Arizona Senators Shamp And Rogers Share Updates On Key Bills

Arizona Senators Shamp And Rogers Share Updates On Key Bills

By Daniel Stefanski |

Arizona Senate Republicans are wasting no time in getting down to business in a new legislative session.

In the recent newsletter published by Arizona Senate Republicans, two legislators reported on the progress made by the caucus in advancing priorities and bills in the first few weeks of the 57th Regular Session.

Senator Janae Shamp wrote, “Senate Republicans have hit the ground running this session, and I’m thrilled to share the 2025 Senate Majority Plan to guide our efforts! With Arizona’s future in mind, our agenda is built on three unshakable pillars: Securing Our Cities from the Front Door to the Border, Preserving the American Dream in Arizona, and Embracing Federalism and State Sovereignty. We stand on the threshold of possibility, entrusted with a majority that carries the hopes and expectations of every Arizonan.

Shamp added, “This session offers an opportunity to reaffirm the principles that have made Arizona a beacon of freedom and prosperity. As Senate Majority Leader, I am fully committed to advancing these priorities for the benefit of all Arizonans. By the power of the Republican-led Legislature, Arizonans can expect fiscal responsibility and commonsense bills to make it to the Governor’s desk this year. Together, we will remain unified in protecting the freedoms and constitutional rights of every citizen in Arizona.”

Senator Wendy Rogers reported on some of the key bills that her colleagues had already taken action on in various committees across the chamber. She said, “We’ve had a number of Senate bills pass out of their respective committees over the past two weeks. This is an important step in the legislative process because it allows the public and stakeholders to weigh in on legislation. As Chair of the Judiciary & Elections Committee, I’m happy to report SB 1011 passed and continues its journey through the Senate. This will provide voters results on election night, alleviating a lot of frustration and increasing confidence in the system.”

The northern Arizona lawmaker also shared the progress of three additional bills, saying, “My bill, SB 1015, passed out of Government Committee. This legislation prohibits a city, town, or county from imposing a tax or fee on the use of blockchain technology. Additionally, SB 1013 passed out of Government Committee. This bill requires a two-thirds vote of support from a local government before taxes and fees can be raised, or before new taxes can be imposed. In Senate Health Committee, SB 1076 passed and would provide newborn screening for early detection of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.”

Supporters says that despite a divided state government shared with Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs, Senate Republicans have deftly managed to defend Arizona’s interests against the chief executive’s attempts to proliferate her radical agenda. They – and Arizona House Republicans – are being counted upon yet again to stand up to Hobbs and to advance key priorities that affect the state’s future.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.

Federal Agency Seeks Comments To Advance More Productive Tech Economy

Federal Agency Seeks Comments To Advance More Productive Tech Economy

By Terri Jo Neff |

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking comments about eight emerging technology areas: Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things in Manufacturing, Quantum Computing, Blockchain Technology, New and Advanced Materials, Unmanned Delivery Services, Internet of Things, and Three-dimensional Printing, to assist in the preparation of a report to Congress.  

A Request for Information (RFI) was announced in the Federal Register under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, who is directed to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and other federal agencies to complete a study of the eight emerging technology areas.

The RFI seeks comments about public and private sector marketplace trends, supply chain risks, legislative, policy, and the future investment needs of the technology areas to help identify, understand, refine, and guide the development of the eight emerging technologies. Those eight areas are, more specifically:

  • Artificial Intelligence—on the state of the artificial intelligence industry and the impact of such industry on the United States economy,
  • Internet of Things in Manufacturing—on the use of internet-connected devices and internet-connected solutions in manufacturing in the United States,
  • Quantum Computing—on the state of the quantum computing industry and the impact of such industry on the United States economy,
  • Blockchain Technology—on the state of the blockchain technology industry and the impact of such industry on the United States economy,
  • New and Advanced Materials—on the state of the new and advanced materials industry, including synthetically derived materials or those with enhanced natural properties, and the impact of such industry on the United States economy,
  • Unmanned Delivery Services (air or ground)—on the impact of unmanned delivery services on businesses conducting interstate commerce and the impact of such industry on the United States economy, rules and regulations,
  • Internet of Things—on the state of the internet-connected devices industry and the impact of such industry on the United States economy, and
  • Three-dimensional Printing—on the state of the three-dimensional printing industry and the impact of such industry on the United States economy.

For each emerging technology area, NIST needs input useful to the fostering of  economic growth and competitiveness across the United States for benefit all Americans.

As a result, the NIST is inviting stakeholders throughout the scientific research, standards, advocacy, industry, and non-scientific communities, as well as the general public, to provide comments. From the comments, a Congressional report will be developed “in a manner consistent with its mission to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness,” according to the RFI.

Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 31. To submit comments electronically, go to www.regulations.gov and enter NIST-2021-0007 in the search field. Click on the “Comment Now” icon and complete the required fields, and then enter or attach your comments.

More information about the RFI is available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/11/22/2021-25428/study-to-advance-a-more-productive-tech-economy