Computer users have been able to view live proceedings since the late 1990s. But for the first time, the Web site will feature an archive of all proceedings. Most committee meetings and floor sessions from the current session will be posted to the Internet.
"Our enhanced Web site combined with a new cable channel featuring legislative proceedings opens Arizona government in ways only imagined," House Speaker Jim Weiers, R-Phoenix, said.
"I commend Steve West and his IT team for working so hard to bring the public the most information as soon as possible," said Senate President Tim Bee, R-Tucson.
The Arizona Legislature also began providing wireless Internet access earlier this decade at the Capitol and has received accolades for this effort.
"This is a great new tool that improves everyone's ability to track important legislation and watch informative debates," said Sen. Jay Tibshraeny, R-Chandler and co-chairman of the Legislature's technology committee.
"I want to make sure people can connect with the Legislature no matter where they are," said House Speaker Pro Tem Bob Robson, R-Chandler and co-chairman of the Legislature's technology committee.
The Legislature worked with San Francisco-based Granicus Inc., a provider of streaming solutions for local government, for the new features.
Granicus integrates with the Legislature's home grown Legislative Tracking System, ALIS. The integrated system creates a robust video and legislative document library. Citizens can conveniently view debate on specific committees and bills or keyword search meeting archives to find precise information they want, when they want it.
