Source: https://statelibraryofarizona.wordpress.com/administrative-histories-p-r/
Timestamp: 2017-08-22 07:12:21
Document Index: 738910297

Matched Legal Cases: ['§41', '§ 41', '§ 41', '§ 30', '§ 30', '§41', '§32', '§ 15', '§32', '§38', '§38', '§5', '§5', '§30', '§30', '§30', '§30', '§41', '§41', '§ 38', '§54', '§ 38']

Administrative Histories P-R | State Research Library Virtual Reference Desk
Agency Histories P-R (as of September 02, 2016)
Arizona State Parks Board Arizona Department of Racing
Personnel Board, State Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA) and Regulatory Hearing Board, Arizona
Postsecondary Education, Commission for Regulatory Review Council, Governor’s
Power Authority, Arizona Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO)
Prescott Historical Society Retirement System, Arizona State (ASRS)
Private Postsecondary Education, State Board for Department of Revenue
Established by an emergency act of the Legislature (Laws 1957, Ch. 99); the bill was signed by Governor McFarland on March 25, 1957. Current authority is found in A.R.S. §§41-511 to 41-511.23
According to the Arizona State Parks Board website, its mission is “Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners.”
The draft bill for the State Parks Board as approved by the Arizona State Parks Association and supported by the grazing and agriculture interests was introduced as House Bill 72 and as Senate Bill 61 in 1957 during the 23rd Legislature. In the House the bill was introduced by the Committee on Livestock and Public Lands. Because of the strong public support, House Bill 72 passed the House during the week of February 11, 1957. Senator Robert E. Morrow, an advocate of the state parks system who had first introduced state parks legislation five years earlier, guided the House bill through its passage in the Senate.
The legislation mandated the State Parks Board to “Select, acquire, preserve, establish and maintain areas of natural features, scenic beauty, historical and scientific interest, and zoos and botanical gardens, for the education, pleasure, recreation, and health of the people, and for such other purposes as may be prescribed by law.”
A.R.S. §§ 41-511 to 41-511.23
Session Laws: Laws 1957, Chapter 99
http://azstateparks.com/board/index.html
http://azstateparks.com/board/history.html#Agency_History
The Board may uphold a disciplinary decision; recommend modification of an agency’s disciplinary action; or reverse a decision and return the employee to the same positon held before the dismissal or demotion. The agency involved can accept, modify or reverse the Board’s decision. An appeals process for decisions of the Board or the agency is provided in statute (A.R.S.§ 41-783). The Board consists of five members, appointed by the Governor to three-year terms.
The Commission reviews public and private postsecondary education institutions to determine their eligibility for student financial monies; administers federal and state student financial assistance programs; provides a forum for public and private postsecondary institutions to discuss issues of mutual concern; coordinates studies of interest to postsecondary institutions; and provides information to the public on postsecondary education opportunities in Arizona. (Laws 2008, Chapter 235, Purpose clause)
The Commission is authorized to administer a number of student financial assistance programs including the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership grant, the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarships Program, the Postsecondary Education Grant Program, and the Mathematics, Science and Special Education Teacher student loan program.
Laws 2010, Chapter 332 required the Commission to administer the mathematics, science and special education teacher student loan program.
Executive Orders: EO 74-5; EO 76-5; EO 77-7; EO 88-23; EO 91-13; EO 93-22. www.azmemory.azlibrary.gov
Arizona Auditor General Performance Audit: Commission for Postsecondary Education, November 1997. Report No. 97-19. http://www.azauditor.gov
Arizona Auditor General Performance Audit and Sunset Review: Commission for Postsecondary Education, October 2007. Report No. 07-09. http://www.azauditor.gov
Arizona Documents Classification System, 1993. Compiled by Elsa Black and Carl Cross,
The Arizona Power Authority (APA) was created in 1944 to obtain Arizona’s share of hydroelectric energy generated on the Colorado River. It is administered by a five-member commission. Current statutory authority is found in A.R.S.§ 30-101 et seq.
The Arizona Power Authority manages Arizona’s allocation of hydroelectric power generated from the Hoover Dam. The power generated is delivered to several western states. Hoover Dam was constructed in order to control the Colorado River floods, provide storage and delivery of stored water among western states, and to generate electricity as a means to provide a source of funding for the project. The APA works with federal, state and non-governmental agencies to address regulatory and environmental matters related to electric generation and water use of the Colorado River.
For example, the APA participates in the Engineering and Operations Committee, a forum for the 15 agencies who purchase power from Hoover Dam, which reviews the plan of operation developed by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Western Area Power Authority. The APA has electric and transmission contracts with the Western Area Power Authority. The APA also participates in the Lower Colorado River Multi Species Conservation Plan, which is designed to create riparian, marsh and backwater habitat for fish, birds, mammals and plants.
