The prioritized list of persons responsible for the burial of human remains is changed to include a person with the decedent's power of attorney, adult grandchild, grandparent and to delete a surviving spouse if the spouse was was legally separated from the decedent. Provides that if there is more than one member in a category, any member of that category is authorized to make burial arrangements unless that member knows of objections from another member of the category. Funeral homes, crematories and cemeteries are indemnified from civil action if they relied in good faith on directions for disposal provided by a person who claimed to be the authorizing agent. AS PASSED HOUSE.

First sponsor: Rep. Reagan

For convictions of identity trafficking or aggravated identity theft, if the person is sentenced to probation instead of prison, the person must serve at least one year in county jail as the initial term of probation.

First sponsor: Rep. Farnsworth

Eligibility for AHCCCS coverage is increased to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, from 100 percent.  Members with income greater than 100 percent of the poverty level must pay a premium, which the AHCCCS Administration will set by rule.  The premium must be on a sliding scale based on income.

First sponsor: Rep. Farley

Subject to the availability of funds, AHCCCS is directed to contract for medication therapy management services for its members by a licensed pharmacist to formulate a medical treatment plan, monitor therapeutic response, provide verbal education on medications and perform a comprehensive medical review to avoid adverse drug events. A session law provision requires AHCCCS to convene an advisory committee to make recommendations regarding the medication therapy management service established by this act.

First sponsor: Rep. Stump

Consumers may request that a credit reporting agency place a security freeze on their credit report, which prohibits the agency from releasing credit information to a third party without the consumer’s authorization.  Consumers may also have the security freeze temporarily lifted.  Identification from the consumer is required for security freezes and a temporary lift.

First sponsor: Rep. McClure

Minor change in Title 46 (welfare) relating a respite care for the elderly. Apparent striker bus. 

First sponsor: Rep. Lopes

Appropriates $100,000 from the general fund in FY 2007-08 to the Department of Health Services (DHS) for distribution to the City of Phoenix for Senior Olympics.

First sponsor: Rep. Stump

A chapter on Aid in Dying is added to public health statutes providing that a qualified patient may make a written request for medication to end the patient's life.

First sponsor: Rep. Lopez
Others: Rep. Alvarez, Rep. Bradley, Rep. Cajero Bedford, Rep. Cloves Campbell Jr., Rep. Desimone, Rep. Garcia, Rep. Miranda, Rep. Sinema

A 12-member In-Home Care Providers Study Committee is created to make recommendations concerning general training requirements and appropriate levels of regulation for providers. The Committee must report its findings to the governor and the Legislature by Aug 31, 2007.  Committee members are legislators and representatives of health care providers and groups receiving services.  AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

First sponsor: Rep. Chad Campbell
Others: Rep. Ableser, Rep. Burns, Rep. Cloves Campbell Jr., Rep. Crandall, Rep. Desimone, Rep. Driggs, Rep. Farley, Rep. Groe, Rep. Hershberger, Rep. Lopes, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Lujan, Rep. McLain, Rep. Meza, Rep. Reagan, Rep. Saradnik, Rep. Thrasher, Rep. Tobin

Appropriates $3 million from the general fund to the Dept of Veterans' Services in fiscal 07-08 to the Navajo Nation for veterans projects on tribal land.

First sponsor: Rep. Tom
Others: Rep. Alvarez, Rep. Cajero Bedford, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Kirkpatrick, Rep. Miranda

Appropriates $6.16 million from the general fund to DES in fiscal 07-08 for distribution to ten named senior citizen centers on tribal land.

First sponsor: Rep. Tom
Others: Rep. Alvarez, Rep. Cajero Bedford, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Kirkpatrick, Rep. Miranda

Qualifications for disabled veterans to receive complementary hunting and fishing licenses from the Game and Fish Commission are changed.

First sponsor: Rep. Tom
Others: Rep. Alvarez, Rep. Cajero Bedford, Rep. Chad Campbell, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Kirkpatrick, Rep. Miranda, Rep. Rios, Rep. Sinema

Appropriates $1,028,400 from the general fund in FY 2007-08 to the Department of Economic Security for distribution to the Navajo Nation for the senior citizen center at Inscription House Chapter.

First sponsor: Rep. Kirkpatrick
Others: Rep. Bradley, Rep. Lujan, Rep. Rios, Rep. Tom, Rep. Ulmer

Effective September 1, 2007, a retiree or their beneficiary who was receiving a benefit under the Arizona State Retirement System defined benefit program on May 8, 2001, is entitled to a one-time permanent benefit increase based on their years of service.  The increase is not retroactive. 

