Rep. Quang Nguyen

Maddy summaryHB 2766 requires Arizona cities and towns to apply municipal sales taxes uniformly to all food items (without differential rates), while exempting most food for home consumption, food packaging, and sales paid with SNAP benefits. It specifically excludes candy, confectionaries, soft drinks, and soda from the general food exemption, ensuring these remain taxable. The bill also exempts low-cost food sales to vulnerable groups (elderly, homeless, disabled) when purchased using SNAP benefits through approved programs. This amendment, effective January 1, 2026, modifies existing tax code to standardize food taxation and expand specific exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 2085 clarifies rules for transporting groundwater between water management areas in Arizona. It affects cities, towns, and private water companies that have signed Central Arizona Project (CAP) water delivery contracts. The bill requires these entities to first prove they have 95% system capacity to handle CAP water and have accepted 80% of their CAP entitlement for at least one of the past three years before using transported groundwater. It also includes a technical exception for groundwater from the Big Chino sub-basin. The bill makes no new policy changes but corrects existing statutory language.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Arizona law enforcement agencies to verify if arrestees are veterans within 24 hours of booking. Agencies must confirm veteran status using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Re-entry search service, document it in records, and assist veterans in applying for federal benefits they may qualify for through the VA. It directly affects veterans booked into custody and law enforcement agencies handling their cases. The policy change ensures veterans in custody can connect with existing federal support programs without altering VA benefit eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 2171 creates a $5 million scholarship fund for spouses and dependents (under age 27) of Arizona law enforcement officers. The fund covers tuition and mandatory fees at eligible Arizona public colleges, career technical schools, or participating private institutions, after subtracting other financial aid. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with funds limited to the annual appropriation, and must be used within four academic years. The Arizona Board of Regents administers the program and reports annually on recipients and participating law enforcement agencies, with the fund set to expire in 2035.

Maddy summaryHB 2602 clarifies and expands Arizona's sex offender registration requirements by defining which offenses trigger mandatory registration. It specifies that individuals convicted of 22 specific crimes - including child sexual abuse, trafficking, molestation, and repeated indecent exposure involving minors - must register with local sheriffs within 72 hours of release or arrival in the state. The bill also requires out-of-state offenders working or studying in Arizona for extended periods to register, and it details the information they must provide (like vehicle details and school enrollment). This update standardizes registration obligations under existing law without creating new penalties or altering registration durations.

Maddy summaryHB 2372 amends Arizona law to regulate handling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) containers. It prohibits unauthorized individuals (not the owner or their written agent) from filling, evacuating, or defacing LPG containers - though cylinders are exempt. Violations are classified as class 3 misdemeanors, punishable by fines or jail time. The law directly affects businesses or individuals handling LPG containers without proper authorization, such as gas station staff or contractors. It focuses on preventing unsafe or unauthorized tampering with these containers.

Maddy summaryHB 2520 amends Arizona's duress defense law to limit when a defendant can claim they committed a crime due to threats of immediate physical force. Specifically, the defense cannot be used if the defendant intentionally created the situation where they faced duress, or for offenses involving homicide, serious physical injury, or certain violent crimes like aggravated assault or sexual offenses. This change directly affects criminal defendants in cases where they attempt to justify their actions using duress as a legal defense. The bill clarifies that the duress defense is unavailable for the most serious violent offenses, making it harder for defendants to avoid responsibility for those acts.

Maddy summaryHB 2612 prohibits private advisors from charging upfront or nonrefundable fees for helping veterans navigate benefits claims. Instead, any payment must be contingent on increased benefits (capped at five times the benefit increase) and requires a clear disclosure that free government services are available. The bill mandates specific written agreements with veterans and bans guarantees of specific benefits or advertising without required warnings. It directly affects private advisors and third-party services assisting veterans with claims, not government agencies or accredited VA representatives. Violations could lead to civil penalties paid into Arizona's veterans' homes trust fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2199 requires that advertisements for prescription and nonprescription drugs on TV, radio, or online must clearly present major side effects and usage restrictions ("major statement") at the same volume, clarity, and pace as the rest of the ad. It prohibits using distracting audio or visual elements that could interfere with understanding these critical health details. The bill directly affects drug manufacturers and advertisers operating in Arizona. If passed, it would mandate that health risks are communicated as prominently as promotional content in digital and broadcast ads.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds specific protections for peace officers who intercept, disable, or destroy unmanned aircraft (drones) within 30 miles of Arizona's international border. It expands qualified immunity under Arizona law, shielding public employees and contractors from lawsuits for injuries caused during such drone operations unless the officer acted with gross negligence or intent to cause harm. The law explicitly states that drone operators cannot hold officers liable for injuries resulting from these border-related drone interventions. This directly affects drone operators who may no longer pursue legal claims against law enforcement for such incidents near the border.