The APA is a self-supporting agency, governed by a five-member commission, appointed by the Governor to six-year terms.
The APA was established by the Legislature in 1944 to obtain electric power developed from the mainstream of the Colorado River and to sell the power to qualified purchasers. Hoover power is produced by the Boulder Canyon Project hydropower plant, owned by the federal Bureau of Reclamation. Power is transmitted to Arizona, California and Nevada. Hoover Dam was dedicated in 1935 and the Hoover Power plant was in full operation in 1936. The APA first contracted for Arizona’s share of Hoover power in 1952.
Governor Sidney Osborn explained his reasons for signing the bill in a letter to Secretary of State Dan Garvey, dated March 27, 1944 which reads in part “….the Power Authority Act of 1944…marks..forward movement to derive benefit from hydro-electric energy…generated on the Colorado River.” He believed it was vital to obtain the electric power allotted to Arizona by Congress. He also stated “The Power Authority Act of 1944 may be regarded as supplementary to the recent Acts of the Legislature approving the Colorado River Contract and [Colorado River] Compact. Those two measures address apportionment, storage and delivery of Arizona’s share of Colorado River water. His three-page letter is found at the end of Laws 1944, Chapter 32, 2nd Special Session. See also Laws 1944, Chapter 4, 1st Special Session and Laws 1944, Chapter 5, 1st Special Session.
Laws 1945, Chapter 14, First Special Session transferred the powers and duties of the Colorado River Commission related to power generated by the Colorado River to the Arizona Power Authority. Other responsibilities of the Colorado River Commission related to rights to the waters of the Colorado River were transferred to the State Land Commissioner in his capacity as State Water Commissioner. See history of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, elsewhere in this document.
Laws 1947, Chapter 139 modified the jurisdiction, powers and duties of the APA Commission; the issuance of power purchase certificates; power apportionment, sales and rates; and certain fiscal matters. In 1947, Congress changed the name of Boulder Dam to Hoover Dam, requiring conforming changes to state statutes.
Laws 1956, Chapter 151 addressed development programs to utilize power and construct water facilities; disposition of power and establishment of power rates; construction and maintenance of dams; and preservation of existing water rights.
Laws 1971, Chapter 49 established the Arizona Water Commission, replacing the Arizona Interstate Stream Commission. The Legislature included a statement of intent, explaining the measure is not intended to alter, amend or restrict the powers and duties of the APA. The Water Commission is required to coordinate and confer with the APA.
In 1974 the Legislature required the APA to encourage activities, including research and development, which would investigate solar, nuclear and geothermal energy. The APA was authorized to bargain for, take and receive the energy in its name on behalf of the state. See Laws 1974, Chapter 21.
In 1984, a plan to increase the capacity of existing generating equipment at the Hoover Dam Power plant was approved at the federal level. Rather than appropriate federal funds, Congress required prospective purchasers of the increased capacity and associated energy to contribute to financing the “Uprating Program.” The APA financed a portion of the Uprating Program by issuing bonds.
A.R.S.§ 30-101 et seq.
Laws 1944, Chapter 4, 1st Special Session
Laws 1944, Chapter 5, 1st Special Session
Laws 1944, Chapter 32, 2nd Special Session
Laws 1947, Chapter 139
Laws 1956, Chapter 151
Laws 1974, Chapter 21
Arizona Power Authority 55th Annual Report – 2013
US Bureau of Reclamation: www.usbr.gov
Record Group 75 – Arizona Power Authority
Record Group 25 – Colorado River Commission
The Prescott Historical Society was established in 1964. Statutory authority is found at A.R.S. §§41-831 through 41-834.
The Society is responsible for preserving and maintaining the Sharlot Hall Museum, the territorial gubernatorial mansion located in Prescott, Arizona and other historical collections. The Society is authorized to purchase, receive, hold, lease and sell property for the benefit of the state and the use of the Society.
A fifteen-member Board of Trustees (Board) administers and holds in trust property acquired by the Society. The Board is authorized to employ a director, archivists, researchers and other personnel as needed. The Board may also employ the services of professional consultants on a fee basis within the limits of legislative appropriations. The Board is elected from members of the Society to three-year terms.
The Prescott Historical Society was established as a state agency in 1964 to operate the Sharlot Hall museum and territorial gubernatorial mansion. The Society and its Board of Trustees also maintains historical collections and makes the collections, materials and data available to the public. The Society is supported by state and private funds.
Laws 1964 Chapter 50 established the Prescott Historical Society, outlined its powers and duties, provided for a Board of Trustees, authorized the Society to maintain certain historical properties and historical collections and allowed the Society to collect fees for pamphlets, books, bulletins, and reports published by the Society. The measure also authorized the Society to collect fees for items acquired for resale and exhibits loaned to other museums or societies.