First sponsor: Rep. Kirkpatrick
Others: Rep. Ableser, Rep. Bradley, Rep. Lujan, Rep. Rios, Rep. Tom, Rep. Ulmer

An Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs is established consisting of the Governor, Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction, 5 Department heads, and 9 members appointed by the Governor, 7 of which must be African-American.  The Commission will support government agencies in assisting African-Americans in Arizona, advise the Governor on policies affecting African-Americans, assist African-American community groups, facilitate an annual African-American Legislative Day, and submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature.  Appropriates $250,000 from the general fund in FY 2007-08 to the Commission for operating expenses.

First sponsor: Rep. Cloves Campbell Jr.
Others: Rep. Ableser, Rep. Chad Campbell, Rep. Desimone, Rep. Farley, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Garcia, Rep. Lopes, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Lujan, Rep. Miranda, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Rios, Rep. Saradnik, Rep. Schapira, Rep. Sinema, Rep. Thrasher, Sen. Landrum Taylor

The list of necessary conditions permitting a retired member of ASRS to return to state service and retain eligibility to receive retirement benefits is expanded to include the retired member's return to work is not the result of a contract with a private entity.

First sponsor: Rep. Sinema
Others: Rep. Ableser, Rep. Chad Campbell, Rep. Cloves Campbell Jr., Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Lopes, Rep. Lujan, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Prezelski, Rep. Saradnik, Rep. Schapira, Rep. Thrasher, Rep. Ulmer

Appropriates $100,000 from the general fund in fiscal 07-08 to the Dept of Veterans' Services for distribution to the City of Tucson for a World War II memorial.

First sponsor: Rep. Lopes
Others: Rep. Brown, Rep. Farley, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Prezelski, Rep. Saradnik, Rep. Sinema

Creates a family leave insurance program under the Department of Economic Security for spouses and domestic partners for five weeks of payable benefits for the care of a newborn, adopted or foster child or a family member with a serious health condition.  Requires Arizona employers to pay two cents per employee hour worked up to forty hours for deposit into a Family Leave Insurance Fund.  Benefit paid at $250 per week until June 30, 2008,  and adjusted thereafter by DES according to a CPI index. Because of increase in state revenue, requires two-thirds vote for enactment (Prop 108). Program sunsets on June 30, 2017.

First sponsor: Rep. Chad Campbell
Others: Rep. Farley, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Lujan, Rep. Meza, Rep. Thrasher

The list of information that law enforcement agencies must provide to a crime victim is expanded to include notice that the victim has a right to receive one copy of the police report at no charge. If the victim is killed or incapacitated, this right is extended to the victim's immediate family member. Employers with at least 50 employees for 20 or more calendar weeks must allow employees who are crime victims to leave work to obtain orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, or other injunctive relief to ensure the safety of the victim or the victim’s child.  In order to leave work, the employee must provide the employer with a copy of “proper documentation.” AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

First sponsor: Rep. Garcia
Others: Rep. Ableser, Rep. Chad Campbell, Rep. Cloves Campbell Jr., Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Lopes, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Lujan, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Prezelski, Rep. Saradnik, Rep. Sinema, Rep. Tom, Rep. Ulmer

Physicians must report to the DMV names of patients with certain diseases of the eye or any disorder characterized by lapses of consciousness. The Medical Advisory Board shall recommend rules regarding report requirements.

First sponsor: Rep. McLain
Others: Rep. Burges, Rep. Groe, Rep. McClure, Rep. Meza, Rep. Yarbrough

If a member of a homeowner association declares in writing that the member wishes to withdraw from ownership and use of an amenity provided to all members, the association must reduce the assessment charged to the member by an amount equal to the proportionate cost of the amenity.

First sponsor: Rep. Mason

Appropriates $6 million from the general fund in each of the next five fiscal years to DHS to fund a repository to store human stem cells of nonembyronic origin and to finance research in regenerative medicine using nonembryonic stem cells.

First sponsor: Rep. Stump
Others: Rep. Bradley, Rep. Robson, Sen. Bee

The 2008 general election ballot is to carry the question of whether to amend the state constitution to reduce the limit on state expenditures to 6.4% (from 7.0%) of the total personal income for the state.

