A judge has declined to accept an agreement between Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Senate that would resolve an issue over state-agency director appointments
The Senate had sued Hobbs on claims she was circumventing the process.
The judge rejected the agreement, saying it attempted to supersede a June order.
On Monday, Hobbs agreed to start sending the Senate her nominees to head state agencies by the time the legislative session begins in January. Once names are submitted, the directors can run their state agencies for up to a year without Senate approval.
Still, lawmakers do not have to approve any of the governor’s choices.
In June, a judge ruled Hobbs appointed agency heads illegally, as she did so without Senate oversight.
Hobbs and the Senate have until next Friday to notify the court if they agree with the judge’s proposed modifications.
