The Phoenix City Council gathered Tuesday for a budget and legislative update to weigh the impact of state and federal bills on the city of Phoenix.
Government Relations Manager John Wayne Gonzales presented the 2018 legislative report, which covered the status of current federal and state legislative issues. The report highlighted bills considered to positively or negatively impact the city of Phoenix. Over 800 bills have been introduced to the legislature so far this year. Here is a list of those City Council is keeping an eye on moving forward:
Bills that City Council staff considered to negatively impact the city’s core principles
House Bill 2005: Municipal Economic Development; Sale; Lease
Introduced by Rep. Vince Leach, Tucson
This bill establishes new regulations for how local government can sell or lease land under its control for economic development. The bill would require cities to cap ground leases at 25 years and enter into leases with the highest bidder based on mandatory public auctions. City Council staff said this would make city land used for development “less competitive with the private real estate market.” The staff also opposes the bill because it limits local control.
Status: The bill passed the House Local and International Affairs Committee by a vote of 4-3 on Jan. 17 and awaits review in the House Rules Committee.
House Bill 2126: Government Property; Abatement; Slum; Blight
Introduced by Rep. Vince Leach, Tucson
This bill clarifies the language for requirements properties must meet to receive approval of tax-abated lease agreements. It would also remove designations for Government Property Lease Excise Tax(GPLET) tax incentives after 10 years and change the city’s central business district size limitation to 2.5 percent of its total land area, or 960 acres.
Status: The bill awaits a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee.
RELATED: GPLET reform bill moves forward in house
House Bill 2208: Prohibition; Photo Radar
Introduced by Rep. Travis Grantham, Gilbert
This bill would prohibit local governments from enforcing traffic laws using photo radar or other electronic devices. City council staff opposes this bill on the basis of Phoenix’s use use of radar vans and traffic cameras near schools and at intersections with high histories of accidents.
Status: The bill Passed House Judiciary and Public Safety with a vote of 6-3 on Jan. 24. The bill proceeds to the Rules Committee.
House Bill 2371: Mobile Food Vendors; State Licensure
Introduced by Rep. Kevin Payne, Peoria
This bill would prohibit the city from restricting mobile food vendors from operating on public property or regulating their hours of operation. It also allows food trucks to use any legal parking spaces, including metered parking.
Status: The bill passed the House Judiciary and Public Safety committee 6-3 on Jan. 24. The bill will proceed to the Rules Committee.
Senate Bill 1002: Home-Based Businesses; Regulations; Municipalities
Introduced by Rep. David Farnsworth, Mesa
This bill would limit the city’s ability to regulate business-related activities in residential zones. Businesses are regulated in these areas to protect neighborhoods from unnecessary noise, traffic and trash, staff wrote. (A related bill, House Bill 2333, was also introduced)
District 1 Councilwoman Thelda Williams said she believes this bill is a big concern to her constituents, and that she wants to avoid “business invading neighborhoods and… destroying the peace and security.”
Status: The bill is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Commerce and Public Safety Committee.
Bills that City Council staff identified to advance the city’s core principles
House Bill 2023: Prohibited Weapon; Bump-fire Device; Accessory
Introduced by Rep. Randy Friese, Tucson
This bill would prohibit the possession of bump stocks, which allow semi-automatic guns to fire at the speed of fully automatic weapons. A petition to ban bump stocks was introduced to the City Council last year in the wake of the Las Vegas shooting, but was blocked due to conflicting local and state law.
Status: The bill is awaiting a hearing in the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.
Senate Bill 1039: Appropriation; Arizona Water Protection Fund
Introduced by Sen. Gail Griffin, Hereford
This bill would appropriate $1 million from the state General Fund to the Arizona Water Protection Fund for the 2019 fiscal year. The AWPF provides funding for projects that protect and restore the state’s rivers and riparian habitats. City Council staff supports the bill, saying it would be beneficial not only to the state, but to the city as well.
Status: The bill passed the Senate Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee on Jan. 22 by a vote of 7-0 and now awaits a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Contact the reporter at Rebecca.Spiess@asu.edu.
