Capitol roundup: Ballots, revenge porn, wild horses and wine delivery

Bills concerning ballot collections, child prostitution and revenge porn hit Gov. Doug Ducey’s desk last week.

HB 2023 makes it a felony to turn in another voter’s ballot, which is punishable by a $150,000 fine and one year in prison.

The bill passed the Senate on Wednesday and two hours later Ducey tweeted, “I’ve signed #2023. Arizona now joins 18 other states in maintaining a secure chain of custody between the voter and the ballot box.”

He received HB 2374 on Tuesday that establishes a new criminal offense for those who “knowingly providing the means by which a minor engages in prostitution” such as facilitating a cellphone, motel room or drugs.

The bill still needs Ducey’s signature along with the revenge porn bill that passed the Senate on Monday. HB 2001 establishes criminal offenses for unlawfully distributing private images without consent.

Wild, wild horses

The Salt River wild horse herd got a little closer to protected status last week after two bills were relayed from the House.

Horse enthusiasts filled Tuesday’s Senate committee with cheers after lawmakers unanimously passed HB 2340 and HB 2572.

HB 2340 puts the herd under the control of the U.S. Forest Service and county sheriffs. The bill also makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to harm a Salt River wild horse, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

HB 2572 establishes a committee to study the herd’s effects on the environment and public safety.

Wine not?

Wineries may soon be allowed to ship bottles of customers’ favorite vino to their front door.

SB 1381 would give wineries the ability to apply for a direct shipment license from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control eliminating the role of wholesalers and retailers.

According to the bill’s sponsor, District 15 Sen. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix, direct shipment is allowed in 43 states.

Potential revenue for Arizona could reach $1.5 million, said Kathryn Sensemen from the Wine Institute, a California-based organization representing more than 1,000 wineries and affiliated businesses.

The measure unanimously passed a House committee on Wednesday. It now goes to the House Rules committee.

Update of bills

HB 2123 would permit Corporations Commissioner Andy Tobin to vote on solar issues like rate hikes by electric companies for solar panels even though his son-in-law works for Solar City. It passed the House on Monday and now heads to the Senate for continued debate over conflict of interest.

HB 2398 barely passed the House with a 31-27 vote on Wednesday. The bill would allow Arizona residents to buy larger, more explosive fireworks. Opponents fear a potential for increased wild fires.

SB 1241 would decommission the two remaining photo radar cameras used on state highways. It awaits a final Senate vote.

Committee talk

HB 2061 outlines requirements for signs that warn women of the potential dangers of using marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding. The measure passed a House hearing on Wednesday and moves to a Senate Rules committee.

HB 2548 defends universities and community colleges students’ First Amendment rights to legally challenge violations imposed by free speech zones on their campuses. It passed the House earlier but barely made it out of a Senate hearing by a 4-3 vote. Next step is the Senate Rules committee.