Opinion ID: 6321120
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Varying Definitions

Text: ¶58 As noted, the first error in the majority’s analysis lies with its definition of “variable” in the context of a variable tax rate. Supra ¶¶ 30–31. After accurately defining variable as “something subject to change,” the majority inexplicably conflates the common meaning with acontextual definitions from Black’s Law Dictionary that only pertain to financial markets in which interest rates vary over time and where one might purchase a variable annuity. Supra ¶¶ 30–31. There is no statutory basis for the proposition that the legislature intended to restrict a variable excise tax rate to the type of variable rate used in setting interest rates or anything akin to a variable annuity. See Glazer, 237 Ariz. at 164 ¶ 14 (“We give these terms their usual and commonly understood meanings unless the legislature intended a different meaning.” (emphasis added)). ¶59 While tax law does not specify what constitutes a variable tax rate, it likewise does not limit the basis for variance in tax rates to time and 24 VANGILDER, ET AL. V. PINAL COUNTY, ET AL.