by Daniel Stefanski | Apr 5, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona’s Democrat governor has vetoed legislation that would have strengthened parental rights in the state.
On Tuesday, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed HB 2183, which would have “entitle[d] parents with the right to receive from a healthcare entity equivalent access to any electronic portal or other healthcare delivery platform for their minor child” – according to the overview from the Arizona House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by State Representative Julie Willoughby.
Hobbs was brief in her veto letter to House Speaker Ben Toma, writing, “The measure as written could put the health and safety of vulnerable Arizonans at risk.”
Willoughby, a Republican, was greatly disappointed by the governor’s action. In a statement released after the veto, the first-term lawmaker said, “I am deeply dismayed by Governor Hobbs’ decision to veto HB 2183. This was important legislation designed to assist Arizona families, particularly those with children suffering from chronic diseases, access vital medical records, which are often required for arranging specialty follow-up appointments, surgeries, or consultations with out-of-state specialists. The governor’s veto means that families will continue to face unnecessary hurdles in obtaining the critical information they need, precisely when they need it most, especially during urgent health crises. This decision not only undermines the welfare of vulnerable families but also impedes their access to necessary healthcare information.”
According to Willoughby’s press release, her bill would have increased the protections afforded to parents in the Arizona parents’ bill of rights by “guaranteeing parents’ equal access to healthcare delivery platforms like online medical portals to care for their minor children.”
Though upset with the final outcome of her proposal, Willoughby made sure to thank her legislative partners. She added, “House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci and Representative Selina Bliss have been remarkable in supporting this bill and I’m grateful for their teamwork on the bill.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 19, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
The Arizona Legislature is working to strengthen parental rights in the state.
Earlier this month, the State House of Representatives passed HB 2183, which “entitles parents with the right to receive from a healthcare entity equivalent access to any electronic portal or other healthcare delivery platform for their minor child,” according to the overview from the chamber. The bill, which was sponsored by Representative Julie Willoughby, received bipartisan support on the floor, garnering a vote of 32-25 (with three seats vacant).
In a statement after the House vote, Representative Willoughby said, “As healthcare delivery evolves, patients have increasingly varied avenues to access and communicate with healthcare providers. Yet, I’ve heard from parents who have been denied the ability to access their child’s medical records through an online patient portal. These portals are essential for parents to manage the care of their children, enabling them to contact pediatricians and specialists, schedule appointments, and refill prescriptions.”
Willoughby added, “Arizona’s parents’ bill of rights safeguards parents’ ability to make healthcare decisions for their minor children. My bill expands upon this protection, guaranteeing parents’ equal access to healthcare delivery platforms like online medical portals to care for their minor children.”
Before arriving on the floor for a vote from the whole chamber, HB 2183 was approved by the House Committee on Health and Human Services in January, with a partisan 6-4 vote.
HB 2183 was co-sponsored by Representatives Biasiucci, Bliss, Carter, Cook, Dunn, Gillette, Kolodin, Nguyen, Peña, and Speaker Toma.
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, Christine Accurso and a representative from the Center for Arizona Policy signed in support of the proposal. Representatives from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, American Civil Liberties Union of AZ, AZ Public Health Association, Children’s Action Alliance, Arizona Center for Women’s Advancement, NARAL Pro-choice America, National Council of Jewish Women Arizona, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Stonewall Democrats of Arizona, and Human Rights Campaign registered their opposition to the bill. Additionally, representatives from the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Health System Alliance of Arizona noted their organization’s neutrality on the legislation.
The bill now awaits action in the Arizona Senate.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Oct 6, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
One of Arizona’s newest legislators continues to deliver results for her district.
On Wednesday, Republican State Representative Julie Willoughby announced that she had “spearheaded the expansion of the Arizona Resource Equity & Access Coordination Hub (AZ REACH), a pioneering program that facilitates the seamless transfer of medical patients, providing critical support to hospitals across the state.”
This expansion will be coined “the Arizona Statewide Transfer Escalation Pathway (AZ STEP).”
Willoughby’s release revealed that the AZ REACH Program “has been instrumental in facilitating the seamless transfer of over 4,000 patients, with an impressive acceptance rate exceeding 90 percent,” adding that “the program streamlines the transfer process by facilitating calls for placement, connecting practitioners, and following through on placement progress, allowing referring facility team members to focus on care.” AZ REACH started in December 2022.
In a statement, Representative Willoughby said, “As a nurse, I know that the AZ REACH program helps save practitioners time and patients’ lives. With the introduction of AZ STEP, we are taking a monumental step towards improving patient care, throughput, and access to specialty services, particularly in our smaller rural hospitals. During peak times, it’s imperative that clinical staff can focus on patients’ needs without being burdened by transfer logistics. AZ STEP will bridge this gap further, ensuring patients receive the care they require.”
