Arizona Legislative Branch A bicameral legislature

Senate and House Thirty senators (i. e. 30 districts) 60 representatives ( i. e. 30 districts) 2 year terms 1992 constitutional amendment: term limitations May serve no more than 4 consecutive terms May not seek office again unless out of office for one term

Qualifications United States citizen 25 years old 3 year resident of state 1 year resident of county May not hold any other public office or trust except state militia, notary public, justice of peace, US commissioner or postmaster of the 4th class, teacher

Leadership House of Representatives: Speaker http://www.azleg.state.az.us/Leadership.asp?Body=H Senate: President http://www.azleg.gov/Leadership.asp?Body=S

Privileges Free from arrest in all cases except treason, felony or breach of peace Free speech in debate Current salary $24,000.00 Annual legislative session lasts 120 days

Salary Proposals Year Current Salary Proposed Salary Voter Response 1972 $6,000 $10,000 no 1974 1976 no recommendation n/a 1978 $9,600 1980 $15,000 yes 1982 $18,900 1984 1986 $20,000 1988 $25,000 1990 $24,000 1992 $19,748 1994 $19,750 1996 1998 2000 $30,000 2002 $36,000 2004 2006

Duties Pass laws Create and fund government offices and agencies Approve appts of governor Remove an official by impeachment

How a bill becomes a law

Special Arizona voc Initiative: petition filed with Secretary of State with signatures of 10% of qualified votes 4 months prior to election. Voters start, voters pass Referendum: petition filed with Secretary of State with signatures of 5% of qualified electors 90 days after legislative session. Legislatures start, voters pass Recall: remove a public official by votes Impeachment: to charge a public official with a wrongdoing. Simple majority: majority of those present at time vote is taken Absolute majority: majority of those eligible to vote