First sponsor: Rep. Pearce
Others: Rep. Adams, Rep. Anderson, Rep. Biggs, Rep. Crump, Rep. Groe, Rep. Murphy, Rep. Reagan, Sen. Harper, Sen. Johnson

The Legislature recognizes the success of the AARP's Drivers Safety Program and encourages insurance companies to consider seniors' participation in a drivers education program when determining their insurance rates.

First sponsor: Rep. Reagan
Others: Rep. Kavanagh

The Legislature declares the week of November 4, 2007, as Health Care Decisions Week and encourages all citizens to think and talk with loved ones about their wishes for medical care.

First sponsor: Rep. Lopez
Others: Rep. Alvarez, Rep. Anderson, Rep. Bradley, Rep. Brown, Rep. Burns, Rep. Cajero Bedford, Rep. Chad Campbell, Rep. Cloves Campbell Jr., Rep. Desimone, Rep. Garcia, Rep. Hershberger, Rep. Lujan, Rep. McGuire, Rep. Meza, Rep. Miranda, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Prezelski, Rep. Rios, Rep. Saradnik, Rep. Schapira, Rep. Sinema, Rep. Thrasher, Sen. Aboud, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Landrum Taylor, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

Urges Congress to extend the time limit for state ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and urges ratification of the amendment.

First sponsor: Rep. Ableser
Others: Rep. Brown, Rep. Chad Campbell, Rep. Desimone, Rep. Farley, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Kirkpatrick, Rep. Lopes, Rep. McGuire, Rep. Meza, Rep. Nichols, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Prezelski, Rep. Schapira, Rep. Sinema, Rep. Thrasher, Sen. Aboud, Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Cheuvront, Sen. Hale, Sen. Harper, Sen. Landrum Taylor, Sen. McCune Davis, Sen. O'Halleran, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

The prioritized list of persons responsible for the burial of human remains is changed. A spouse, currently the first on the list, is disqualified to make decisions concerning burial if the deceased was separated from the spouse, or if a petition for divorce or separation was pending. The remainder of the list of persons responsible to provide burial is expanded to include seven additional categories, including a person designated by the deceased as having power of attorney, the deceased's parent, adult sibling, adult grandchild, grandparent, etc. If there is more than one member in a category, any member of that category is authorized to make burial arrangements unless that member knows of objections from another member of the category in which case a majority of members of that category shall determine final arrangements. In statutes pertaining to disinterment, reinterment and anatomical gifts, the lists of persons authorized to make decisions are changed to conform to that for burial of remains. Funeral homes and cemeteries are indemnified from civil action if they rely in good faith on directions for disposal provided by a person who claimed to be the authorizing agent. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

First sponsor: Sen. Harper

Persons eligible for property valuation protection (at least 65 years old with limits on gross income) per Article IX, Section 18 of the state constitution are also exempt from the vehicle license tax on one vehicle (not a motor home) registered to the person.

First sponsor: Sen. Tibshraeny

The list of offenses which preclude a person from being issued a fingerprint clearance card (and therefore being barred from jobs that require one) is expanded to include sexual predator offenses such as: sex trafficking, sexual abuse, furnishing harmful items to minors, obscene telephone calls to minors and luring a minor for sexual exploitation. Also, the list of  non-sexual predator offenses which may preclude a clearance card from being issued is expanded to include negligent homicide, criminal damage, misappropriation of charter school money, cruelty to animals, various acts associated with prostitution and welfare fraud. [Capitol Reports note: Persons convicted of an offense in this latter list may petition the Fingerprint Board for a good cause exception.] AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

First sponsor: Sen. Linda Gray

The list of conditions which result in a person being excused from jury duty is expanded to include a permanent cognitive disability.

First sponsor: Sen. Linda Gray

Appropriates $301.7 million for capital projects, including $241 million for state highway construction and $25 million for airport planning and development. Also appropriates $13 million to various state agencies for building renewal. If state revenue exceeds forecasts by stipulated amounts, additional expenditure is authorized for prison water & wastewater projects, a new forensic unit and other improvements at the Arizona State Hospital, and other state building renewal projects. If trigger amounts are not met, the state is authorized to enter into lease-purchase agreements to issue certificates of participation to fund the projects. AS PASSED SENATE.

First sponsor: Sen. Burns
Others: Sen. Bee, Sen. Blendu, Sen. Huppenthal, Sen. Verschoor

Moves statutory exemptions granted to securities dealers and sales persons and to insurers from civil and criminal penalties related to financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.  

