The Second Regular Session of the 50th Arizona Legislature Thursday adjourned sine die, at 8:25 p.m.  Legislators addressed many key issues, including state personnel reform, an expansion of last year's Jobs Bill, and the development of the FY13 State Budget.  AACo's top policy priority this year -- the repeal of the prisoner inmate shift -- was included in the budget.

During the 116-day session, 1,395 bills and 149 resolutions were introduced.  Of those, 387 bills and 47 resolutions passed.  To date, Governor Brewer has signed 287 bills into law, and vetoed 18 bills.  The governor has ten days following adjournment to act on any remaining bills.

Sixteen legislators will not be returning to the Capitol next year, choosing to either retire or seek other elected offices.  Those not returning include:

• Sen. Paula Aboud
• Sen. Sylvia Allen (running for county supervisor)
• Sen. Frank Antenori (running for Congress, though may run for state Senate)
• Rep. Cecil Ash (running for justice of the peace)
• Rep. Nicholas Fontana
• Sen. Ron Gould (running for Congress)
• Sen. Linda Gray
• Rep. Jack Harper
• Rep. Matt Heinz (running for Congress)
• Sen. David Lujan
• Rep. Terri Proud
• Sen. David Schapira (running for Congress)
• Rep. Steve Urie (running for justice of the peace)
• Rep. Jerry Weiers (running for Glendale mayor)
• Rep. Jim Weiers
• Rep. Vic Williams (running for county supervisor)

There are a number of legislators who deserve praise this year for their work on behalf of Arizona's counties.  Among them were President Steve Pierce, Speaker Andy Tobin, Sen. Linda Gray, and Rep. Kimberly Yee.

AACo will also be publishing the Enactment Guide to Laws Adopted in the Centennial Legislature on or before May 18, 2012.  The digital publication will will summarize every bill enacted by the State of Arizona and will link readers to bill information, text, and vote details.  The guide will be provided to each AACo member and will be available online at www.azcounties.org.

Several organizations this week lobbied Governor Brewer to veto HB2826: Consolidated Election Dates, Political Subdivisions.  The bill would require all candidate elections to be held in the fall of even-numbered years.

Despite understanding the intent to simplify the voting process for citizens, AACo, as well as several municipalities highlighted the very complex and costly issues surrounding elections.  If allowed to become law, HB2826 would greatly increase the costs of producing ballots, while the logistical challenges it would create would disenfranchise many non-traditional voters.

Fourteen county recorders and thirteen elections directors signed the letter from AACo, while similar letters were submitted by the cities of Cottonwood, Litchfield Park, and Prescott, and the towns of Chino Valley, Eagar, Fountain Hills, and Pinetop-Lakeside.  The League of Cities and Towns is also opposed to this bill.

Many AACo members have played an important role in policy development at the national level by serving on NACo Steering Committees.  Now is the time to get active and sign up for one of the 11 committees.

Committee appointees serve for one year, on a single committee, and cannot be transferred between committees.  If you have knowledge or an interest in a certain area, there is a committee for it.  It is important to volunteer for these committees, as more Arizonans participate, the greater influence our state can have on national policy.

Print and complete this form, and return it to Nicole Stickler.  NACo will notify appointees of their assignments by September.

The Arizona We Want Institute is now accepting nominations for the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards.

The awards -- named in honor of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' director of community outreach, who was lost his life in the January 8, 2011 Tucson shootings -- recognizes non-elected public servants who provide a critical link between the public and their elected officials.  Awards are available in three categories: Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Innovation.  The nomination deadline is 11:59 p.m., Monday, June 4.

For more details on eligibility, or to nominate someone, CLICK HERE.

Visit AACo's YouTube channel (AZCounties) to watch our weekly video updates.  While you're there, subscribe to our channel to get the videos as they are uploaded. 

This week's installment features Government Affairs Director Jen Sweeney giving a wrap-up of the legislative session.