[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6120305,"mediaKeyId","2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32","parentId",2708392,"title","Committee clears bill to loosen liquor rules for government-licensed boats on Tempe Town Lake and similar waters","audioSeconds",396,"startMs",3971000,"endMs",4367000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32&start=3971&end=4367","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32/thumbnail_3971000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6120305/Arizona/Committee-clears-bill-to-loosen-liquor-rules-for-government-licensed-boats-on-Tempe-Town-Lake-and-similar-waters","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120305-b7b528c453fa46ceacc95340b787f2c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773642185&Signature=hrpmibBJzM7lDe7K4Swi2yy4tsDR42wWPY3RAlM2lNJ-wqGwyz~jo04iZ92TQ38xuTWOlFVSPyvoiF6dB0NuGMe9DdTz2uj-cAX9FPkxt01wwpHLDcxKX2iHBM3EItS6A-3vLggZ4LqSHJ9cqfOpolxgXR~2RUliBLsmfpRNfPIg1pScO0pQ7z5Pagb3iUUSjGCnJCU7npE-u~zSV~OpYaOdC-sATdNB2G7lcKC8a9g5gI82~oE37Krc9lvQ3GfwPi9m3ldJ036-KiJ4zJaoD7yqFmD1rFNTugKN58zNO3XWPfKrrGtiKa~vdDVrn0Zt6CyLFxQ~4o9uuxg4UuONOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arizona State Legislature","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Commerce Committee returned Senate Bill 14 67 with a due-pass recommendation after a brief hearing focused on a local pilot concept for tour boats.

SB 14 67 would amend the government-license provisions that govern sale and consumption of liquor on certain docks and boats. Key changes in the bill include removing the requirement that sale of liquor be in conjunction with food consumption and changing the hours during which liquor may be served or possessed on the boat to between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. The bill also clarifies that local governmental licensees may set passenger limits (raising a possible maximum from 45 to up to 100 in municipal agreements) and allows a city to adopt safety and certification standards suitable for nonfederally regulated waterways instead of requiring U.S. Coast Guard certification that is infeasible for some local lakes.

Robert Mayer, a Phoenix resident and tour-business owner who works with Tempe on a proposed town-lake tour operation, told the committee the statute as drafted 25 years ago was not usable for the boat-tour model Tempe and private operators are proposing. Mayer said the amendment would let the city set safety standards tailored to a non-navigable lake and make the municipal partnership operational.

Committee members sought assurance that the bill would not override local controls; sponsors and the witness said final operational details — including passenger limits, hours and local safety rules — would remain under local contract and municipal authority. The committee returned the bill with a due-pass recommendation by recorded voice and roll-call; the tally recorded 10 ayes, 0 nays in committee.

Supporters said the bill grants local governments flexibility to negotiate tourism-focused operations while maintaining safety oversight; no substantive opposition testimony was presented in committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03/18/2025 - House Commerce","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate Commerce Committee returned SB 14 67 with a due-pass recommendation after agreeing to changes that would loosen certain state liquor restrictions for government-licensed dock-and-boat operations and let local governments set safety and passenger limits.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Arizona, Arizona","taxId",78572,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6120315,"Committee advances bill tightening unemployment cross-checks and work-search rules after split testimony",1265,2597000,3862000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32&start=2597&end=3862","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32/thumbnail_2597000.jpg","/articles/6120315/Arizona/Committee-advances-bill-tightening-unemployment-cross-checks-and-work-search-rules-after-split-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120315-75498022fe8d5f6c0523fede13890b85/orig.mp4?Expires=1773642185&Signature=C04QtwtMCb9WcgZLkXJWDtxrxz1izvLoxdQyAlb-PJYINSpfnRQeOvMaCrJEXS8o0qV-kICULZemwVHZGIjBDeYFiVx0qpUkbv627jpxKyz~EMIJBL9R7LQISrpVoShhq1iPUHvpgxUAqctOQH~2i93X-AdiegGT8-4Q57DpCg~CZoMByPIig3X66zCSAnGk72fUkx87nVV4dj2LSRSUKpFCsWdWx8Ev2x-Yzr~n3t57gGcWMiFcJBYpFHZLikMfQ8iujAr33B3MxAC1ibwsV1uEu9JP7nbKzeyjBEXQOLqAQa~ZE93sKmaQBrcC3qXXf97bpqrIva~fNExuOy6i~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Commerce Committee voted to return Senate Bill 12 96 with a due-pass recommendation after hearing competing testimony about the bill’s effects on program integrity and claimants.