Laws 2004, Chapter 55 allowed the Society to charge fees for making historical collections, materials and data available to the public.
Laws 1964, Chapter 50
Laws 1996, Chapter 91
Laws 2004, Chapter 55
Sunset Review of the Prescott Historical Society of Arizona, Committee of Reference Report, December 2015. www.azmemory.azlibrary.gov
State Board for Private Postsecondary Education (Board)
The State Board for Private Postsecondary Education was created by Laws 1970, Chapter 86. Current authority for the Board can be found in A.R.S. §§32-3001 et seq.
The Board is responsible for licensing and regulating private, postsecondary education institutions, both vocational and degree granting. The Board can retain personnel to carry out their duties, investigate complaints against license holders, compel attendance or testimony on matters within their jurisdiction, and take disciplinary action. The Board also administers the Student Tuition Recovery Fund.
The Board accepts various monies (federal, private grants, gifts) that remain in the Board for Private Postsecondary Education Fund and do not revert to the State General Fund at the end of the year.
The Board is made up of seven members appointed by the Governor to four year terms. Five of the Board members must be executives or managers from private educational institutions (2 vocational, one granting associate’s degrees, and two granting baccalaureate or higher degrees). The remaining Board members must be citizens of Arizona, occupied in commerce or industry for at least three years. Board members serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Board is required to meet at least four times a year.
Laws 1970, Chapter 86 created a State Board for Private Technical and Business Schools (originally found at A.R.S. §§ 15-931 et seq.), specifically exempting religious and other private academic schools from its control. This essentially meant what might be called trade, technical, or vocational schools would be under the purview of Board, but not more academically focused or college preparatory institutions. Other aspects of the original Board and its powers largely mirror the 2015 Board: a seven member board; licensure, subpoena, and investigatory powers; and the right to discipline institutions found to be in violation of the law. The measure also established a fund consisting of 90 percent of all fees collected to be used to defray Board expenses and prosecute violations of the law.
Laws 1981, Chapter 1 recodified A.R.S. Title 15 (the education code), which resulted in transferring and renumbering the Board statutes to Title 32 (professions and occupations). The recodification did not change the meaning or substance of the law.
Laws 1984, Chapter 146 made significant changes and created the modern incarnation of the Board by transferring powers, equipment, employees and monies from the State Board of Private Technical and Business Schools to its successor agency, the State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. In addition, the Board now had licensing and oversight authority for not just vocational schools, but private degree granting institutions as well.
Laws 1985, Chapter 338 required an annual report to be published, containing placement rates and salaries earned by students completing vocational programs during the prior fiscal year. Private vocational program licensees were required to provide specific information to the Center for Vocational Education in order to prepare the report. The first report was due by March 1, 1986. Note: The requirement for the Board to provide information was deleted by Laws 2000, Chapter 92.
Laws 1986, Chapter 164 modified the powers of the Board relating to investigations and disciplinary actions.
Laws 1987, Chapter 270 increased license fees and established a sliding fee scale based on annual gross tuition revenue that applied to renewals of a private vocational program license. Increases were subsequently enacted in 1991 and 1996. See Laws 1991, Chapter 89 and Laws 1996, Chapter 67.
Laws 1989, Chapter 195 and Laws 2005, Chapter 204 made changes to disciplinary actions and remedies available to the Board, significantly adding to the types of disciplinary action available to the Board. Laws 2005, Chapter 204 added a number of actions that could result in disciplinary action, including harming students or sexual misconduct.
The Student Tuition Recovery Fund was also created by Laws 1989, Chapter 195 and administered by the Board. A per-student assessment was authorized in order to provide a source of revenue for the Fund. The Fund was created to protect students against instances where an institution ceased operations before fulfilling contractual obligations or fully providing the services for which a student had prepaid their tuition. Institutions that are accredited regionally or by a specialized agency recognized by the United States Department of Education are exempt from the per-student assessment. This exemption tends to remove most academic institutions from consideration since regional accreditation is typically a baseline requirement for other institutions (i.e. a graduate school) to accept your credits. Students were able to apply for relief of their actual damages from the Fund.
Laws 1990, Chapter 361 expanded grounds for disciplinary action to include false or misleading advertisement, solicitation or recruitment practices.
Laws 1993, Chapter 195 increased the per-student assessment, used to provide revenue for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund, from a maximum of $4 to a maximum of $10 per student. The law also provided immunity to Board members and employees from personal liability with respect to Board-related actions taken in good faith.
Laws 2000, Chapter 92 was an omnibus bill which addressed licensing, fees, bonding, civil penalties, administration of and claims against the Student Tuition Recovery Fund.
Laws 2008, Chapter 211 exempted licensed nursing schools and licensed drivers’ education schools from Board oversight. Laws 2011, Chapter 141 exempted training programs for managers and caregivers in assisted living facilities from Board oversight.
