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10 interesting bills that likely will go nowhere

Alia Beard Rau
The Republic |
The Legislature returns Jan. 11.

With the 2016 legislative session set to kick off Jan. 11, Arizona lawmakers have introduced just over 100 bills. Legislators can introduce bills throughout the session, but file most within the first few weeks.

Typically, lawmakers introduce more than 1,000 proposed laws and pass about a quarter of them. Democratic lawmakers introduce their fair share, although as the minority party, few of their bills are ever given public hearings, much less a formal vote to become law.

Here are some of the Hail Mary proposals Democrats have filed:

Motorcycle helmets: House Bill 2052 would require all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. The current law requires helmets only for riders under age 18. Sponsor: Rep. Randy Friese, D-Tucson.

Portraying homosexuality: Senate Bill 1019 would overturn the current state law that prohibits public schools from teaching anything that may promote a homosexual lifestyle, portray homosexuality as a positive lifestyle or provide information on safe-sex methods for homosexuals. Sponsor: Sen. Martín Quezada, D-Phoenix.

Medically accurate sex ed: Senate Bill 1020 would require public schools to provide sex education in grades K-12 that is "age appropriate" and "medically accurate." Parents could opt students out of sex ed teaching, instead of the current requirement to opt in. Sponsor: Sen. Andrew Sherwood, D-Tempe.

Legalizing and taxing marijuana: Under House Bill 2007, individuals age 21 or older could possess, consume, use, purchase or transport 1 ounce or less of marijuana legally. They may also grow up to five marijuana plants. It would still be illegal to smoke marijuana in a public place. Marijuana would be taxed at $50 per ounce, with revenue going to law enforcement, education and drug programs. Sponsor: Rep. Mark Cardenas, D-Phoenix.

School superintendent: House Concurrent Resolution 2002 would ask voters in November to allow the governor to appoint the superintendent of public instruction. It is currently an elected position held by Republican Diane Douglas. Sponsor: Rep. Randy Friese, D-Tucson.

Arts funding: Senate Bill 1023 allocates $20 million from the general fund to the state arts endowment fund. Sponsor: Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson.

Undocumented immigrant licenses: Senate Bill 1025 would repeal the current Arizona Department of Transportation practice of prohibiting undocumented immigrants from getting a driver's license. Sponsor: Sen. Martín Quezada, D-Phoenix.

Charter-school teachers: Senate Bill 1053 would require all charter school teachers and administrators to meet the same requirements as district teachers and administrators, including teaching certification and fingerprinting requirements. Sponsor: Sen. Martín Quezada, D-Phoenix.

Green buildings: Senate Bill 1046 requires that, by 2021, all state agencies, universities, school districts and community colleges must get at least 10 percent of their energy from green sources. State buildings must reduce energy use in public buildings and new or larger buildings must conform to environmental building standards. Sponsor: Sen. Andrew Sherwood, D-Tempe.

Automatic voter registration: Under Senate Bill 1007, everyone who obtains or renews an Arizona driver's license and is qualified to vote would automatically be registered to vote, unless the individual elects not to register. Sponsor: Sen. Andrew Sherwood, D-Tempe.