Rep. Selina Bliss

Maddy summaryHB 2606 allocates $50 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Public Safety for local border support. The funds will directly support local law enforcement by creating border-focused officer positions to address drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal immigration, and provide grants to cities, towns, and counties for prosecuting and detaining individuals charged with these border-related crimes. The bill also allows funding for equipment like vehicles or technology needed for border operations. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, and does not alter which activities are considered crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 2736 establishes a five-year pilot program requiring Arizona state agencies to implement and upgrade data encryption systems meeting strict security criteria. It directly affects the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, Department of Administration, and the Legislature, each implementing the system in sequential fiscal years starting in 2026. The bill mandates that encryption systems must be U.S.-owned, quantum-proof, use U.S. patents, allow key resets without third-party access, and include detailed audit trails. The Department of Administration must report annually on progress and security, with a final evaluation due in 2031, and the program expires June 30, 2032.

Maddy summaryHB 2608 requires Arizona elected or appointed public officers to provide a photograph taken within the past 12 months for all official uses when assuming office. This applies directly to individuals holding public office, such as mayors, council members, or county officials. The bill mandates that these photos be used for official purposes like identification, public records, or official communications. It overrides any existing requirements regarding officer photographs under other laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2725 requires Arizona public schools to display U.S. flags (made in the U.S.) and provide Constitution/Bill of Rights copies (also U.S.-made) in classrooms for grades 7-12, and to set aside time daily for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Schools must notify parents if a student skips the Pledge during this designated time. The bill also mandates a 1-2 minute daily moment of silence at the start of each school day for all grades (K-12), with teachers encouraged to discuss its use with parents but not suggesting specific reflections. Private schools, parochial schools, and homeschools are exempt from these requirements.

Maddy summaryHCR 2042 proposes amending Arizona's constitution to prohibit state governments from granting preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, or contracting. It specifically bans requiring individuals to endorse race-based policies, discuss personal race/ethnicity, or participate in training promoting "diversity, equity and inclusion" beyond equal protection under federal law. The amendment would restrict public funding for offices promoting race-based policies and prohibit differential treatment in hiring, admissions, or contracting decisions. If approved by voters, it would take effect on December 14, 2010, applying only to state actions after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 2190 establishes the "Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact" to allow licensed dentists and dental hygienists from participating states to practice in other participating states without obtaining a full new license. It creates a "compact privilege" that streamlines interstate practice, directly affecting licensed dental professionals seeking to work across state lines and improving public access to dental services in underserved areas. Key provisions include requiring practitioners to follow the host state's scope of practice, maintaining state authority over licensing and discipline, and enabling sharing of disciplinary information between states. The bill does not override existing state licensing requirements but aims to address workforce shortages and support military families relocating across state lines.

Maddy summaryHB 2138 would allow naturopathic physicians to provide services through Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS) if approved by federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The bill amends AHCCCS definitions to include "naturopathic physicians" under the term "physician" and requires CMS to approve them as providers by October 1, 2028, for the law to take effect. If approved, the change would become effective September 30, 2029. The bill failed in the Arizona legislature on March 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2182 establishes a standardized statewide preadmission screening program for Arizona's Long-Term Care System (ALTCS). It requires screenings by registered nurses or social workers to assess cognitive, functional, medical, and social needs equally, determining eligibility for institutional or home-based services. Key provisions include a 90-day maximum to transition from institutions to community settings for those qualifying through screening, and mandatory public information booklets explaining service options. The bill directly affects Arizona residents seeking long-term care services, particularly those with cognitive or physical impairments. It also expands screening to all nursing care institution applicants, with the state covering costs.

Maddy summarySB 1076 adds Duchenne muscular dystrophy (a severe muscle-wasting condition) to Arizona's mandatory newborn screening program. It requires all newborns (under 28 days old) and infants (29 days to 2 years) in Arizona to be screened for this condition as part of the state's existing newborn screening system. The bill mandates that Arizona's screening panel aligns with the federal recommended uniform screening panel, adding DMD to the list within two years of its federal inclusion. The effective date is either October 1, 2027, or two years after the federal panel adopts DMD, whichever comes first. This change expands screening coverage to detect DMD early, enabling timely medical intervention.

Maddy summaryHB 2680 proposed increasing sentencing for felony offenses committed against vulnerable adults or incapacitated persons in Arizona. If passed, it would have removed eligibility for probation, suspended sentences, or early release (except under specific exceptions) for offenders convicted of such crimes. The bill would have added 3 years to sentences for class 4-6 felonies or 5 years for class 2-3 felonies, with the additional time served in addition to any existing enhancements. This bill directly affected offenders convicted of targeting individuals defined as vulnerable adults (per ARS 13-3623) or incapacitated persons (per ARS 14-5101). The bill passed the House but failed in the Senate on March 12, 2025.