The Proposition 400 update has given us new hope as lawmakers try to extend the Maricopa County transportation tax before it expires.

News promotion: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday approved a plan to put to a vote a bill to continue the 0.5-cent sales tax that was approved by voters in 2004 but expires in 2025.

• the committee passed a strike amendment SB1246 The vote was 7 to 4, with 3 Democrats and 1 Republican opposing.
• The plan would allocate 52% of revenues to highways and other routes in the state highway system, 22% to highways and regional programs, and 26% to public transit.

Yes, but: Public transit funds could be used for light rail maintenance and operations, but not for expansion of the system.

• Lack of light rail funding has led many Proposition 400 extension supporters to oppose alternative proposals. Died on the Senate Transportation Technology Committee last month.
• Projects that eliminate existing lanes are also prohibited.
• The Senate plan only allocated 5% to public transit.

What’s next: Grove Republican Rep. David Cook, who chaired the committee and created the proposal, said he was working with stakeholders on the amendment.

• He told Axios Phoenix that he doesn’t yet know everything about what the amendment will do and is working with stakeholders and other lawmakers on the details.

Catch up soon: Former Gov. Doug Ducey last summer vetoed a bill to refer the issue to Maricopa County’s November 2022 ballot.

conspiracy: Republican lawmakers introduced a bill on the issue of partisan lacking Democratic support. This indicates a high probability of not being accepted by Governor Katie Hobbs.

• SB 1694, which bans agencies from having diversity, equity and inclusion programs, is awaiting a final vote in the Senate after receiving preliminary approval on Monday.
• In a partisan vote, Senate Republicans passed two bills Thursday for the purpose of restricting drag shows.

• House Republicans on Monday passed HB 2502, which extends child support payments until the day a woman’s pregnancy is confirmed. Democrats claim It is an attempt to establish a “fetal personality” policy against abortion.

1 Major legal battle: Hobbes, the Republican legislature and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office face off in court over the governor’s attempt to block the execution of Aaron Ganches, who was sentenced to death for the 2002 murder.

• The governor and her head of corrections said the state Lack of organizational knowledge and expertise carry out punishment.
• The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Senate Speaker Warren Petersen, and House Speaker Ben Thoma issued a written statement arguing that Hobbes had no legal authority to refuse to act on a warrant issued by the Arizona Supreme Court. submitted.

🏛 This is a recurring feature that summarizes the week’s action at the Capitol.