News Review – 10/7/24

Ballot Preview – Proposition 312

APMA supported the bill underlying Proposition 312 at the Legislature this session.

Whenever a municipality fails to enforce existing laws regarding illegal camping, loitering, pollution, and other nuisances, Prop 312:
• Allows property owners to claim a refund up to the amount of their property tax liability for any expenses incurred, mitigating the effects of the government’s inaction to abate the homeless crisis.
• Requires the Department of Revenue to deduct the amount claimed by the taxpayer from the municipality’s state shared revenue.
• Permits the property owner to roll over any refund exceeding his or her tax obligation for that year, up to 10 years.

At the next APMA Luncheon on October 22, Jenna Bentley with the Goldwater Institute will present on Prop 312 and how Arizona business people and voters can spread the word on this ballot measure.

Update on California Bill on Refinery Minimum Supply Requirements

Last week, the California Assembly in special session voted to pass ABx2-1 that will give the California Energy Commission (CEC) authority to require refiners to maintain a minimum supply of fuel in the state in an effort to prevent price spikes. This week, hearings and a final vote of the State Senate are expected.

APMA opposes this proposal as it raises serious concerns about supplies of fuel coming to Arizona that could be withheld to satisfy the California regulations. See the letter of opposition here.

If it takes any amendments in the Senate, it will need to go back to the Assembly for a concurrence vote. The bill will then proceed to the Governor for his signature. APMA continues to monitor the issue.

State and Industry News

• Organized Retail Crime Growing, but AZ Has Effective Strategies to Fight it, Law Enforcement and Industry Experts Say (Chamber Business News)
• Arizona Minimum Wage Set for Another Increase (ABC 15)
• The US Is the World’s Largest Gasoline Exporter (EIA Today)
• Maricopa County Air Quality Department Receives $15 Million DOT Grant to Install EV Chargers (Maricopa County)
• EMA Weekly Review