Laws 2014, Chapter 213 allowed the Board to enter into intergovernmental agreements to manage reciprocity agreements with regard to private postsecondary distance education programs.
§32-3001 et seq.
Laws 1970, Chapter 86
Laws 1984, Chapter 146
Laws 1985, Chapter 338
Laws 1986, Chapter 164
Laws 1987, chapter 270
Laws 1989, Chapter 195
Laws 1990, Chapter 361
Laws 1991, Chapter 89
Laws 1993, Chapter 195
Laws 1996, Chapter 67
Laws 2000, Chapter 92
Laws 2005, Chapter 204
Laws 2008, Chapter 211
Laws 2011, Chapter 141
Laws 2014, Chapter 213
PSPRS provides a uniform, statewide retirement system for public safety personnel (municipal firemen and policemen, employees of the Arizona Highway Patrol, and other public safety personnel) who are employed by the state of Arizona or a political subdivision. The PSPRS is funded through cost-sharing contributions from the member and member’s employer.
PSPRS is a defined benefit plan, administered at the local level according to statute (A.R.S.§38-847). Each Local Board determines any questions of eligibility for membership, service credits, or benefits via hearing.
The Board of Trustees provides oversight for investments and accounts for contributions received from, and benefits distributed for, each local board pursuant to A.R.S.§38-848. Although the Board is not responsible for the actions or omissions of the local boards, it has the authority to seek review or rehearing in order to protect the System as a whole. The Board of Trustees is made up of seven members, appointed by the Governor to five-year terms.
Since the PSPRS was established, a number of legislative enactments have modified the formula to determine annual benefits and to establish the years of service required in order to receive a pension. Below are some major changes. The reader should consult the PSPRS Annual Reports for year by year changes. For example:
Laws 1971, Chapter 74 removed the amount of social security received from the pension calculation.
Laws 1971, Chapter 143 reduced the number of years required to be eligible for a pension from 25 to 20 years of creditable service.
Statutory requirements related to creation and appointment to Local Boards changed over time. Below are some major changes; however the reader should consult the PSPRS Annual Reports or other sources for year-by-year changes.
Many changes and additions have been enacted regarding the groups participating in the PSPRS. As a result, additional local boards have been created for: the Department of Public Safety, the Game and Fish Department, the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University (Laws 1982, Chapter 111); Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (Laws 1986, Chapter 88); police officers and firefighters employed by a nonprofit running a public airport (Laws 1988, Chapter 19); firefighters employed by fire districts (Laws 1989, Chapter 197); police officers employed by a community college district (Laws 1990, Chapter 411); county sheriff’s offices, county attorney offices, the Department of Law, and Indian reservation police and fire fighting agencies (Laws 1992, Chapter 341); Department of Administration (Laws 1994, Chapter 130; removed by Laws 2011, Chapter 27); Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (Laws 1995, Chapter 205); Arizona Department of Agriculture (Laws 1999, Chapter 327); county parks departments and the Arizona State Parks Board (Laws 2001, Chapter 353).
Laws 2010, Chapter 200 renamed the PSPRS Fund Manager as the Board of Trustees, and modified the structure of the Board by increasing the number of members from five to seven and increasing their terms from three years to five years.
Laws 1971, Chapter 74
Laws 1971, Chapter 143
Laws 1982, Chapter 4
Laws 1982, Chapter 111
Laws 2010, Chapter 118
Arizona Department of Racing (1982-2015)
Arizona Racing Commission (1949 – present)
See Department of Gaming
The Arizona Racing Commission was established in 1949 (Laws 1949, Chapter 61). In 1982, the Legislature established The Arizona Department of Racing (Laws 1982, Chapter 310). The 1982 law was designed “to regulate the racing industry in Arizona for the protection of the public peace, safety and welfare through the strengthening of the Arizona Racing Commission and creation of an Arizona Department of Racing administered by a director with significant business and administrative experience.” Responsibilities for racing, pari-mutuel wagering, boxing and mixed martial arts were transferred to the Arizona Department of Gaming in 2015. Statutory authority for racing and pari-mutuel wagering is found in A.R.S. §§5-101 et seq. and authority for boxing is found in A.R.S. §§5-221 et seq.
According to the Arizona Department of Racing website, the department’s mission was “To regulate and supervise pari-mutuel racing and wagering conducted in Arizona in order to protect racing participants and the wagering public.” In 1992, the agency’s responsibilities were expanded to include the regulation and supervision of boxing and mixed martial arts events conducted in Arizona to protect all participants in those events.
According to the State Auditor General’s office, “The Arizona Department of Racing and the Arizona Racing Commission together regulate pari-mutuel horse and dog racing and wagering in Arizona, although the Department provides direct day-to-day oversight of racing activities.”
