Related articles:

Arizona House fails to override veto on immigration bill

General
A1 Communications
Cable Techs Health Care
Sierra Tucson
Eating Disorders Program Coordinator Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION

The state House failed to get enough votes Tuesday to override a veto by Gov. Janet Napolitano of a measure to require police and sheriff's departments to do more to crack down on illegal immigration.

Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, was able to get just 30 votes for the move, 10 short of the two-thirds needed for the override.

HB 2807 originally had been adopted unanimously by the House. But several Democrat lawmakers who supported the bill in March have since said a closer reading leads them to agree with the governor's contention the measure is not only unnecessary but also could create unforeseen problems.

Tuesday's vote is not the end of the battle. Pearce is now pushing colleagues to put a measure on the November ballot which would make it a violation of state law for anyone who entered this country illegally or overstayed a visa. That would empower any police officer — and not just those with special federal training in immigration law — to arrest that person.

As a ballot measure, HCR 2039 would not be subject to gubernatorial veto.

Open CPS records

Without comment the Senate gave preliminary approval Tuesday to legislation designed to open more of the records of Child Protective Services to the public.

Current law and practices keeps most of that information confidential. HB 2454 would require CPS to immediately provide certain information in cases where a child was killed or nearly died.

The measure, which still needs a final Senate vote, also sets up procedures for anyone to request more detailed information and gives that person the right to sue. A similar version of the bill already has been approved by the House.

Hidden weapons

The Senate gave preliminary approval Tuesday to allowing any individual to carry a gun or rifle in a vehicle, whether it is visible or not.

State law generally requires that weapons be visible unless a person has a special permit. That requires a background check, fingerprinting and competing a state-approved course in gun laws and handling firearms.

Backers of HB 2371 said someone without a permit could get in legal trouble if a gun on a passenger seat — which is legal — is inadvertently covered by a coat. The measure, which already has gained House approval, is opposed by several police agencies who contend it will make it easier for gang members and others to hide weapons in cars without fear of arrest.