavored by the regime in power is reaching dangerous levels in AZ & across the country. This form of oppression is well documented by autocrats desperate 2 stop any challenge 2 their legitimacy. (1/4) https://t.co/QC8e5yj3ho
On Wednesday, Republican lawmakers held a press conference to announce their plan to “ease the financial burden hitting hardworking Arizonans when they fill their gas tanks…by addressing fuel blend requirements in Arizona.”
The fuel blend issue at Arizona pumps has long been a point of contention between legislative Republicans and the Hobbs’ administration, leading to this proactive attempt at a solution on the lawmakers’ side. According to the press release issued by the State Senate Republican Caucus, “Arizona is required to provide drivers in Maricopa County a specific fuel blend for cooler season months and a different fuel blend specific for warmer season months.” The blend employed by the state during spring and summer is “Cleaner Burning Gas” (CBG) – a boutique blend dictated by statute and procured from outside the state, which can lead to shortages and higher prices for consumers filling up their tanks at critical times of the year.
Faced with this issue of a very limited set of approved fuel blends, Arizona legislative Republicans announced that they had “identified eight comparable blends” in their free-market proposal to allow “as many fuel blends as possible.”
“We believe the EPA can and should approve those blends for use, as they provide nearly identical clean air benefits as CBG,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “Providing multiple fuel options allows the market to compete during unexpected shortages and helps keep gas prices low for Arizona drivers.”
Senator Justine Wadsack, the bill’s sponsor, added, “The Legislature was not made aware of the shortage until after it had happened. As part of our plan, we’re proposing the Legislature be immediately notified if a waiver is requested by refineries, and that the Senate President and House Speaker are provided the authority to file a waiver request directly with the EPA. Hardworking Arizonans are struggling in this economy. Turning a blind eye to crippling gas prices is like throwing salt on their wounds. As lawmakers, we should do everything in our power to improve the lives of our citizens who elected us to represent them.”
The issues raised by Wadsack refer to previously induced information this year that the Governor’s Office was convinced by the EPA not to submit a waiver for an “alternative fuel type to provide an adequate supply for drivers and preventing a hike in gas prices,” despite oil companies warning state officials of significant refinery shutdowns and past Arizona Governors applying for and receiving that opportunity. According to Senate Republicans, “this catastrophe reduced the supply of the CBG (fuel blend).”
In an exclusive statement to AZ Free News, Representative Austin Smith said, “I applaud my fellow freedom caucus colleagues, Kolodin and Wadsack, for being the leaders on this issue. Every Arizonan, specifically in Maricopa County, has felt the pain at the pump under the Biden administration. Katie Hobbs could have led on this issue with requesting a waiver from the EPA, but failed to do so. As Vice Chairman of the House Energy committee, I look forward to seeing the proposals come forward this upcoming session. It’s the upmost importance to deliver real solutions to working Arizona families where we can.”
Earlier this year, Senator Jake Hoffman unleashed a blistering rebuke of Hobbs’ reported failure “to do the right thing by requesting this waiver to allow prices at the pump to drop.” Hoffman’s statement followed the aforementioned accounts of a letter that had been sent to Hobbs in March by independent petroleum refiner HF Sinclair, warning the state’s chief executive “of a critical supply shortage in Arizona due to an unexpected equipment failure stopping the production of CBG required by the Biden Administration in Maricopa County, as well as parts of Pinal and Yavapai Counties.”
At the time, Hoffman said, “Katie Hobbs’ incompetence as Arizona’s Governor continues to take center stage, and hardworking Arizonans are paying the price for it. The average price for a gallon of gas right now in Maricopa County is a full $1 higher than the national average. This is extra money that could help with groceries, medications and other necessities many of our taxpayers are having a difficult time affording because of the Biden Administration’s reckless policies leading to historic inflation.”
Senator Shawnna Bolick, who also attended the Wednesday press conference, told AZ Free News that “earlier this year, a proposed waiver that would have helped Arizonans save millions at the pump was rejected by an unelected government bureaucracy. During the critical supply shortage of CBG this spring it would have been invaluable to have this legislation to increase the availability of multiple gas blends instead of the current monopoly. It is time to remove unnecessary excessive red tape and open the market to competition to help Arizonans counter the Biden inflationary economy.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
A year-long legislative effort finally came to fruition for an Arizona community.
Late last week, Arizona State Representative Alexander Kolodin and Senator Justine Wadsack announced that the Rio Verde Foothills community once again – and finally – had access to water.
The water is back on in Rio Verde Foothills Monday. Thank God, it's done at last. Thank you to all my colleagues who helped make this possible. We can come together to solve our challenges, we really can. pic.twitter.com/nazs0Gp4Aj
In a joint statement, Kolodin and Wadsack said, “After more than a year of failed attempts to resolve the issue, today we stand in celebration as water flows once more to the residents of Rio Verde Foothills. Three months ago, we sent a bill to Hobbs urging she sign the legislation to help restore water for over 700 residents that had relied on the City of Scottsdale for over 30 years. At that time, we applauded the community’s resolve and said, ‘Hold on tight, relief is on the way!’ We are elected to office to get things done for the people of Arizona. Where every other level of government failed, this Republican majority delivered.”
✅FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE✅
Representative Kolodin and Senator Wadsack Celebrate Restoration of Water Access for Residents of Rio Verde Foothills
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (Friday, October 6, 2023) – Arizona State Representative Alex Kolodin and Senator Justine Wadsack today issued… pic.twitter.com/89eCPlCG0D
— AZ Senator Justine Wadsack (@Wadsack4Arizona) October 7, 2023
The “X” account for the Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District also acknowledged the development in this ongoing saga, writing, “Official per RVFSD: The water will flow on Monday 10/9. Thank you to the board for your work, and tireless effort, countless meetings, emails, and support of community partners. Thank you to the City of Scottsdale and EPCOR. Thank you to all who helped. Moving forward!”
