Independent Prison Oversight Bill

An Arizona state representative is backing a bill that would create independent oversight of the state's prison system.

Rep. Walt Blackman, who chairs the House Government Committee, expressed support for Senate Bill 1507. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Shawnna Bolick, would establish an independent office to monitor Arizona's corrections system.

The proposed law would create the Office of the Independent Corrections Ombudsman. This new office would investigate... READ MORE

Governor Katie Hobbs: I have long made clear that both reckless and partisan House Republican budgets are unacceptable to the people of Arizona. Now, it’s time to move past the political stunts and pass a negotiated, bipartisan and fiscally responsible budget.

AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes: From infrastructure projects to job training programs to research at our universities, these cuts are devastating and unlawful. Stay updated on our fight against the Trump administration's abuses of power at http://azag.gov/media/lawsuits.

State Senator Jake Hoffman: It’s my great pleasure to introduce you to the newest member of the Hoffman family — Theodore Hayes Hoffman! Teddy arrived at 12:49am weighing in at 7 lbs 7 oz Kim is an absolute champ and did so well through it all. Everyone is healthy. God is great!

State Representative Cheryl Caswell: Notice to Republicans. Enough!! We have had Enough! Recalls and Contested Primaries = Accountability!

State Representative Teresa Martinez: Congratulations @JakeHoffmanAZ! Teddy is just precious!!! So glad baby and mom are doing well!!! May he have the same spirit and passion as his father!!! So happy for you on this very special day!!!!!!

State Representative Walt Blackman: I’m Walt Blackman—Iraq War Veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and your Rep. for LD7. I’ve led in combat & in the Capitol. I don’t answer to radicals—I answer to the people. Courage to Lead. Strength to Govern. #WaltBlackman #ArizonaStrong #LD7 #VeteranLeadership

State Representative Quang Nguyen: SIGNED INTO LAW TODAY: HB2374: Enhances penalties for certain crimes committed by a foreign government agent and foreign terrorist organization agent (foreign agent) and prohibits unauthorized foreign law enforcement activities in Arizona. Three states have similar law signed: Arizona, Nebraska, and Texas.

Maricopa County Supervisor Mark Stewart: Today, I voted no on rehiring the same firm (Berry Dunn) to audit our elections administration. This group already reviewed our 2018 and 2021 elections—and now they’re being asked to review their own work. That raises real concerns about independence and accountability. While the motion passed, I remain hopeful this audit will deliver strong, transparent results that improve our election systems.

Arizona Lawmakers Back Independent Prison Oversight Bill— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon—

ARMS Act Introduced Amid Growing Security Concerns— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— A new bill would force airport security to tell Congress how well their screening machines work after years of failed tests.

Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Bill Improving Rural Hospital Cybersecurity— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is introducing bipartisan legislation to improve the cybersecurity of rural hospitals in the United States.

22 States Coalition Suing Trump Administration— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Attorney General Kris Mayes of Arizona has joined a group of 22 states in suing the Trump administration for cutting billions of federal grants and support. Through a contentious regulatory provision, the legal challenge contends that President Trump lacks the power to abruptly stop these essential funding sources.

Gallego Introduces Bill to Expand Holocaust Education Amidst Growing Antisemitism— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is introducing legislation enhancing and expanding Holocaust education throughout the United States as antisemitism continues growing and manifesting.

Days Left: Arizona Lawmakers Fail to Prevent Shutdown— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Arizona faces a potential government shutdown with just days remaining before the June 30 deadline. This would mark the first time in state history that Arizona's government has shut down due to budget disagreements.

Iran-Israel Ceasefire Teeters After Iran Allegedly Violates Agreement— By Cactus Politics' Mateo Guillamont— The recent ceasefire agreement reached by Iran and Israel and brokered by President Donald Trump has collapsed after Iran reportedly violated the terms by firing missiles at Israeli residential areas.

Veterans and Servicemembers Face Deportation Crisis— By Cactus Politics' Ericka Pinon— Arizona Representative Yassamin Ansari and nine other Congress members have sent a formal letter to three federal agency heads expressing "profound concern" about the deportation of veterans and service-members. The letter was addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Gallego Cosponsors Bill Improving Home Water Conservation— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is cosponsoring a bipartisan bill that improves homeowners' ability to conserve water, a vital measure as Arizona continues to heat up this summer.

Ansari Discusses DOGE Impact on Bureau of Indian Education— By Cactus Politics' Grayson Bakich— Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) discussed the cuts to the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) with Scott Davis, Department of the Interior Senior Adviser, in a recent House Education and Workforce Committee hearing.

The Snakebite is written by Grayson Bakich and Javier Manjarres