SB 12 96 would require the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to cross-check unemployment insurance claims against specified data sources and prohibit benefit payments where cross-checks indicate a claim is ineligible or potentially fraudulent. The bill also would modify eligibility rules — including requiring an individual to conduct at least five specified work-search actions per week and to provide a weekly report detailing search activity — and add employer reporting responsibilities for certain former-employee conduct.

Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud and overpayments and restore accountability. Tim Pugliese of FGA Action said SB 12 96 would codify program-integrity recommendations from the U.S. Department of Labor and pointed to about $47 million identified as fraud and overpayments in Arizona over the past three years. He told the committee that similar practices have been implemented in other states without slowing payments.

Opponents said the bill would create burdensome reporting requirements that could harm people actively looking for work. Blake Lister of Opportunity Arizona testified in opposition, saying the bill \"will create more barriers to receiving insurance by requiring more onerous red tape that takes time away from folks who are looking for work.\" Mark Ashley, a retired public servant and veteran, also said the bill places too much burden on claimants and DES staff.

Committee members noted DES had already received federal funding to modernize unemployment systems and that some cross-checks are in place. Witnesses and members clarified that the bill would not remove federal carve-outs for apprenticeship or state-approved workforce training programs.

Votes and procedural action: The committee adopted a 10-page amendment in the chairman’s name that narrowed or prioritized data sets for cross-checking, then returned SB 12 96 as amended with a due-pass recommendation. The roll-call reflected significant division: several members offered recorded explanations of their nay or yea votes. The committee reported the bill by a 6-4 tally.

Sponsors said the bill is intended to protect employer tax dollars and ensure benefits are available for those who qualify; opponents warned of unintended barriers for unemployed Arizonans. The chair and sponsors indicated further stakeholder conversations will continue as the bill moves forward.","The Senate Commerce Committee voted to return SB 12 96 with a due-pass recommendation after hearing competing testimony about cross-checks, fraud reduction and increased work-search requirements for unemployment claimants.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6120320,"Senate commerce committee advances package of cryptocurrency measures, including legal-tender definition and state reserve provisions",1433,25000,1458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32&start=25&end=1458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32/thumbnail_25000.jpg","/articles/6120320/Arizona/Senate-commerce-committee-advances-package-of-cryptocurrency-measures-including-legal-tender-definition-and-state-reserve-provisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120320-0109b4bf1e264f36ddd5ea977244b529/orig.mp4?Expires=1773642185&Signature=EL8VxBL5EdJ7GMcyZpQJjPRKeuRmVpODvsucSvmGvzShstXOhsQhx6YEdV9GXR4i50GeGmpKoXidZ8Vq4lAK8rAFGsS3atl2zdWn~-yRxomkUhcX9qAGEq-RoXb9jtg3mKXrzYKwf2PXD~sTRXOG7mLDFYQligw8r9d76LzQkl-C4nFxJPDUzLpO9Qpyml~oxB0Jy40SAu44BYswvemneI05r6FrSkOpw9LnnHjP5UihDzCOmWxjcHTXAP4jfeOS7OBZ-mOJ-dZ1CasicJo-JyhRmcGvZ7BwdHxtaxt93C3ZHSTk5aMk9y1s89t~L6CRUukN~8a1ZdoacQvnaCUHAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arizona Senate Commerce Committee on March 19 advanced three related cryptocurrency measures, voting 6-4 on each to send them forward with due-pass recommendations.

The trio includes: Senate Bill 1062, which would add cryptocurrency to a statutory definition of legal tender; Senate Bill 1373, which would create a \"digital assets strategic reserve fund\" and allow the State Treasurer to loan or invest digital assets from that fund (with an investment cap of 10% of the fund); and Senate Bill 1025, which would permit the State Treasurer or a public retirement system to invest up to 10% of public monies under its control in virtual currency holdings and to store holdings in a segregated account tied to a strategic Bitcoin reserve if established by the U.S. Treasury.

