Representative Joseph Chaplik Legislative Update – 3-11-23

WHAT: Focused on getting the budget passed this week, and Republicans are supporting common sense bills that Democrats are voting against.

• Focused on getting the budget passed this week. This version includes accountability for spending the surplus (use on roads, rebates back to taxpayers, paying down debt, etc.)
• Democrats are introducing a lot of crazy bills (for example, repealing a current law designating school sports teams based on biological sex). Democrat bills must get at least 16 Republican (majority) votes to advance, otherwise they die. Fortunately, most of these bills are not getting enough Republican votes to advance.
• Meanwhile, Republicans are supporting common sense bills that Democrats are voting against.  Democrats in the House have chosen to vote no on every single Republican bill, regardless of substance. Bills Democrats have voted no on include (but are not limited to…)
  • HB2802 and HB2226 (Gress) holds fentanyl dealers accountable for dealing lethal doses.
  • HB2484 (Payne) provides additional protections and considerations for Arizonans who default on auto-loans before criminal penalties can be applied.
  • HB2691 (Heap) increases ballot chain of custody standards.
  • HB2485 (Payne) increases penalties for lying in wait to commit aggravated assault on a peace officer.
  • HB2427 (Gress) increases penalties for domestic violence or assault against a pregnant woman.
  • HB2559 (Montenegro) ensures children in DCS can be eligible for federal benefits used to enhance care and unmet needs.
  • HB2590 (Griffin) requires sellers to disclose battery energy storage devices on their property – currently an important measure for residents of Rio Verde.
  • HB2449 (Martinez) investing in transportation and infrastructure in Pinal County.
  • HB2428 (Gress) expanding the Arizona Teacher’s Academy.

  Joseph Chaplik sponsored HCR2039, which limits the governor’s powers to extend a state of emergency. This bill was passed in the House.

• Here’s an example of how the Republican vs. Democrat representatives from LD4 are voting (see attachment). This slide was presented at last week’s LD4 meeting. Since LD4 is our close neighbor that includes part of Scottsdale, we should use these examples as talking points when door knocking or visiting with our neighbors to keep our district RED.
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