In 1949, the Legislature created the Arizona Racing Commission and legalized pari-mutuel waging. The Legislature created the Arizona Department of Racing in 1982 to regulate and supervise pari-mutuel racing and wagering conducted in Arizona in order to protect racing participants and the wagering public. Until 2015, the Department was responsible for regulating all commercial and county fair horse racing meetings, Greyhound racing meetings, and pari-mutuel wagering. Additionally, the Department was responsible for collecting pari-mutuel taxes and other fees for distribution to the State General Fund and eight statutorily established funds. Before the Department was created, the Arizona Racing Commission performed those regulatory activities.
In 1992, Department responsibilities were expanded to include boxing and mixed martial arts. The Boxing Commission was formed to provide physical and financial protection to participants and those interested in the sport. The Boxing Commission retained jurisdiction over boxing contests and licensing, while the Department assumed responsibility for financial and accounting functions. The measure authorized the Department and the Boxing Commission to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to provide office space, communications services and administrative support. See Laws 1992, Chapter 337.
In 2015, the Legislature transferred the responsibilities of the Arizona Department of Racing to the Department of Gaming. The consolidation conveyed regulatory authority for horse racing, dog racing, harness racing, pari-mutuel wagering, boxing and mixed martial arts to the Department of Gaming, effective July 3, 2015. See Laws 2105, Chapter 19.
Laws 1949, Chapter 61
Laws 1982, Chapter 310
http://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/cdm/ref/collection/statepubs/id/6429
http://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/cdm/ref/collection/statepubs/id/18489
https://racing.az.gov/
Related collections at Arizona State Archives: RG 190 – Racing Commission
(Sunset and audit reviews of these bodies are generally conducted together)
The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency (ARRA) was originally known as the Arizona Atomic Energy Commission, and was established by Laws 1964, Chapter 30. Statutory authority is found at A.R.S. §§30-651 et seq.
The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Hearing Board (Board) was added by Laws 1980, Chapter 206, and is part of the structure of ARRA. Statutory authority for the Board is found at A.R.S. §30-653 and §30-655
ARRA is responsible for protecting public health and safety by regulating, inspecting and licensing the use and sources of radiation statewide. ARRA is also responsible for performing any administrative and enforcement duties assigned to Arizona by the Southwestern Low-level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact. The agency is currently led by a director, appointed by the Governor, to administer the agency and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
The Radiation Regulatory Hearing Board, consisting of five members appointed by the Governor, reviews orders of the director and/or agency. ARRA is authorized to develop and enforce rules and regulations for controlling ionizing and nonionizing radiation. The Board reviews and approves rules and substantive policy statements adopted by the agency.
ARRA is divided into six program areas:
Radioactive Materials (RAM): issues licenses and inspects medical, industrial, and academic users of radioactive materials.
XRay Compliance (XRAY): registers and inspects x-ray producing machines statewide.
Non-ionizing Radiation Compliance (NIR): registers and inspects non-ionizing radiation devices, such as certain types of lasers, tanning beds, and radiofrequency devices; also licenses laser technicians for cosmetic procedures.
Radiation Measurements Laboratory (RML): monitors radiation levels around the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, and is responsible for public information and technical guidance on measuring radon statewide.
Emergency Response (ER): prepares for and responds to radiation accidents statewide; includes training for police, fire, and medical personnel.
Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (MRTBE): licenses professionals practicing in various specialties of medical imaging and therapy using ionizing radiation statewide; hears complaints against licensees, investigates allegations, and conducts administrative adjudication.
The Arizona Atomic Energy Commission (Commission) was the precursor to ARRA and was created by Laws 1964, Chapter 30. The Legislature’s declaration of policy recognized the benefits of developing and using atomic energy and ionizing radiation for the public health and welfare, but also recognized the dangers associated with radiation and its sources. The declared public policy of the state was to encourage the development of radiologic technologies, while also prohibiting and controlling unnecessary radiation. Therefore, the Commission was established to take over some responsibilities of the United States Atomic Energy Commission; to adopt rules, regulations, and standards for the use and sources of atomic energy and ionizing radiation; to conduct studies and disseminate information; and coordinate with other states and the federal government.
The Commission originally consisted of the director of the Arizona Development Board, the commissioner of the State Health Department, and ten additional members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The ten additional members were from industry, with education and training in the fields of radiology, pathology, medicine, other healing arts, health physics, or related sciences. The appointed members served staggered five year terms. The Commission was authorized to appoint a director, subject to approval by the governor, to serve at the pleasure of the Commission and governor. The director assisted the Commission in administering and enforcing statutory requirements, as well as the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission.