First sponsor: Sen. Garcia
Others: Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Rios

Grandparents who are providing kinship foster care for a grandchild are eligible for cash assistance under the kinship care program. Appropriates $2 million from the general fund in fiscal 07-08 for implementation.

First sponsor: Sen. Landrum Taylor
Others: Rep. Anderson, Rep. Bradley, Rep. Cloves Campbell Jr., Rep. Hershberger, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Miranda, Rep. Rios, Rep. Tom, Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Huppenthal, Sen. McCune Davis, Sen. Miranda, Sen. Pesquiera, Sen. Rios

A valid Arizona driver license shall constitute proper identification regardless of whether the address on the elector’s license matches the elector’s address on the precinct register. Because this bill modifies Prop 200 from 2004, it requires 3/4 majority in each house for passage (per Voter Protection Act, Prop 105).

First sponsor: Sen. Miranda

Appropriates $4 million from the general fund in fiscal 07-08 to AHCCCS to maintain programs in Maricopa, Santa Cruz, Yuma and Pima counties that provide access to discounted health care services.

First sponsor: Sen. Miranda
Others: Sen. Aguirre, Sen. McCune Davis

A relief fund is created to aid military widows, widowers and families of deceased or wounded soldiers. A committee is established to set criteria for uses of monies in the fund. Contributions to the fund are credits against the income taxes of the contributors to a maximum of $200 for an individual and $400 for joint filers. Appropriates $500,000 from the general fund to the fund in fiscal 2007-08. The tax credit is retroactive to Jan 1, 2007.

First sponsor: Sen. Arzberger
Others: Rep. Alvarez, Rep. Brown, Rep. Burns, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Mason, Rep. McClure, Rep. Nelson, Rep. Rios, Sen. Aboud, Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Bee, Sen. Garcia, Sen. O'Halleran, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence may break a lease under certain situations and with proper notice to the landlord. A landlord must comply with a tenant's request to install a new lock for the tenant's living unit if the tenant pays the cost of installation. Landlords must refuse entry to any perpetrator of domestic violence who has been served with an order of protection. A tenant who breaks a lease by falsely reporting domestic violence is liable to the landlord for treble damages. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

First sponsor: Sen. Bee
Others: Sen. Waring

A health professional who prescribes a psychotropic medication in combination with a drug designed to treat a medical condition must disclose to the patient the side effects of the psychotropic medication before the drug combination is administered.

First sponsor: Sen. Johnson
Others: Sen. Flake, Sen. Gould

An appropriation of $1 million from the general fund in FY 2007-08 to the Department of Economic Security for the independent living program for the visually impaired.

First sponsor: Sen. Linda Gray
Others: Rep. Ableser, Rep. Barnes, Rep. Bradley, Rep. Brown, Rep. Cajero Bedford, Rep. Chad Campbell, Rep. Cloves Campbell Jr., Rep. Crandall, Rep. Driggs, Rep. Kirkpatrick, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Lujan, Rep. McClure, Rep. Reagan, Rep. Rios, Rep. Saradnik, Rep. Schapira, Rep. Sinema, Sen. Blendu, Sen. Cheuvront, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Chuck Gray, Sen. Huppenthal, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

Expands AHCCCS coverage for certain part-time employees working a minimum of twenty hours per week when employed by two or more employers and who are not eligible for health or disability insurance because of their part-time status. Also permits coverage for nonprofit corporations with 25 or fewer employees and employers who can demonstrate their health insurance premiums under an accountable plan were increased by more than 30% within one year.

First sponsor: Sen. Garcia
Others: Sen. Miranda

The Game and Fish Commission may issue complimentary fishing licenses to veterans who are receiving compensation for permanent service connected disabilities rated at least 70% disabling.

First sponsor: Sen. Rios
Others: Rep. Brown, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Rios, Rep. Schapira, Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Blendu, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Flake, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Gould, Sen. Hale, Sen. Harper, Sen. Landrum Taylor, Sen. Miranda, Sen. Soltero

Most licensure fees for nursing care institution administrators and assisted living facility managers are increased; in some cases the fees are doubled.  Fees are established for reviewing continuing education credit hours.  Due to a possible increase in state revenue, this bill requires a 2/3 majority vote for passage (Prop 108).

