Arizona Senate OKs new rules on when divorced parent can move

The Senate voted 17-12, with all Democrats opposed, to impose new rules on when a divorced parent can move.

GOP selects Biggs as Senate president

PHOENIX - A smaller Republican majority in the Arizona Senate ousted incumbent President Steve Pierce of Prescott on Friday, replacing him with Andy Biggs of Gilbert.

Legislative District 9: Senate: Farley, Mott diverge on how to keep state's budget in check

The race for state Senate in the new District 9 features a three-term state representative versus a political up-and-comer in one of the state's most competitive districts.

Antenori candidacy sees exodus of Republicans

Republican Frank Antenori already faces a party-registration disadvantage in his run to remain in the state Senate. Now opposition within his own party is compounding the challenge.

Farley, Mott debate border policy

The state should crack down on smugglers, but it should not pay to build a border fence, the two candidates for state Senate in District 9 agree.

'Streetcar Steve' nickname means different things to Farley, Mott

In the race for State Senate in District 9, Republican Tyler Mott is fond of calling his opponent, Democrat Steve Farley, by the nickname “Streetcar Steve.”

LD9 debate reset for Oct. 4 to end conflict with presidential face-off

A local debate for candidates in Legislative District 9 has been rescheduled after candidates from both parties complained it was the same day as the first presidential debate, Oct. 3.

LD9 debate reset for Oct. 4 to end conflict with presidential face-off

A local debate for candidates in Legislative District 9 has been rescheduled after candidates from both parties complained it was the same day as the first presidential debate, Oct. 3.

District 9 debate won't compete with Obama-Romney debate

A local debate for candidates in Legislative District 9 has been rescheduled after candidates from both parties complained it was the same day as the first presidential debate.

Candidate bio: Al Melvin

• Office: Arizona Senate Legislative District 11

Candidate bio: Al Melvin

Al Melvin

AZ bill to let more employers bypass contraception coverage goes to Brewer

PHOENIX — An Arizona Senate vote provides the final legislation approval for a bill to allow more employers to exempt themselves from the state’s requirement that health plans cover contraception.

Arizona Senate OKs Planned Parenthood funding ban

PHOENIX — Arizona legislators have completed action on a bill to bar use of any public money from being funneled to Planned Parenthood because it provides abortions.

Arizona Senate: No new limits on meals, gifts from lobbyists

PHOENIX — Ethics proposals — including restrictions on free meals, trips and contributions from lobbyists — that came in the wake of last year’s Fiesta Bowl scandal were shot down by the Arizona Senate on Thursday.

Arizona Senate: Guns OK in public buildings

PHOENIX — A bill that would allow people to carry guns into public buildings where they’re currently banned has met final approval by the Arizona Senate.

Fitz:E-mails

Recently we’ve seen stories of lawmakers behaving badly when it comes to responding to constituent mail in a civil manner. If you have had a similar experience email your exchange to me at tooner@azstarnet.com.

Senate to meet on Arizona Regents nominees

PHOENIX — State legislators will continue discussions of two appointments to the Arizona Board of Regents.

Arizona Senate: No abortion after 20 weeks

PHOENIX — The state Senate voted this morning to ban abortions after 20 weeks.

AZ Senate OKs bill barring teachers from partisan instruction

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Senate has given preliminary approval to bills barring teachers from partisan instruction, using unapproved course materials or using language in the classroom that violates Federal Communication Commission standards.

Prosecutor: Expel Arizona Sen. Bundgaard

PHOENIX - The Arizona Senate Ethics Committee on Thursday began an ethics hearing against Sen. Scott Bundgaard, with a prosecutor saying the Peoria Republican should be expelled from the Legislature for a domestic violence incident and initial witnesses describe seeing a nighttime physical a…