The AHPA, in partnership with the APA, successfully introduced legislation exempting on duty first responders from photo enforcement action or measures. As a result, ARS 28-1202 will take effect September 30, 2009. This is another example of the AHPA, through the strength and support of its membership, striving to improve the working conditions for DPS employees doing their job. Additionaly, the AHPA President has met with Director Vanderpool and Deputy Director Gillette-Stroud in an effort to promote necessary changes to the agency's current photo enforcement policy relating to the new legislation.
In times when the economy has hit many families negatively, voters showed Arizona that public safety is a priority. The Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) thanks voters who supported Proposition 100. The temporary sales tax will allow Department of Public Safety (DPS) to operate at its current levels.
Voters go to the polls today (May 18th) to decide the fate of many state agencies. AHPA continues to be on the forefront in educating the public on why it is so important to vote Yes on 100. Voting yes saves hundreds of DPS jobs, and keeps us at our current service levels. View and read below what AHPA is doing to help inform Arizona voters.
Take a moment to view this extensive report on legislative news important to AHPA members. This report has been compiled by R&R Partners on behalf of AHPA.
Since the Yes on 100 campaign to protect education and public safety launched a few weeks ago, tens of thousands of Arizonans have signed up to support our efforts. They know that Proposition 100 is a responsible solution for Arizona at this time.
Arizona is experiencing unprecedented budget issues, and the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) is supportive of measures that would encourage revenue to assist public safety. In light of recent police tragedies and department cuts, the AHPA is supportive of Governor Brewer's proposal for a temporary sales tax to continue funding support to the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Yesterday in the House Appropriations Committee, House Bill 2636 received a Do Pass recommendation. This budget bill is a concern to us because of the language contained in Section 11 of the bill. That language would cause an increase to the employee contribution for members of PSPRS and CORP
At the conclusion of the 2006 legislative session, not only had the AHPA obtained the majority of our early goals - but we also added to the list of accomplishments by reconciling new issues that arose late in the session when it otherwise might have seemed impossible to find legislative solutions. 
Past President Andy Swann addressed the Board on the 2007 Legislative session and an review on bills submitted by the Association. 
The second regular session of the 48th Legislature adjourned sine die on June 27th, 2008. The Legislature approved 347 of the 1380 bills introduced. Legislation will become effective on the general effective date of September 26th, 2008- unless otherwise specified within the language of the bill. 
Tomorrow at approximately 11:00 a.m., Senate Appropriation will convene to hear and vote on several budget bills for FY 2010. Of interest to us are the Amendments to SB1028 and SB1035. Within those budget bills is language that greatly affects our members. 
Thanks to the efforts of Association members, the issues concerning employee retirement contribution rates in the Legislative budget have been removed. The emails and phone calls by members in addition to personal meetings by the AHPA President have helped convinced enough members to remove the provision that would have caused a decrease in take home pay for officers. We are continuing to work with lawmakers regarding the secondary employment overtime used for calculating retirement benefits and dispatchers moving into CORP. These are still very important issues that need your action. Stay tuned for more info as state budget negotiations continue.
