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Arizona legislative moves
The morning paper reports that the House voted out SB 1166, which makes retroactive changes to self-defense legislation (basically shifting the burden to the prosecution once the defense puts on some credible evidence of self-defense).
It also passed a bill establishing a volunteer militia that can be called up by the governor in times when the Nat'l Guard is called into federal service.
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Give the man a break! The pess wasn't clear on that point!
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/179839
Self-defense
Reversing course with SB 1166, the House voted Monday to try to retroactively apply a 2006 law to give additional legal protections to those charged with crimes.
The law until last April said anyone who claims self-defense must prove that to a jury. The new law turns that around, saying prosecutors must prove a defendant did not act in self-defense.
Arizona courts have ruled that change applies only to crimes committed after the law took effect last April. That did not include Harold Fish, who shot a hiker in Coconino County in 2004. A jury did not accept his argument of self-defense and found him guilty of murder.
Militia
On a 34-21 vote the House voted to create a state militia that could be used by the governor in time of emergency.
Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, said the militia would provide a backup in case the Arizona National Guard was placed under the president's control, as is allowed under a 2006 federal law. SB 1132, which already has been approved by the Senate, exempts this all-volunteer militia from federalization.
DH, I wasn't bustin' his chops, I just wanted to know what they did, and I didn't so I asked. Sheesh, give me a break.
Oh, and thanks for the explanation.
voted out? rejected? approved and sent on to the senate? Huh?