🚨🚨🚨 Official per RVFSD: The water will flow on Monday 10/9. Thank you to the board for your work, and tireless effort, countless meetings, emails, and support of community partners. Thank you to the City of Scottsdale and EPCOR. Thank you to all who helped. Moving forward!
— Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District💧 (@rvfsdaz) October 7, 2023
State Representative Laura Terech also weighed in on the situation, adding, “I am relieved to see water access restored to the Rio Verde Foothills!”
I am relieved to see water access restored to the Rio Verde Foothills! https://t.co/mKr7WjtrTP
Few legislators worked with more intensity at the Arizona Legislature over this issue than Kolodin in the recently completed session. It was Kolodin’s HB 2561 that was added onto SB 1432 as an amendment before both chambers sent the bill to the Governor’s Office. After SB 1432 passed the legislature, Kolodin thanked many of his colleagues, including Senator John Kavanaugh, Wadsack, Terech, and Representative David Cook, for their efforts in ensuring the proposal’s success. Kolodin wrote, “This is not the first water crisis Arizona has faced and it will not be the last. But, today, we proved that the era of kicking the can down the road is over. This legislature is ready, willing, and able to roll up its sleeves and solve the problem – together.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
An Arizona community’s months-long wrangling over water will be coming to a temporary end.
On Tuesday, the Scottsdale City Council voted to adopt Resolution No. 12892, which is an agreement to provide water for the Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District.
Scottsdale City Council last night approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District to address the lack of a sustainable water supply for Maricopa County residents living in the Rio Verde Foothills area.💧 Learn more: https://t.co/qzvR4ya5impic.twitter.com/vaE0idtq1N
According to a press release issued by the City of Scottsdale in the days leading up to the Council’s vote, the agreement stipulates that “Scottsdale’s own water resources will not be used, and the rate charged to the standpipe district is set so that costs are fully recovered on behalf of the Scottsdale residents who pay for the infrastructure and operation of the city’s water system.”
That September 1st press release from the City of Scottsdale outlined three points under the agreement, including:
The Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District will acquire a water supply that can be provided to Scottsdale at one of the city’s surface water treatment facilities – Scottsdale’s own water resources will not be used.
The city will treat the water and make it available at the Pima Road Fill Station, from which haulers contracted by the district could provide water for up to 750 customers in Rio Verde Foothills (the limit stipulated by A.R.S. 9-500.40).
The city’s agreement is with the district only, which may then contract with other parties as needed to supply water to Rio Verde Foothills customers; the agreement will terminate Dec. 31, 2025.
The agreement originated from the signing of SB 1432, sponsored by Senator Justine Wadsack, which “outlined requirements of a city or town that provides water service through an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with a standpipe district for a period of up to three years by use of a standpipe for water hauling to residences outside the city’s or town’s water service area that do not have access to sufficient water.”
Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs held a ceremonial signing ceremony on August 22. Two lawmakers, Wadsack and Laura Terech, were in attendance. Senator Wadsack tweeted, “Signing Ceremony in the Governor’s Tower for my bill SB 1432. The people of Rio Verde will have water again!! Water is not a partisan issue. Water is life.”
Signing Ceremony in the Governor’s Tower for my bill #SB1432. The people of #RioVerde will have water again!!
— AZ Senator Justine Wadsack (@Wadsack4Arizona) August 23, 2023
Representative Terech added, “Today, I had the honor of joining Governor Hobbs, Senator Wadsack, and the Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District Board at the ceremonial signing of SB 1432. It was an emotional morning. For me, this bill represents the bipartisan cooperation that we will need to secure Arizona’s water future. There’s a long way to go from here and many communities who also face significant water needs, but this is a powerful step forward. I’m proud to have played an integral part in the process.”
Today, I had the honor of joining Governor Hobbs, Senator Wadsack, and the Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District Board at the ceremonial signing of SB1432. It was an emotional morning. For me, this bill represents the bipartisan cooperation that we will need to secure … pic.twitter.com/pbSSf8y7iI
After signing the bill in June, Hobbs stated, “This bipartisan bill shows that when we put politics aside, we can come together to solve problems for everyday Arizonans. While it isn’t perfect, I’m glad we were able to deliver relief for the residents of Rio Verde Foothills. Moving forward, I will keep working across the aisle to protect water for every Arizonan and ensure we continue our growth and make Arizona the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The signing of this legislation led to the Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District’s approval of an IGA with Scottsdale, which Republican Representative Alexander Kolodin covered on September 2: “We interrupt our regularly scheduled Twitter war to bring you the news that the Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe District has just voted to approve an IGA with Scottsdale to restore water service. Now back to our program!”
We inturrupt our regularly scheduled Twitter war to bring you the news that the @rvfsdaz has just voted to approve an IGA with Scottsdale to restore water service. Now back to our program! pic.twitter.com/pYnyHZKjAb
Few legislators worked with more intensity at the Arizona Legislature over this issue than Kolodin in the recently completed session. It was Kolodin’s HB 2561 that was added onto SB 1432 as an amendment before both chambers sent the bill to the Governor’s Office. After SB 1432 passed the legislature, Kolodin thanked many of his colleagues, including Senator John Kavanaugh, Wadsack, Terech, and Representative David Cook, for their efforts in ensuring the proposal’s success. Kolodin wrote, “This is not the first water crisis Arizona has faced and it will not be the last. But, today, we proved that the era of kicking the can down the road is over. This legislature is ready, willing, and able to roll up its sleeves and solve the problem – together.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