First sponsor: Sen. Carolyn Allen

Three classes of persons are added to the list required to have valid fingerprint clearance cards: nursing care institution administrators, assisted living facility managers and employees of  "Project Challenge" that have contact with a program participant. (Capitol Reports note: "Project Challenge" is a boot camp-type experience for high school dropouts run by the state's adjutant general.) AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR. 

First sponsor: Sen. Carolyn Allen

A lifespan respite care program is established within the Department of Economic Security to provide community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children or adults with special needs who do not currently qualify for other publicly funded respite services.  Appropriates $500,000 and 1 full-time employee position from the general fund in FY2007-08 to DES for the program. 

First sponsor: Sen. Carolyn Allen

For income tax purposes, the standard deduction for a single filer is increased to $5,445 from $4,050; for joint filers to $10,890 from $8,100.  Retroactive to the beginning of the current tax year.

First sponsor: Sen. Garcia

Changes in provisions regarding the property tax exemption granted to veterans disabled as a result of military service. Income thresholds are established, and the amounts of various levels of assessment that are exempt from taxation are changed. Enactment is conditional upon voter approval of a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2008 (see SCR1014).

First sponsor: Sen. Blendu

Beginning Sept 1, 2009, a consumer may request that a consumer credit reporting agency place a security freeze on the consumer's credit report. If a freeze is in effect, the agency may not release any information from the file to a third party without express authorization. The agency must provide the consumer with a unique identifying number to allow the consumer to contact the agency to provide authorization or to lift the freeze. The agency must comply with a consumer's request to remove or temporarily lift the freeze within 3 days of receipt of proper authorization by mail or within 15 minutes if the request is given via phone, fax or Internet. The agency may charge a "reasonable" fee, except a consumer who is the victim of identity theft and who has filed a valid police report shall not be subject to a fee. AS PASSED SENATE.

First sponsor: Sen. Aguirre
Others: Rep. Bradley, Rep. Desimone, Rep. Farley, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Lopes, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Ulmer, Sen. Aboud, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Cheuvront, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Chuck Gray, Sen. Hale, Sen. Harper, Sen. Landrum Taylor, Sen. McCune Davis, Sen. Miranda, Sen. Pesquiera, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero, Sen. Verschoor, Sen. Waring

A bill of sale for a hearing aid must contain language informing the purchaser about the benefits of audio switch technology (also known as telecoil, t-coil or t-switch). If the purchased device has t-coil technology, the purchaser must be informed on its proper use. Also the receipt must inform the purchaser about the Arizona telecommunications equipment distribution program that provides assistive communications devices to Arizona residents with hearing loss. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.

First sponsor: Sen. Aguirre
Others: Rep. Bradley, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Lopes, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Ulmer, Sen. Miranda, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

Appropriates $1.3 million plus a number of FTEs (blank in original) from the general fund in fiscal 07-08 to the Dept of Veterans' Services to provide assistance to veterans regarding available benefits.

First sponsor: Sen. Hale
Others: Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Miranda, Sen. Rios

Appropriates $2 million from the general fund in fiscal 07-08 to DHS for dental services to members of the state's long-term care system.

First sponsor: Sen. Hale
Others: Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Miranda, Sen. Rios

Appropriates $1,012,000 from the general fund in fiscal 07-08 to AHCCCS for hospice services to AHCCCS clients.

First sponsor: Sen. Aboud
Others: Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Hale

Appropriates $1.4 million from the general fund in fiscal 07-08 to the Department of Health Services (DHS) for Alzheimer's disease research.

First sponsor: Sen. Garcia
Others: Sen. Aguirre, Sen. McCune Davis, Sen. Miranda, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

An appropriation of $300,000 from the general fund in FY'07-08 to the Department of Economic Security (DES) for distribution to the Pinon Chapter of the Navajo Nation for planning and design of a senior center building.

First sponsor: Sen. Hale
Others: Sen. Aboud, Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Miranda, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

A section is added to statutes dealing with pharmacists permitting a pharmacist to refuse to fill a prescription if the pharmacist has previously notified the pharmacy in writing of his/he objections to dispensing a class of drugs and if another pharmacist is available in the same pharmacy to fill the prescription without delay.

First sponsor: Sen. Aboud
Others: Rep. Ableser, Rep. Kirkpatrick, Rep. Meza, Sen. Carolyn Allen, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Cheuvront, Sen. Landrum Taylor

A ten-day recision period is in place on every sale of a new motor home or RV.

