The ACLU began the 2011 session tracking almost 50 bills. Although this number was significantly down from the previous session, the bills introduced this year were more hostile toward civil liberties than in years past. Predictably, bills restricting a woman’s right to choose, blurring the separation of church and state, and demonizing the immigrant community were prevalent through the 1800 bills introduced.

While many other organizations and individuals were concerned by the fundamentally conservative nature of the new administration and agency heads, the affiliate was prepared for the typical neglect toward civil liberties as witnessed in the past. The strategy changed very little this session. Legislative Counsel Tamya Cox, who also serves as the lobbyist, was required to be in the office more this session due to the transition of executive directors. Therefore, Cox focused her attention on bills that lacked an organized effort. She wrote more position papers and provided needed talking points to key legislators.

Mainly anti-immigrant bills and First Amendment restrictions bills became the focus of her efforts. Over 20 anti-immigrant bills were introduced this session. It was expected that an Arizona copy-cat bill would be introduced, and there were several versions introduced. Several bills attempted to More >