The freshman lawmaker’s contribution to AZ REACH was “securing funding in the recently passed state budget for the inclusion of hospitals with 20 beds or less in the program.” According to Willoughby’s announcement, “the AZ REACH program initially included 25 hospitals across the state, encompassing Indian Health Services, PL-638 Tribally Operated, and Critical Access facilities. After the new funding kicks in, five additional hospitals will be added to the 25 hospitals already operating under the program, fulfilling a “critical need to support smaller rural hospitals during high-demand periods.”
Last month, Willoughby announced that she had secured $2.25 million in the state’s budget, which was “intended to support the efforts of the Chandler Police Department in their fight against Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC).” She explained that these funds would “be instrumental in advancing the capabilities of the ICAC department in tackling a range of criminal cases, including human trafficking, cold case sex crimes, homicides, and latent prints.”
Representative Willoughby was appointed to the Arizona House of Representatives by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors earlier this year after a vacancy occurred.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Sep 30, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A freshman Arizona lawmaker is championing the successful inclusion of one of her top priorities in this year’s state budget.
State Representative Julie Willoughby issued a press release on Thursday to announce that she had secured $2.25 million in the budget, which was passed earlier this year, “intended to support the efforts of the Chandler Police Department in their fight against Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC).” The release informed readers that the funding would “empower law enforcement to employ cutting-edge technology and enhance critical investigative capabilities in their pursuit of justice,” adding that the support would “combat heinous offenses that not only impact our state but resonate across the nation.”
In a statement accompanying her announcement, Willoughby said, “Backing those dedicated to upholding the safety and security of our community, and especially our children, is a cornerstone of my commitment as a state representative. This funding will equip the Chandler Police Department with advanced technology and resources dedicated to combatting Internet Crimes Against Children and other high priority criminal cases, safeguarding our communities and preserving the innocence of our youth. By investing in this critical area, we are taking a significant step forward in ensuring a safer Arizona for all.”
Willoughby’s release explained that these funds would “be instrumental in advancing the capabilities of the ICAC department in tackling a range of criminal cases, including human trafficking, cold case sex crimes, homicides, and latent prints.” She shared that there would also be an “implementation of a state-of-the-art criminal justice video management system,” helping the Police Department to “facilitate secure file sharing, enabling collaboration in investigations.”
The release referred to the East Valley legislator as “a strong advocate for the safety and well-being of our communities,” noting that Willoughby “recognizes the urgent need to address the escalating threat of online crimes targeting our most vulnerable population.” Willoughby was appointed to the Arizona House of Representatives by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors earlier this year after a vacancy occurred.
ICAC is under the Chandler Police Department’s Computer Crimes Unit, which “is responsible for investigating internet-related crimes.” According to the Department, there are five investigators and one sergeant in this Unit.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | May 9, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
After a state senator aired his frustrations with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, two legislative vacancies have been filled.
On Friday and Monday, respectively, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors filled a vacant seat in the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 13 and a vacant seat in the Senate for Legislative District 26.
Julie Willoughby was appointed for Legislative District 13. The newest House Republican fell short of victory in the 2022 election but found her way into the chamber in 2023 thanks to the expulsion of former Representative Liz Harris.
In announcing the selection of Willoughby, Maricopa Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Jack Sellers issued the following statement: “I would like to thank the PC’s from District 13 for selecting three qualified candidates for our consideration. I interviewed all of them about important issues such as Prop 400, homelessness, water, and elections. We take this duty seriously and follow a process that includes background checks and interviews so residents can be confident in the person chosen to fill the vacant seat.”
House Speaker Ben Toma told AZ Free News, “We’re proud to welcome Representative Willoughby to the House and to be a part of our majority Republican Caucus. There is still a lot of important work for us to accomplish this session for the people of Arizona and we can’t wait to get it done.”
Representative Flavio Bravo was appointed for Legislative District 26, opening up another vacancy to be filled in the state house. Bravo was selected after the resignation of former Senator Raquel Terán.
Bravo’s appointment was also heralded by another Maricopa County Supervisor, Steve Gallardo, who stated: “I would like to thank the PC’s from District 26 for selecting three qualified candidates for our consideration. It was a difficult decision because I respect all three of these community leaders. Flavio Bravo knows this district well and will represent it vigorously in the Senate.”
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors’ appointments came after Arizona Senator J.D. Mesnard took to the floor of his chamber to address the Board’s ongoing consideration of two legislative vacancies.
Senator Mesnard’s frustrations boiled over on the Senate floor as he laid out his charge against the Supervisors’ alleged delay in filling the two vacancies for 19 (Senate) and 20 (House) days. He informed his colleagues “the length of these vacancies is the longest, while we’ve been in session, in a half a century – 56 years!” Mesnard also said that 8.76 days is the historical average to fill the vacancy.
The East Valley lawmaker indicated that due to this historic delay, changes in statute could be on the horizon to ensure a more expedient selection by a county board of supervisors during an ongoing legislative session.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
