Rep. Selina Bliss

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Arizona government entities and election vendors from using money or services from foreign governments or non-citizens for election administration. It also bans foreign entities from funding efforts to influence ballot measure outcomes. Vendors must provide annual written statements confirming they don’t receive foreign funds, with penalties for false statements (up to three times the contract value). The law explicitly excludes federally recognized tribal nations from the definition of "foreign government."

Maddy summaryHB 2786 requires courts to order drivers convicted of specific speeding offenses to install certified speed-limiting devices on their vehicles instead of imposing license suspensions. It directly affects drivers convicted of first-time excessive speeding (90 days), high-speed offenses (180 days), or repeat violations within 12-24 months (up to 1 year). The bill mandates device installation, regular calibration reports from manufacturers to the state, and prohibits tampering - violations are punishable as misdemeanors. Drivers must pay for installation/maintenance, and the state will not reinstate driving privileges until proof of compliance is submitted.

Maddy summaryHB 2739 requires manufacturers, packagers, or retailers of food products made from cultivated cells (like lab-grown meat) to label the product packaging with "This food product is derived from cultivated cells." The bill directly affects food companies producing such products sold in Arizona. Its key provision mandates this specific labeling language on all packaging, ensuring consumers can identify these products. The law does not restrict the sale of cultivated cell products but requires clear disclosure of their origin.

Maddy summaryHB 2635 amends Arizona's tax code to add new sales tax exemptions for specific items. It exempts sales of "cash equivalents" (like gift cards, stored-value cards, and prepaid digital payment tools) and "precious metal bullion" (refined gold, silver, etc.) from retail sales tax. The bill defines "cash equivalents" as pre-paid items denominated in money redeemable for goods/services, excluding telecom prepaids, and clarifies that "monetized bullion" (coins used as currency) is exempt. This directly affects retailers selling these items, removing tax liability on such transactions. The bill focuses solely on tax policy, with no provisions related to firearm storage devices as inaccurately suggested in the title.

Maddy summaryHB 2022 establishes Arizona's "Save Our Children School Safety Program" to enhance school safety through employee training and emergency preparedness. It creates a dedicated fund to reimburse eligible K-12 schools and employees for certified safety training, safety equipment (like medical kits), and firearm carry authorization costs, with reimbursement on a first-come basis. Schools may authorize certified employees to carry firearms on campus if they notify law enforcement, ensure staff certification, and maintain confidentiality of participant information (including names and schedules). The program requires biennial reports tracking certified staff, firearm-carrying employees, fund balances, and program feedback, with immunity provided to certified staff acting in good faith during active threats.

Maddy summaryHB 2578 authorizes a memorial for Don Bolles, an Arizona reporter killed in a 1970s car bombing during investigative work, to be placed in Wesley Bolin Plaza. The bill requires all funding and construction of the memorial to come from private fundraising, with no state funds or state-administered accounts permitted. It also specifies the memorial will expire from state authorization after September 30, 2028. This is a commemorative measure with no direct policy impact on citizens or government operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2135 makes it illegal to camp within one-quarter mile of a natural or man-made water source if the camping blocks wildlife or livestock from accessing that water. The bill directly affects people camping near water holes or watering facilities in Arizona, particularly in rural or desert areas where water is scarce. Its key provision prohibits camping in locations that deny animals the only reasonably available water source, protecting both wildlife and domestic livestock (like cattle). The law does not restrict camping elsewhere but targets specific locations where animal access is threatened. This is a concrete policy change to safeguard animal water access in arid regions.

Maddy summaryHB 2130 requires health care insurers in Arizona to provide two specific items when denying a claim or prior authorization: (1) a detailed explanation of the denial reason, and (2) the name and contact information of a person or department that can address questions about the denial. This law directly affects insurers and the individuals whose claims are denied, ensuring clearer communication during the appeals process. The key mechanism is mandating transparent, actionable information to help patients understand and challenge denials. The bill aims to improve patient access to care by reducing confusion over denied claims.

Maddy summaryHB 2311 extends the existence of Arizona's Massage Therapy Board until July 1, 2029, after which the board will terminate. It repeals specific statutes related to the board (Section 41-3025.10) and provisions in Title 32 about massage therapy, with full repeal of these laws scheduled for January 1, 2030. The bill directly affects the Massage Therapy Board and licensed massage therapists who currently operate under its regulations. This is a procedural sunset provision, not a policy change, setting a fixed end date for the board's authority.

Maddy summaryHB 2024 creates a 90-day community transition program for eligible Arizona inmates, providing services like job placement, counseling, and family reunification support to reduce recidivism. It directly affects inmates meeting specific criteria: no recent violent/sexual offenses, no felony detainers, minimum/medium custody status, and completion of prison programming. The law requires victim notification before release, mandates contracted service providers to offer evidence-based counseling, and tracks recidivism rates through annual reports to state leaders. The program includes a special pathway for certain drug offense inmates (e.g., marijuana possession) and allows one 90-day extension for additional treatment if needed.