Arizona Republic: “The Arizona Supreme Court is deliberating whether the First Amendment rights of tattoo artists trump a city’s right to regulate them under zoning codes. The issue played out Tuesday morning as the five justices heard arguments in the case of Ryan and Laetitia Coleman [of Angel Tattoo], who in March 2009 were denied permission to open a tattoo parlor in Mesa’s Dobson Ranch area.”
AZCentral: The Arizona Senate on Wednesday voted down a controversial bill to allow employers and insurance companies to opt out of covering contraception for religious reasons.
The bill failed in the Senate on a 13-17 vote, but House Bill 2625 is not dead. Sen. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix, who championed the measure in that chamber, said she will bring it back for a revote this session.
The bill has drawn nationwide attention in recent weeks, and the measure has spawned much confusion over what it actually would do. An amended version considered Wednesday by the Senate aimed to clear up some of the confusion.
Continue reading Arizona Senate rejects contraception bill.
Arizona Republic: “Pro-gun politicians are preparing another attempt to pass legislation that would allow students and professors to carry guns onto the campuses of Arizona’s public universities and community colleges. Lawmakers who this year were rebuffed by Gov. Jan Brewer in their efforts to legalize guns on campuses are determined to get the bill passed in the new session. They have revised the wording of their failed bill, received the powerful political backing of the National Rifle Association, held pre-session meetings with university and law-enforcement officials, and plan to introduce the bill as soon as the session begins Jan. 9.”
Arizona Republic: “A judge has approved the bankruptcy reorganization plan for a group of car washes, restaurants, gas stations and convenience stores owned by Scottsdale-based Danny’s Family Cos., and for its founder and CEO, Daniel ‘Danny’ Hendon. According to documents filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona, Judge Eileen Hollowell approved the Chapter 11 reorganization plan on Friday. The plan establishes a five-year schedule for the repayment of lenders, car-wash vendors and suppliers, and other creditors by 20 affiliate businesses of Danny’s.”
Judge Eileen Willett’s ruling stops Cave Creek Unified School District from spending $13 million in leftover bond money to renovate the cafeteria at Cactus Shadows High School.
The Goldwater Institute sued the school district in April on behalf of a district voter, Jayne Friedman, and claimed the school district could not spend the money on other renovations because it was, as written on voters’ ballots, intended for a new school building. The institute argued that recent legislation permitting such spending was a violation of the Arizona Constitution.