With less than 100 days to go before the start of the 2024 legislative, how
did Arizona do at passing legislation in 2023? Did you know more than
132,600 bills were introduced in the 2023 state legislative sessions across
the country with almost 30,800 of them enacted?
That means the states saw a 23 percent effectivity rate for state
legislatures combined this year. That is a drop from 28 percent in 2022.
When working on state government affairs the volume of information can
be maddening. Especially when you work on legislation in several states
like we do.
The states introduced 44 percent more bills this year than in 2022. This
may be due, in part, to the fact that Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, and
Texas had no even-year legislative session in 2022. However, states like
Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Maine introduced significantly more bills this
year, with more than a 100 percent difference from last year.
Which state introduced the highest number of bills? NEW YORK – New York saw 17,159 bills introduced. Wyoming had 361
bills introduced. Arizona ranked 25th with 1,648 bills introduced.
Which state enacted the highest number of bills? TEXAS – Texas enacted 4,410 new bills this year. Massachusetts only
enacted 21. Arizona ranked 37 with 221 bills enacted. The District of
Columbia enacted over twice as many bills as Arizona.
Which state passed the highest percentage of bills relative to the
number they introduced?COLORADO – Colorado ranked first with a 77.97% pass rate.
Massachusetts was last with a .020% pass rate. Arizona ranked 38th with a
13.41% passing rate.
We were able to get some really good bills introduced this past session
and through the legislature and onto the Governor’s desk. Unfortunately,
most of our bills were vetoed. We did manage to help get a few bills
across the finish line and enacted.
HB2209 Economic opportunity; industrial development authority (Carter)
HB2589 Emergency medical technicians; military reciprocity (Payne)
SB1454 Veteran suicide prevention; pilot program (Shope)
SCR1015 Initiative; referendum; signatures; legislative districts (Mesnard)
We were able to get some really bad freedom infringing bills killed or
pulled also. Twelve ANTI-FREEDOM bills pertaining to the right to keep
and bear arms by a single legislator. Oops. SB1412 Motorcycle lane
splitting repeal (Wadsack) Sen Wadsack immediately pulled the bill after
we spoke to her.
There is no secret formula to this. Well maybe a little BBQ sauce on the side. Here are my quick tips if you want legislation enacted.
1. MAKE SURE IT’S A GOOD BILL Bad legislation is just that… BAD. I am not only picky on who we take on as
a client, but also the bills we lobby for. Never try to throw something up
on the wall just to see if it sticks. You’ll get a reputation for crappy bills
and no one will want to work with you.
2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD BILL SPONSOR I work with a handful of legislators on a consistent basis because I know
where they stand on a variety of issues. The legislators I work with on bills are the same legislators that I
would vote for personally. They have integrity and are willing to
listen to a constituent when needed. And I work with legislators on
both sides of the aisle to get our agenda through.
Which leads me to the final tip …
3. HAVE A GOOD GROUND GAME Defenses may win Super Bowls, but a good ground game will get
legislation passed. Email and phone calls to legislators from their
constituents will get support that is needed for a committee or
floor vote. I never go into a floor vote without knowing the whip
count on votes. This is not only beneficial for our clients but for the
legislator who is sponsoring the bill. If I can provide them with who
I know will support the bill or where the opposition is coming from,
they will never be blindsided.
As you see, all three things work together. What does 2024 have in
store for Arizona? I have already been taking some stakeholder
meetings and have a few sponsors for bills upcoming.
Mike InfanzonLegislative Director