Supporters framed the measures as permissive and preparatory rather than mandatory. Senator Finchem (sponsor of the legal-tender language) argued that cryptocurrency can function as a medium of exchange and likened it to previously recognized specie such as gold and silver, saying in committee discussion that \"you now have a situation where... some cryptocurrencies... you can use [them] to purchase direct from consumer to seller for both goods and services.\" Senator Cook, speaking for SB1373, described that bill as \"permissive, not prescriptive,\" and noted other states are establishing similar reserve mechanisms. Senator Wendy Rogers, sponsor of SB1025, said the bill would allow certain public funds to set aside up to 10% for virtual currency holdings and highlighted retirement-system applicability.

Opponents raised operational and fiscal concerns. Megan Kintner of the Arizona Association of Counties testified in opposition to SB1062 on behalf of county treasurers, telling the committee the counties \"do not really have a mechanism to accept cryptocurrency as a payment\" for property taxes and that volatility in cryptocurrency value could create reconciliation challenges. County treasurer staff also said current county systems lack the infrastructure to receive and secure cryptocurrency payments and that gateways exist but are not widely implemented in county offices.

Committee members questioned readiness and the role of the State Treasurer. Several members said they supported exploring the topic but were uncomfortable advancing statutory authority before local offices and the treasurer's office had systems and safeguards in place. Sponsors repeatedly described the bills as enabling options the treasurer or retirement systems could decline to use: a permissive authorization rather than a mandate.

Votes at committee: SB1062 (legal tender) — 6 ayes, 4 nays, due-pass recommendation; SB1373 (digital assets strategic reserve fund) — 6 ayes, 4 nays, due-pass recommendation; SB1025 (allow investments up to 10% in virtual currency for treasurer/retirement systems) — 6 ayes, 4 nays, due-pass recommendation.

The measures include technical provisions that sponsors said they will coordinate across the different bills to align language if multiple bills advance. Sponsors and several members said they plan further discussions with the State Treasurer's office and the attorney general's office as the bills move forward.

If enacted, the bills would change statutory permissions for the treasurer and other public fiduciaries; none of the three bills compel immediate purchases or transfers of public funds into cryptocurrency — sponsors emphasized that any investment would remain at the discretion of the treasurer or governing body and subject to fiduciary duties.

Committee consideration now moves the measures to the next stage of the Legislature, where further amendments, fiscal analyses and stakeholder conversations are likely.","The Arizona Senate Commerce Committee on March 19 advanced three related cryptocurrency measures, voting 6-4 on each to send them forward with due-pass recommendations.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6120300,"Committee advances workers’ compensation changes including broader fee schedule and higher dependent allowance",709,4458000,5167000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32&start=4458&end=5167","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32/thumbnail_4458000.jpg","/articles/6120300/Arizona/Committee-advances-workers-compensation-changes-including-broader-fee-schedule-and-higher-dependent-allowance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120300-e94ef3a48e8697a50e4997751b3046dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1773642185&Signature=Uhq1aAlaC2Voi4Xsg1xp6Z7Jd58cNhx3aJeccAoddz1rCJvoT0EaCE97W9WzDu-BbwJIDp3OgG-vhp872lEyXzq-CGvE84b8GevR7hBVsHsjG9LnQIO~u0-2q8-53swWUpsWgNfSR89wsJuRbmQoVPZfwf8n7dk6zb0iebp0ejkoIgPV~3DXVvIZQUNf79N3J3tLum5v5jh7RbI7g95VQiy55AhKoqev7Cob7JpOl-HHG~~YCGZc2vW-BTS7LyxGUDilqlxvxlgyZnWTO0vrgA7lLqA1lI3frv3-ybB5v5D2tbYNGbOEjCkWTwxn0MVOURY4ETx8aMfwY3ayKQRnSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Commerce Committee gave a due-pass recommendation to Senate Bill 15 51 after testimony from insurers and injured-worker representatives supporting the measure.

SB 15 51 revises the workers' compensation fee schedule framework to associate fee schedules with charges for medical care, dental care and supplies received by injured employees rather than listing charges by specific provider types. The bill instructs the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) to publish the schedule on its website (rather than republishing the entire schedule in the administrative register) and exempts the schedule from the administrative-register publication requirement. The bill also increases the monthly dependent allowance paid in addition to compensation for temporary total disability from $25 to $100; supporters said the $25 figure dates to 1991 and is long overdue for adjustment.

