Keep up with the Legislature online

PHOENIX - Want to monitor the Legislature in your pajamas?

You can. And all it takes is a computer.

It starts at the main legislative web page of "www.azleg.state.az.us".

The menu along the top includes separate links for the Senate and House of Representatives. And within those links is access to the proceedings.

That opens a page with a live feed - but a bunch of choices:

Which hearing room do you want? That requires a little further navigation of the main web page. Under the "committee'' link are the names of all the committees.

And within those are the upcoming agendas of what bills will be heard on specified days.

Of course, all that presumes you know the issues you want to track in the first place.

The actual list of issues can be found under the "bills'' button.

There you can search for a measure by bill number or, if you don't know that, by keywords.

So, if you're interested in environmental issues, you can input the word "pollution,'' and find all bills with those words.

The full text of bills and amendments also is available, both in HTML format - readable by most Web browsers - as well as Adobe PDF format. The latter version is easier to understand as it clearly shows which existing language in statutes is being struck and what is being added.

Sponsors also are listed for each bill.

The first name listed is the person who is considered the main sponsor, though other lawmakers can sign on as "prime'' sponsors and are designated that way with a "P'' behind their name. Co-sponsors are marked with a "C.''

Be aware, though: It's not uncommon for lawmakers to change the entire contents of a bill in a committee with a "strike everything'' amendment. So a bill number that originally addressed drunk driving could easily turn into one on visitation rights by grandparents.

Want to add your voice to the debate?

Each lawmaker's web site has an e-mail link. And many of them actually monitor their incoming messages during the hearings and floor sessions, meaning an e-mailed query could end up provoking a discussion.

For less immediate responses, the legislative web sites lists individual phone numbers. But a better alternative to a long distance call for those outside the Phoenix area is using the state's toll-free number, (800) 352-8404.

Don't know who represents you? No problem: The site has a link which allows you to input your address and zip code and will respond with a map showing your legislative district.

Hint: Make sure when you get the map you check the box marked "roads'' so you can really find your house.

In fact, you can actually provide input at a committee hearing without even bothering to show up at the Capitol. The system allows you to sign up to "speak'' at a committee hearing on any bill on the agenda, entering comments that are made available to the committee chair and members during the actual meeting.