Laws 1970, Chapter 70, changed the Commission membership and qualifications. Under this law, the Commission was to consist of the executive director of the Department of Economic Planning and Development, the commissioner of the State Department of Health, and ten additional members. The additional members were still appointed by the Governor with approval of the Senate, but were now required to have a minimum of four years of education or experience in the use or control of atomic energy or radiation. They also were required to be associated with at least one of the following fields: medicine including radiology, radiation protection, higher education, nuclear services, manufacturing, electric power generation, agriculture, mining, or other commerce.
Laws 1978, Chapter 160, authorized the Commission to charge fees for licenses and established a radioactive material processing operations license fund. Chapter 160 also provided the Commission with the authority over all radioactive waste materials in the state, the authority to acquire property for radioactive waste materials storage and created the Radiation and Perpetual Care Fund. Monies in the Fund were to be used for decommissioning, stabilization, control, storage or disposal of radioactive material.
Laws 1980, Chapter 206 abolished the Commission, and created the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency and the Radiation Regulatory Hearing Board, transferring duties, funds, personnel, records, equipment and contracts. The powers and duties of the new agency were largely the same as the Commission’s had been, however the internal structure changed. ARRA was now led by a director, appointed by the Governor, and given the authority to administer and enforce statutes, rules and regulations. The measure also renamed the Radioactive Material Processing Operations License Fund as the Radiation Regulatory License and Registration Fund.
Instead of a commission, the new agency included a five-member Board, appointed by the Governor to five year terms. Board members were required to have at least four years of education or experience in the use or control of atomic energy or radiation. One member was required to be an expert in medicine or health, another member to be an expert in nuclear energy, and the remaining three were public members otherwise qualified to serve on the Board. The Board was authorized to conduct hearings, review orders of the director or agency and consider appeals by a party adversely affected by an order of the director or agency. The Board was also authorized to review rules and regulations promulgated by ARRA and make recommendations to the agency and the Legislature.
Laws 1980, Chapter 206 also added authority for ARRA to impose routine enforcement actions, civil penalties, and escalated enforcement actions, for violations of rules, regulations, or license requirements imposed by ARRA.
Laws 1984, Chapter 380 adopted the Western Low-level Waste Disposal Compact, designated ARRA as the agency responsible for administering and enforcing any duties assigned to Arizona by the Compact and established the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Low-level Waste to review proposals under consideration by the Board and to monitor actions of member states.
Laws 1987, Chapter 369 added several statutory provisions relating to disposal of low-level radioactive waste, licensing requirements, permits, fees, surcharges, decommissioning, funding and liability. The law also required the Director of ARRA to submit recommendations for siting a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility in Arizona and authorized the Director to contract with an operator if the site was approved by the Legislature. Note: This provision, and its related $200,000 appropriation, was repealed the following year by Laws 1988, Chapter 291.
Laws 2003, Chapter 104 removed the requirement for the agency to make annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.
A.R.S. §30-722
Performance Audit: Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency, Radiation Regulatory Hearing Board, and Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, Auditor General, Report #15-115 (2015), http://www.azauditor.gov/sites/default/files/15-115_Report.pdf
Arizona Administrative Code, R12-1-101 et seq.
The Governor’s Regulatory Review Council was created in 1986 to review proposed rules that are submitted by agencies, boards and commissions. Statutory authority for GRRC is found at A.R.S.§§41-1051 et seq. The Arizona Administrative Procedure Act governs the GRRC process (A.R.S.§§41-1001 et seq.). The Secretary of State is responsible for publishing the Arizona Administrate Code and the Arizona Administrative Register, which are the authoritative sources for Arizona administrative rules.
The Administrative Procedure Act of 1952 required each agency to file a certified copy of every rule in effect at the time with the Office of the Secretary of State. All subsequent rules were to be filed with the Secretary of State who was required to keep a permanent register of the rules. At least 20 days prior to adoption of new rules, the agency was required to file a notice of the proposed action with the Secretary of State. The notice had to include certain information, including the time, place and nature of the proceedings; a summary of the rule or the proposed rule in its entirety; and the procedure for a person to comment. All agency rules had to be compiled by the Secretary of State at least every two years and made available to interested persons at a price that covered the cost of publication (Laws 1952, Chapter 97).
Laws 1982, Chapter 109 required an agency to determine if a proposed rule would affect small businesses and outlined methods for the agency to consider in order to reduce the impact.
Laws 1982, Chapter 109
Arizona Auditor General Performance Audit Report 96-5 and 06-01.
The Arizona State Retirement System was created in 1953, providing retirement and other benefits for state employees, university faculty and employees of the state’s political subdivisions (Laws 1953, Chapter 128). Teachers joined the ASRS on January 1, 1955. Statutory authority is found in A.R.S.§§ 38-711 et seq. Article 29 of the Arizona Constitution outlines conditions related to funding, assets and membership of public retirement systems. The constitutional amendment was approved by voters in the general election held November 3, 1998 (Laws 1998, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1009).
