Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs makes exception to moratorium, signs death benefit bill

PHOENIX – When Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced a bill moratorium, she made two exceptions. She signed one of those exceptions into law Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1503 provides an additional $250,000 benefit from the state for any first responder killed in the line of duty.

The law covers all Arizona peace officers, firefighters, fire marshals, fire inspectors, emergency medical care technicians and paramedics.

“I’m proud to sign SB 1503 to ensure the families of first responders are supported when tragedy strikes. I’m glad legislators heard my call to pass this critical legislation and worked across the aisle in order to support public safety,” Hobbs said in a press release.

Why did Gov. Katie Hobbs issue a bill moratorium?

On Monday, Hobbs announced that she will veto every bill that reaches her desk until Republicans make their budget proposal public. However, she said she would make exceptions for two specific public safety bills, including SB 1503.

“SB 1503 and supplemental funding for the Department of Public Safety will be the only bills I sign until legislative Republicans show the people of Arizona their budget and work with me in good faith to cut taxes for the middle class, lower costs and deliver over $1 billion in funding for public school students and teachers without raising taxes,” Hobbs said in Wednesday’s release.

Hobbs vetoed three bills on Tuesday, citing the moratorium for each one.

Arizona’s Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature have been locking horns over the next state budget all session. Before issuing the bill moratorium, she cut off budget talks on March 20, citing an impasse over an education funding mechanism known as Proposition 123.

Related

Arizona Senate president accuses Gov. Katie Hobbs of budget 'temper tantrum'Arizona Gov. Hobbs vetoes three education bills, making good on moratorium pledgeKimberly Yee leading Tom Horne in bitter GOP primary for Arizona schools chiefWarren Petersen leading in GOP primary for Arizona attorney generalAlex Kolodin tops former state party chair in secretary of state primary raceJay Feely projected winner in CD-1; Dem race still too close to call