HEALTH
is today’s focus.
The Arizona Legislature, long dominated by one party, seems to allow more bi-partisan effort in the area of health than in areas such as elections, education, the economy and environment. There still is much neglect of health needs, and many attempts to regulate health in a regressive and extremist way, particularly in the area of reproductive and gender health, but some progressive health legislation passes. Below are some of the many health bills introduced this Session. Some have died or will fail; some will pass.
● REDUCTION OF HEALTH PROTECTIONS.
SB1397
- intended to preserve certain portions of the Affordable Care Act in the event federal courts strike it down, the bill does not protect against spikes in price for coverage of pre-existing conditions by insurers, and permits lifetime coverage caps.
Status
: Passed Senate; minority party accepted it as “better than nothing.” Pending in House.
See
HB2788
under “Good Bills” (below) for the much better, but dead, bill.
SB1274
- deregulation of State Boards of Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, and other fields, by removing professionals from the Boards. Sponsor (Ugenti-Rita, LD23) complains that the Boards are “resisting a free marketplace that empowers people to pursue opportunities.”
Status
:
Passed Senate on a party line vote. Pending in House Rules Committee.
HB2036
- imposes mandatory 5-year minimum sentences for fentanyl, heroin and other narcotics; would punish addicts in need of substance abuse treatment, instead of effectively targeting major drug dealers.
Status
: Passed House Committees on party line vote. Died in House.
● ATTACKS ON GENDER AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH.
SB1328 / HB2388
- authorize $3 M to fund an organization to “support childbirth as an alternative to abortion” which is barred from providing information on abortion. Uses a State hotline to direct callers to it. Promoted by powerful lobby - the anti-abortion Center for Arizona Policy.
Status
: SB1328 dead. HB2388 passed House Committees. Died in House.
SB1082
- would ban sex education until 7th grade and make all classes opt-in. Originally included a provision that could ban discussions of homosexuality. Sponsor (S. Allen, LD-6) spoke before a recognized hate group, painting sex education as a left-wing attempt to indoctrinate and sexualize children.
Status
: Dead. No hearings.
HB2706
- would require any transgendered child to undergo a medical review of their anatomy, hormone levels. and genetics before playing on athletic teams matching their gender identity at all schools and colleges, public and private, if challenged by any person to prove the child’s biological sex. Would override city and county non-discrimination policies and NCAA standards, and encourage gender “witch hunts” and lawsuits against schools.
Status
: Passed House on party line vote. Pending in Senate.
●
GOOD BILLS.
SB1027 / HB2051
- prevent medical personnel from performing or supervising pelvic exams on anesthetized or unconscious patients without prior informed consent.
Status
: Each bill passed Its body. Awaiting Conference.
SB1170 / HB2727
- would add dental care to Medicaid coverage for pregnant women 21. Coverage was cut during the Great Recession; the Legislature has failed to restore it since. Bipartisan support.
Status
: Each bill passed Its body. Awaiting Conference.
HB2788
- requires Arizona insurance companies to cover the 10 essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act. Requires coverage of pre-existing conditions and community rating, and prohibits age and gender premium discrimination.
Status
: Dead. No hearings.
SB1444
- clarifies that student absences from school for mental or behavioral health reasons can be excused (per Department of Education guidelines). Could help stem increasing depression, anxiety and suicide rates among young people.
Status
: Passed Senate. Passed both House Committees. Pending House vote.)
SB1445
- would expand suicide prevention training for college students to include those studying to be counselors and school social workers.
Status
: Passed Senate. Pending House Rules Committee.
SB1446
- Requires contact information on suicide prevention resources to be included on student identification cards for grades 9-12 and college.
Status
: Passed Senate. Pending in House.
HB2608
- would decriminalize clean needle exchanges as part of opioid education and prevention programs.
Status
: Passed House. Pending in Senate.
HB2540
- would make it a reportable offense to emotionally abuse adults who are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation because of physical or mental impairment.
Status
: Passed House. Pending in Senate.
SCR1001
- would ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in Arizona.
Status
: Dead. No hearings allowed.
