Arizona Legislature

Arizona Legislature
Name	Arizona Legislature
Legislature	Arizona State Legislature
House type	Bicameral
Houses	Arizona Senate, Arizona House of Representatives
Leader1 type	Senate President
Leader1	Warren Petersen
Party1	(R)
Election1	2023
Leader2 type	House Speaker
Leader2	Ben Toma
Party2	(R)
Election2	2023
Members	90, 30 Senators, 60 Representatives
House1	Arizona Senate
House2	Arizona House of Representatives
Meeting place	Arizona State Capitol, Phoenix, Arizona
Website	https://www.azleg.gov/

Arizona Legislature. The legislative branch of the state government of Arizona, it is a bicameral body consisting of the Arizona Senate and the Arizona House of Representatives. Established upon Arizona's admission to the Union in 1912, it convenes at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona. The legislature is responsible for enacting state laws, approving the state budget, and providing oversight of the executive branch.

History

The foundation of the legislature traces to the Organic Act of 1863, which created the Arizona Territory and its initial governing assembly. Key early figures included John N. Goodwin, the first territorial governor, and Richard C. McCormick, an early delegate to Congress. The push for statehood, championed by individuals like Carl Hayden and George W.P. Hunt, culminated in the Enabling Act of 1910, which authorized the drafting of the Constitution of Arizona. This document, ratified in 1911, established the modern bicameral legislature. Throughout the 20th century, the body grappled with issues central to the Southwest, including water rights, tribal relations, and mining regulation. Landmark sessions have addressed the Central Arizona Project, school funding, and responses to national events like the Great Depression and World War II.

Structure and composition

The legislature comprises two chambers: the Arizona Senate, with 30 members, and the Arizona House of Representatives, with 60 members. Senators serve two-year terms, while representatives serve two-year terms; both are elected from legislative districts drawn following each decennial census. The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is responsible for this process. Leadership in the Senate includes the President of the Arizona Senate and the Majority Leader, while the House is led by the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives and the Majority Leader. The Minority Leaders in each chamber lead the opposition party. Since the mid-20th century, the Republican Party has often held majorities, though the Democratic Party has controlled both chambers at various points.

Powers and duties

Constitutional powers include the authority to make laws on all subjects not preempted by the United States Constitution or federal statute. It holds the "power of the purse," crafting and passing the annual general appropriations bill. The legislature can override a gubernatorial veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. It also possesses significant investigative and oversight authority through its standing committees, such as the Appropriations and Judiciary committees, and can establish special committees for specific inquiries. Other duties include confirming gubernatorial appointments to major state agencies and courts, proposing amendments to the Constitution of Arizona for voter ratification, and ratifying certain interstate compacts.

Legislative process

Bills may be introduced in either chamber by any member, with the exception of revenue bills, which must originate in the Arizona House of Representatives. Each bill is assigned to a relevant committee, such as the Education or Health and Human Services Committee, where hearings are held. If approved, it proceeds to the Committee of the Whole and then to a floor vote. A bill passed by the first chamber is transmitted to the second, where it undergoes a similar process. After passage by both chambers in identical form, it is sent to the Governor of Arizona, who may sign it, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it. The legislature operates on an annual session, with regular sessions beginning in January.

Current session and leadership

The current session is the 56th Arizona State Legislature, which convened in January 2023. The President of the Arizona Senate is Warren Petersen, a Republican from Gilbert, Arizona. The Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives is Ben Toma, a Republican from Peoria, Arizona. The Senate Majority Leader is Sonny Borrelli, and the House Majority Leader is Leo Biasiucci. Key legislative priorities for the session have included addressing the Colorado River water shortage, border security policies, inflation relief, and revisions to the state's education funding formula.

Capitol and facilities

The legislature has been housed in the Arizona State Capitol building in Phoenix, Arizona since 1901, prior to statehood. The original structure, designed by James Riely Gordon, is now a museum part of the Arizona Capitol Museum. Since the 1960s, legislative functions have moved into adjacent modern buildings: the Arizona Senate meets in the Senate Building, and the Arizona House of Representatives meets in the House Building. These facilities, along with the Executive Tower, form the Capitol complex. The complex is named in part for former Secretary of State Wesley Bolin and is located in the Downtown Phoenix core.

Category:Arizona Legislature Category:State legislatures of the United States