The ASRS provides retirement and other benefits, including survivor and disability benefits and health insurance, for most public sector employers in Arizona. Eligible employees include those who are employed by the state of Arizona as well as employees of state universities and colleges, public school districts, charter schools, all 15 counties, most cities and towns and a variety of special districts. A nine-member board, appointed by the Governor to three-year terms, is responsible for preservation and protection of the retirement trust fund. The Board also supervises the administration of the ASRS by its director.
The current ASRS defined benefit plan became effective July 1, 1971. ASRS invests assets in equities, bonds, and real estate. Each member and employer contributes an amount set by statute. When system members retire, their account balance is converted into a guaranteed annuity that pays a specified benefit on a monthly basis.
The ASRS is divided into three major programs:
Member Services – also includes financial and information services;
Administration and Support – includes the Director’s office, legal, internal audit and administrative services; and
Investment Management – responsible for oversight of the investment of ASRS assets.
Laws 1912, Chapter 95, outlined a method to provide a pension for teachers who had 25 years or more of service in Arizona public schools. The annual pension was set at $600 and was paid quarterly from the School Fund of the State of Arizona. From 1912 to 1943, specific conditions and qualifications relating to age and years of service were modified from time to time.
Laws 1943, Chapter 61 established the Teachers Retirement System and repealed related provisions of Arizona’s 1939 code (§54-1008). When ASRS was established in 1953, teachers were provided an opportunity to join, and voted to do so in 1954 (effective January, 1, 1955).
The ASRS was created by Laws 1953, Chapter 128 “…to effect economy and efficiency in the state service by providing a means whereby employees who become superannuated may, without hardship or prejudice, be replaced by more capable employees…” in order to supplement federal Social Security. Eligibility for the program typically required at least ten years “creditable service” and began at age 60 or 65, depending on how a member chose to have their retirement fund disbursed. Members of the ASRS were required to contribute three and one-half percent of their total wages. (Note: the contribution rate is adjusted annually.)
A State Retirement System Board of five members was also established. Members were appointed by the Governor to five-year terms. Board members were prohibited from having an interest in any investments made by the Board, borrowing money from the ASRS, or becoming an endorser or surety for any investment made by the Board.
The Board was authorized to conduct all business on behalf of the ASRS, enter into contracts, invest funds, purchase annuities, and appoint individuals for the general administration of the ASRS on their behalf. They were also granted the authority to adopt, amend, or rescind regulations to administer the ASRS and were required to submit an annual report to the Legislature and the Governor.
The following paragraphs provide information on numerous statutory changes adopted since the agency was established in 1953. Most address benefits, eligibility, formulas, years of service and administrative issues. Although these paragraphs do not represent a comprehensive listing or discussion of all amendments adopted over the years, they do provide a sampling of significant changes. The reader is encouraged to check current statute and conduct additional research as needed.
Laws 1953, Chapter 128, Section 16 addressed acceptable investment instruments, all of which were government bonds. This section also authorized the board to contract with a private legal reserve insurance carrier after the ASRS had been operational for three years to provide the benefits of the ASRS, provided said insurance carrier had already been in operation for at least ten years.
Laws 1955, Chapter 104 increased the number of members on the Board to seven.
Laws 1957, Chapter 96 updated and revised provisions regarding acceptable investment instruments, allowing investment in private entities in addition to government issued bonds. The qualifying period to receive ASRS was also reduced from ten years to five years of creditable service. A death benefit was created for those who had paid into the system, including those who had not had completed five years creditable service.
Laws 1965, Chapter 87 ensured that members of the ASRS would see the full balance of their retirement account pass to their beneficiary or estate and addressed temporary disability benefits as well.
Laws 1970, Chapter 136 abolished the existing ASRS Board and created a new board, an investment advisory council, and five new subsidiary boards. The subsidiary boards each represented different groups of state employees. The new ASRS Board no longer had the authority to determine how ASRS funds were invested; an investment management organization was created to be the sole arbiter of when and how ASRS funds were invested. The investment advisory council was created at that time and met once a quarter.
Laws 1972, Chapter 51 set a compulsory retirement age of 70 for most state employees and officers, though that was changed to age 65 by Laws 1974, Chapter 120. The measure provided for certain exceptions.
Laws 1975, Chapter 53 removed the administrator and finance manager positions and replaced them with a Board-appointed director position.
Laws 1981, Chapter 284 created an early retirement option for ASRS members, allowing a person who was least 50 years old with at least 5 years of creditable service to receive a reduced (by up to 65%) pension. The law also established an Elected Officials Retirement Plan (EORP) and provided for transition of members and monies into EORP.