First sponsor: Sen. Aguirre
Others: Rep. Brown, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Lujan, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Ulmer, Sen. Aboud, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Cheuvront, Sen. Hale, Sen. McCune Davis, Sen. Miranda, Sen. Pesquiera, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

Changes in terms governing pre-existing conditions for long term care insurance. Sellers of long-term care insurance must be licensed as an insurance producer for accident and health or sickness or life.  

First sponsor: Sen. Aguirre
Others: Rep. Bradley, Rep. Brown, Rep. Burns, Rep. Farley, Rep. Gallardo, Rep. Konopnicki, Rep. Lopes, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Lujan, Rep. Pancrazi, Rep. Ulmer, Sen. Aboud, Sen. Carolyn Allen, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Cheuvront, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Hale, Sen. Landrum Taylor, Sen. McCune Davis, Sen. Miranda, Sen. O'Halleran, Sen. Pesquiera, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

Basic and preventive dental care is added to the list of services provided to members of Arizona's long term care system to an annual maximum of $1,000 per member. Makes two separate appropriations from the general fund in fiscal 07-08 as the state match for federal fund: $2 million to AHCCCS and $1.7 million to the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

First sponsor: Sen. O'Halleran
Others: Rep. Ableser, Rep. Alvarez, Rep. Cajero Bedford, Rep. Garcia, Rep. Hershberger, Rep. Lopes, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Mason, Rep. Prezelski, Rep. Saradnik, Rep. Sinema, Rep. Thrasher, Rep. Tobin, Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Huppenthal, Sen. Soltero

Health insurance policies must cover specific cancer-screening examinations, on referral by a patient’s physician, in defined patient profile categories. Disability insurance policies, group disability and blanket insurers are also required to provide coverage for cancer screening examinations. Applies to contracts issued or renewed January 1, 2008.

First sponsor: Sen. Burton Cahill
Others: Sen. Aboud, Sen. Hale

Businesses that sell medical devices that can be used in a residential setting and that enable the consumer to perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do must be licensed by the Department of Health Services.  License requirements will be established by the Department in rule.  Operating without a license is a class 3 felony.  Licensed health care institutions, licensed pharmacies, and manufacturers and wholesale distributors are exempt.  Standards of practice, Department investigations and inspections, regulations relating to patient information, and a Fund consisting of fees and civil penalties are established. 

First sponsor: Sen. Burton Cahill
Others: Rep. Ableser, Sen. Hale

It is unprofessional conduct to use or sell records relating to prescription information that contain identifying information about a patient or prescriber for any commercial purpose.  Violators are subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation.   

First sponsor: Sen. Burton Cahill
Others: Rep. Ableser, Sen. Aboud, Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Arzberger, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Hale, Sen. Pesquiera

Beginning on Jan 1, 2008, an income tax credit is provided for the cost of long-term care insurance premiums, not to exceed 10% of the premium or $500.

First sponsor: Sen. Carolyn Allen

Appropriates $850,000 from the general fund in fiscal 07-08 to the Government Information Technology Agency to telemedicine grants to rural health clinics and community health centers.

First sponsor: Sen. Arzberger
Others: Rep. Alvarez, Rep. Burns, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Rios

Requirement that a holographic will is valid only if the provisions are in the testator's handwriting is changed to permit the will to be typed by the testator.   

First sponsor: Sen. Gould
Others: Sen. Harper

Expands the list of DPS employees that may be granted industrial leave by the DPS director to include any civilian DPS employee “who was injured as a sworn DPS employee rehired after Aug 9, 2001” and who otherwise would have been eligible for industrial leave.  AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR.  

First sponsor: Sen. O'Halleran
Others: Rep. Brown, Rep. Mason, Rep. Meza, Sen. Miranda

The 2008 general election ballot is to carry the question of whether to amend the state constitution to increase the income limits on elderly (at least 65) property owners to qualify for the property valuation protection program which freezes the assessed value of their residence for as long as they qualify during their lifetime.  

First sponsor: Sen. Arzberger
Others: Rep. Alvarez, Rep. Burns, Sen. Aboud, Sen. Aguirre, Sen. Burton Cahill, Sen. Garcia, Sen. Landrum Taylor, Sen. Pesquiera, Sen. Rios, Sen. Soltero

The Senate commend the 6,300 health care professionals contracting with Triwest Healthcare Alliance for their support of and commitment to military personnel and their families during the war on terror.

First sponsor: Sen. Gorman