There was far less action on the floor of the House and Senate than I expected last week. So, there isn’t much more to report this week. I’m sure you’ve heard that the Governor signed SB1164– abortion; gestational age; limit.
By the time the bill takes effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, the US Supreme Court will have likely upheld Mississippi’s law, which is almost identical. Once in effect later this year, any physician who performs an abortion past 15 weeks’ gestation (that isn’t a medical emergency) can be charged with and convicted of a Class 6 felony. Even if the doctor isn’t convicted, the bill states that her or his license to practice medicine “shall be suspended or revoked”.
Other high-profile bills that the Governor signed last week are SB1138 and SB1165. SB1138 will place a ban on gender-related surgery for people under 18. The current standard of practice is to withhold gender related surgery until 18, but this bill would lock that into state law. SB1165 would ban transgender girls from participating on women’s athletic teams at public or private schools and at the collegiate level.
Check below for all the bills in the floor hopper. Several of the bills we’ve signed up for or against died last week (those are identified below too).
Here’s Our Bill Summary Tracker Spreadsheet
Bill Overview: Select Bills AzPHA is Supporting
Maternal/Child Health
SB1272 AHCCCS; postpartum care; eligibility; Passed Senate 26-2; Passed House Health & Appropriations; Ready for Floor Vote
Access to Care
HB2144 health insurance coverage; biomarker testing Passed House 59-0; Passed Senate Finance; Ready for Floor
Special Needs
HB2157 supplemental appropriations; community-based services SIGNED
HB2113 developmental disabilities; Down syndrome SIGNED
HB2111 appropriation; healthy families program – Passed house 40-17; Waiting for Senate Rules Committee
Social Determinants
HB2060 supplemental nutrition assistance program; Passed House 44-15; Passed Senate Health 7-1. Ready for Senate Floor
HB2484 forcible entry; detainer; filing fee Passed House 59-0; SIGNED
Environmental
HB2255 fireworks use, limitations, prohibition Passed House. Ready for Senate Floor
State Hospital/Behavioral Health
SB1716 state hospital; governing board; governance Passed Senate 27-0; Passed House Health 9-0.
SB1444 state hospital; administration; oversight Passed Senate; Passed House Health; Rules then Floor
SB1641 health care institutions; civil penalties Passed Senate 28-0. Passed House Health, Still needs Appropriations
SB1162 opioid prescriptions; intractable pain; exceptions Passed Senate 27-0. Passed House & Sent Back to Senate
SB1210 mentally ill; transportation; evaluation; treatment; Passed Senate. Passed House Health 8-0. Rules then Floor.
Bill Overview: Select Bills AzPHA Is Opposing
Vaccines/Disease Control
HB2086 ADHS; school immunizations; exclusions Passed House 31-28; Passed Senate Health 5-3. Rules then Floor
SB1009 state of emergency; executive powers Passed Senate 16-13; Ready for House Floor Vote
HB2453 mask requirement; prohibition Passed House 31-28. Ready for Senate Floor Vote
HB2616 mask mandates; minors; parental consent Passed House 31-28. Ready for Senate Floor Vote
HB2161 parental rights; schools; educational records Passed House 31-28. Ready for Senate Floor Vote
HB2498 COVID-19; vaccination requirements; prohibition. Passed House. Passed Senate Government, Ready for Floor Vote
Social Determinants
SB1164 – abortion; gestational age; limit SIGNED
Government
SB1175– noncustodial federal monies; appropriation Passed Senate 16-13; Ready for House Floor