Emily Rice of BFree Strategies testified for the Arizona Self Insurers Association in support and said stakeholders had coordinated with the ICA on implementation details, including adding third-party administrators to the definition of interested parties for ICA portal access. Michael Monti, representing the Arizona Association of Lawyers for Injured Workers, also urged support, specifically noting the dependent allowance increase.

Committee members heard that ICA interprets provider categories broadly and that the intent of the statutory change is not to exclude physicians, therapists, or other providers from the fee schedule but to broaden categories to reflect current billing and care practices. The committee adopted a 10-page chairman's amendment and returned the bill as amended with a due-pass recommendation; roll-call recorded 9 ayes and 1 nay.

Supporters said the bill modernizes a technical regulatory component and modestly improves benefits for dependents of temporarily disabled workers; ICA staff indicated they had participated in stakeholder discussions.","The Senate Commerce Committee returned SB 15 51 with a due-pass recommendation after the committee approved an amendment that broadens the workers' compensation fee schedule categories and increases the monthly dependent allowance for temporary total disability from $25 to $100.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6120310,"Committee approves homestead-exemption bill to add nontraditional dwellings and protect post-petition appreciation",438,3766000,4204000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32&start=3766&end=4204","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708392-e417a8846d80565ea36d47507cde0e32/thumbnail_3766000.jpg","/articles/6120310/Arizona/Committee-approves-homestead-exemption-bill-to-add-nontraditional-dwellings-and-protect-post-petition-appreciation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120310-a1a8243abd3a640241b063177270af64/orig.mp4?Expires=1773642185&Signature=kiImVLso3p9R-2UTapCoifepUwzpUWknIhpaw~cf8HW1Rco0f4QYoFY8lCXTJxyr-FMcISv6Gtnxbt9HGWOK9HuJNdEftt2OL~35pW4~MchkKP07Q25~CtkQSylZ8UDw41GlXx5xdo4e3MfWxk0-JZMkgjYHC9AMMd06Xql1q9iccu6ha58QV2wIwosr0qzLVlH7WF9p-xXKve~mYwYmzbU8Z5U1MYstXNm9x4vNbPCzPGOxmAUlry~DE~1OQxVae2aPkWnz8EaCF5J8HjEKqIw02GaTjsOuILNfKwUQJBTep3CEHuNbzaiKdDn0RKMqIbuzNSNCWsee7K9vrsqSIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Commerce Committee returned Senate Bill 15 40 with a due-pass recommendation after a brief hearing that included industry and practitioner testimony.

SB 15 40, as amended, expands the statutory homestead exemption to include certain nontraditional dwellings — park-model trailers, motor homes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers and houseboats — when those units serve as a primary residence. The measure also addresses treatment of homestead appreciation in bankruptcy proceedings by providing that appreciation in a debtor’s homestead during a bankruptcy case may remain exempt from certain creditor claims (the amendment sets a framework for calculating exemption at the petition date and protecting qualifying increases in value during the case), and clarifies language from prior statutory changes tied to ballot measures.

A bankruptcy-practice attorney who said he represents numerous clients in Arizona told the committee the bill responds to recent state supreme court and federal court interpretations that created uncertainty about whether nontraditional structures could be protected and whether post-petition appreciation could be exempt. The witness said the Arizona Supreme Court had invited the Legislature to clarify the statute, and SB 15 40 is intended to implement that clarification.

Committee members adopted a strike-everything amendment in the chairman’s name that consolidated three bills and clarified several technical points, then returned the measure with a due-pass recommendation. The vote was recorded as 10-0 in favor.

Supporters said the bill aligns state statute with modern housing arrangements and the courts’ direction; sponsors said the changes were largely technical and meant to prevent unintended losses of homes in bankruptcy cases. No substantive opposition testimony was recorded in committee.","Senate Bill 15 40, amended in committee, would expand the homestead exemption to cover park-model trailers, motor homes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers and houseboats and would protect increases in property value that occur during a bankruptcy case from being subject to creditor claims. The committee returned the bill with a due-pass","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee clears bill to loosen liquor rules for government-licensed boats on Tempe Town Lake and similar waters

Committee advances bill tightening unemployment cross-checks and work-search rules after split testimony

Senate commerce committee advances package of cryptocurrency measures, including legal-tender definition and state reserve provisions

Committee advances workers’ compensation changes including broader fee schedule and higher dependent allowance

Committee approves homestead-exemption bill to add nontraditional dwellings and protect post-petition appreciation