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KNAU's Morning Rundown: Thursday, May 27

Contested Voter ID Bill Dies In State Legislature 

A contested bill that sought to provide new identification requirements for voters using mail-in ballots has died in the Arizona Legislature. SB 1713 narrowly failed in a Wednesday vote from the House of Representatives. 

The bill received opposing votes from Democratic lawmakers, along with Republican lawmakers —Rep. Michelle Udall and Rep. Joel John. 

SB 1713 would have required voters to provide a form of identification — such as a driver license number — in a mail-in ballot. Sen. J.D. Mesnard, who sponsored the bill,  had argued it would bolster election integrity. 

The bill drew opposition from Navajo Nation officials, who said the requirements would disproportionately impact Indigenous voters on tribal lands.

“S.B. 1713 will work to deny Navajo voters the ability to vote by mail-in ballot,” Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer said earlier this month. 

“In contrast to a majority of Arizona citizens, Navajo people live in extremely rural conditions,” he added.

New Law Outlines Reporting Requirements In Missing Children Cases

Gov. Doug Ducey last week signed legislation outlining new requirements for law enforcement agencies in reporting cases of missing children. HB 2098 requires law enforcement to report all available information of a missing child case to state and national databases within two hours of receiving a report.

The legislation also requires law enforcement to update that information within thirty days — with possible medical and dental records. Such information cannot be removed from any crime databases as long as the case remains open. The law also applies to runaway and kidnapped children.

State Rep. Jennifer Jermaine proposed the bill, which passed through the House of Representatives unanimously before also passing the Senate with strong support. 

Jermaine applauded the law’s passage, writing in a tweetthat the legislation “makes it easier for cross-jurisdiction collaboration to rapidly respond to these cases.”

Jermaine in 2019 introduced legislation to study the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Bark Beetles Threaten Pines, Homes In Prescott National Forest Area

A potentially damaging species of beetle is continuing to affect trees in the Prescott National Forest, according to Prescott city officials, who say the insect has also appeared in private, residential areas.

The Bark Beetle is known to harm ponderosa pine trees; Prescott National Forest officials estimated more than 2,000 acres of forest were impacted as an increasing rate of trees died off between August2020 and February 2021. The region’s warmer and drier climate has allowed the beetle to further thrive, a forest spokesperson says.

Kaibab National Forest Officials Mull Fiber Optic Line 

The Kaibab National Forest is considering a new fiber optic line between Paulden and Ash Fork. Infrastructure firm Arcadian Infracom proposed the project. 

The line would be located along the Kaibab and Prescott National Forests, while the remainder would reside on state and private land, officials say.

Forest officials are asking for written public feedback to be submitted by June 9. The Kaibab National Forest earlier this month closed a comment period for another potentialfiber optic line that would serve the Grand Canyon Unified School District. 

The U.S. Census estimated in 2019 that 78.2% of Coconino County households have a broadband internet subscription.

Sedona, Neighboring Communities Rescind Mask Mandates

The City of Sedona rescinded its emergency proclamation and mask mandate on Wednesday. Mayor Sandy Moriarty says face coverings will no longer be required in government buildings or on public transportation. 

It follows a string of repeals from local governments as vaccination rates continue to rise in Coconino and Yavapai counties. Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy rescinded the city’s mask mandate Wednesday, while Coconino County’s emergency proclamation is now set to expire on June 1. 

The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates 41.7% of Yavapai County is vaccinated against COVID-19, while 48.8% of Coconino County has received at least one dose.

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