Arizona Legislature makes last push before end of session

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

The House approved a comprehensive plan Wednesday that would put firms out of business in Arizona that repeatedly knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

The measure, which awaits a final Senate vote, says a single violation could suspend a company's state licenses for up to 10 days. But HB 2779 also lets judges waive that penalty based on factors including the number of illegal workers employed and the length of the duration in imposing a lesser penalty. A company also would be able to present evidence that its directors or officers were not involved in the hiring. But a second violation within three years would mean permanent revocation of state licenses.

The legislation also says those who commit intentional violations - defined by Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, as recruiting illegal immigrants - definitely would be put out of business for at least 10 days for a first offense. And their probationary period would last five years.

Gov. Janet Napolitano on Wednesday said she had not seen the final version of the bill. But Napolitano, who vetoed an employer sanctions bill last year she said was too weak, indicated a willingness to sign this measure.

---

DRUNKEN DRIVING

State lawmakers won't be repealing a new requirement for interlocks on the vehicles of all convicted of drunken driving.

A bill that would have partially repealed the month-old law died Wednesday when a compromise could not be worked out between supporters and foes before the Legislature quit for the year.

Existing laws mandated the devices on vehicles of multiple offenders and those convicted of extreme driving under the influence of alcohol, meaning a blood-alcohol content of at least 0.15. This new law extends that requirement to anyone convicted of DUI, a figure that includes anyone with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 or higher.

Foes sought repeal, saying the original vote was based on misinformation that a similar law in New Mexico, the only other state to have such a blanket requirement, reduced accidents.

---

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to legislation that will provide greater benefits to employees injured in work-related accidents.

State law entitles injured workers to two thirds of what they were earning. But that currently is capped at $1,600 a month. HB 2195 increases that over the next two years to $2,400. After that, there would be automatic adjustments linked to increases in the state's average wage. The bill now goes to the governor.

---

AIR QUALITY

Residents of the Phoenix area would face new restrictions to help clean up the air under the terms of legislation given final approval Wednesday by the House and Senate.

SB 1552, which is expected to be signed by the governor, bars the use of leaf blowers and use of off-road recreational vehicles on high pollution days. There also are new rules governing developers, farmers and sand and gravel operations.

The measures are largely designed to reduce particulate pollution because the area is not in compliance with federal standards.

Failure to make significant progress would result in the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars a federal highway aid.

---

ABORTION RESTRICTIONS

The Senate killed legislation Wednesday designed to tighten the circumstances under which a minor could get an abortion without parental consent.

State law allows a minor to petition a court for an exemption from the consent requirement by arguing she is mature enough.

Judges also may approve an abortion if it is determined that, mature or not, terminating the pregnancy would be in the girl's best interest.

HB 2641, which had been approved by the House, sought to spell out factors a judge may use to determine a girl's experience, perspective and judgment as well as to consider whether the girl has explored other options and the extent to which she has weighed the consequences of each option.