Two different session laws capped ASRS earnings for individuals. Laws 1985, Chapter 196 prohibited bonuses from being included in the calculation of an ASRS member’s earnings. Laws 1985, Chapter 294 capped the annual dollar amount on annuities.
A study of the “mortality, disability, service and other experiences of the members, participants and employers participating in the system and plan” was required at least every five years by Laws 1991, Chapter 270.
Laws 1995, Chapter 134 placed the director of the ASRS on a series of one year contracts. The board has the option to reappoint the director each year and may still fire the director for cause at any time. The law also amended provisions related to purchase of service.
Laws 2006, Chapter 12 repealed statutes allowing creation of a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP).
In 2008, several measures addressed divestment of retirement funds (Laws 2008, Chapter 1; Laws 2008, Chapter 29 and Laws 2008, Chapter 201).
Laws 2009, Chapter 36 addressed several issues including service purchases, return to work, dual employment, the long-term disability program, transfer of service from a charter city to ASRS, the retiree accumulated sick leave (RASL) program.
Laws 2010, Chapter 50 established conditions for new ASRS members who joined on or after July 1, 2011. Those conditions relate to the benefit formula, average monthly compensation and refunds of employer contributions.
Laws 2011, Chapter 26 changed the 50/50 split for employer and employee contribution rate to 47% for employers and 53% for employees. Laws 2012, Chapter 304 reversed the contribution split put in place in 2011.
Legislation adopted in 2011 created a waiting period of 27 weeks for a new employee to be eligible for ASRS membership (if membership criteria is met); established new retirement ages for new employees; established new requirements to purchase service credits; established an alternate contribution rate for members who return to work after retiring; and created a Defined Contribution and Retirement Study Committee with a final report due by December 31, 2012. (Laws 2011, Chapter 277 and Laws 2011, Chapter 357) Note: An Arizona Court of Appeals ruling in May 2104 concluded that statutory limits to purchase service for members with a membership date prior to July 20, 2011 are unconstitutional. ASRS now allows those members to purchase any and all eligible service.
Amendments related to naming spouses as beneficiaries were adopted in 2006, 2012 and 2013. (Laws 2006, Chapter 103; Laws 2012, Chapter 88 and Laws 2013, Chapter 110)
Arizona Constitution, Article 29
A.R.S.§§ 38-711 et seq.
Laws 1953, Chapter 128
Laws 1954, Chapter 116
Laws 1965, Chapter 87
Laws 1970, Chapter 136
Laws 1974, Chapter 120
Laws 1975, Chapter 53
Laws 1985, Chapter 196
Laws 1985, Chapter 294
Laws 1991, Chapter 270
Laws 1995, Chapter 134
Laws 2006, Chapter 12
Laws 2006, Chapter 103
Laws 2006, Chapter 309
Laws 2008, Chapter 1
Laws 2008, Chapter 29
Laws 2008, Chapter 201
Laws 2009, Chapter 36
Laws 2010, Chapter 50
Laws 2011, Chapter 26
Laws 2011, Chapter 277
Laws 2012, Chapter 88
Laws 2012, Chapter 304
Laws 2013, Chapter 110
ASRS website: www.azasrs.gov
The mission of the Arizona Department of Revenue is to serve the people of Arizona by administering tax laws with integrity, fairness and efficiency. The Department administers and enforces collection of individual and corporate income tax, transaction privilege (sales), use, luxury, withholding, centrally-assessed property, estate, fiduciary, bingo, and severance taxes. The Department oversees county assessors in the administration of locally-assessed property taxes.
The director is appointed by the Governor, serves as a member of the Governor’s cabinet and is responsible for the direction, operation, and control of the department. The chief deputy director and deputy director assist the director in the day-to-day operations of the department. The chief deputy director serves as acting director when the director is absent. The problem resolution officer acts as the taxpayer advocate within the Department. The senior internal auditor oversees the internal audit team and serves as a liaison with external auditors and the chief human resources officer.
The Department is organized into eight divisions, each managed by an assistant director. Divisions include: Administrative Services, Audit, Collections, Taxpayer and External Services, Information Technology, Process Administration, Property Tax, and Tax Policy and Research. Each division performs specific functions which are integrated to achieve the department’s major objectives of tax collection and processing, enforcement of tax laws, and accurate valuation of property.
Note: Title 42 was reorganized and renumbered in 1979 (Laws 1979, Chapter 199) and Title 43 was rewritten and renumbered in 1978 (Laws 1978, Chapter 213).
Session laws: Laws 1912, Chapter 23
Joint Legislative Budget Committee: The Joint Legislative Budget Committee Tax Handbook provides a description of each state tax and certain other revenue categories; a history of the collections and distributions for each revenue category; and includes summaries of all statutory revisions. www.azleg.gov/jlbc