Grand Canyon Times

A series of bills were signed by Gov. Doug Ducey on Tuesday in an effort to provide relief to some of the most-vulnerable state residents.

According to a news release provided by the Republican governor, the five bills were related to cancer awareness, grief services, the construction of veteran housing and mitigating electricity costs in rural areas.  

“Among the 387 bills we signed into law this session, this legislation will have an impact on the lives of Arizonans,” Ducey said in the release. “Ranging from grief services to veteran housing, these bills will support people battling deadly diseases, reduce bureaucracy and increase access to transitional housing for our veterans. I’m grateful for the community members, business leaders and elected officials who supported these bills.”

Sen. Nancy Barto (R-Phoenix) sponsored Senate Bill 1163, which provides personalized medicine to residents battling medical conditions.  

“I’m proud that our state led on ‘Right to Try,’ and we will lead again getting bureaucracy out of the way to best serve Arizonans,” she said. “This legislation gives hope to those battling terrible diseases. Thank you to Gov. Ducey for his support on this common-sense legislation.”

House Bill 2208 was backed by Rep. Kelli Butler (D-Scottsdale) to allow motorists to put an ovarian cancer awareness license plate on their vehicles.

“Too many women die of undetected ovarian cancer. It’s important to remind women to get checked early to stop this deadly disease,” Butler said. “This legislation will save lives by providing funding to support women and increase early detection. Many thanks to Gov. Ducey for his help in raising awareness for ovarian cancer prevention and treatment.”

Rep. Frank Carroll (R-Surprise) sponsored the grief-based House Bill 2686, which he said was a “good cause.”

“Grief can strike us at any time, and it’s important to have community resources that help us heal," Carroll said. "Billy’s Place accomplishes that, creating a support system for children and families on their grief journey." 

Rep. Kevin Payne (R-Peoria) backed House Bill 2664 to help veterans find homes.

“The transition to civilian life can be difficult, especially for our veterans who have been injured or suffer from PTSD," he said. "This bill provides additional resources for these heroes so they have a safe roof over their heads." 

House Bill 2232 was endorsed by Rep. Gail Griffin (R-Hereford), who said Arizona’s electric cooperatives deliver affordable power to rural communities

“Today’s bill signing modernizes assessment formulas so these cooperatives and their customers aren’t double charged," she said.