Rep. Selina Bliss

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to declare drug cartels as terrorist organizations within Arizona state law. It directs the Department of Homeland Security to take all actions within its authority to address the threat posed by these groups. The legislation defines a drug cartel as an association involved in human smuggling, drug trafficking for profit, or acts of terrorism, and defines a threat as anything harming individual rights or public safety. If approved by voters, this change would formally categorize drug cartels alongside terrorist organizations for legal and enforcement purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing Arizona statute to clarify the appointment process for specific town officers, including the town clerk, town marshal, and town engineer. It states that these officials, along with any others the town council deems necessary, must be appointed through a formal town ordinance rather than being elected. The change serves as a technical correction to ensure the legal description of how these local government positions are filled aligns with current practices.

Maddy summaryHB 2496 amends an existing Arizona statute to correct a typographical error in the title of a section regarding the protection of communication service information. The bill does not introduce new laws or change current penalties but instead fixes the text of the law to accurately reflect its subject matter. This technical correction ensures that the legal code clearly identifies the section as dealing with the unauthorized obtaining or divulging of wire and electronic communications. The change affects legal professionals and anyone referencing Arizona Revised Statutes who need to cite the correct title for this specific felony provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing Arizona statute to clarify how lawsuits against the state or public employees are handled. It specifies that such cases must follow standard civil procedure rules for serving legal notices. Additionally, the law requires that if the state's attorney general requests it, these trials must be moved to Maricopa County. The change applies to any legal action alleging misconduct occurred while a public employee was working.

Maddy summaryHB 2681 establishes a dedicated real estate information technology fund in Arizona to finance software upgrades, equipment purchases, and external vendor contracts for the state's real estate department. The bill directs specific portions of real estate license and renewal fees into this fund, starting with $25 per fee through fiscal year 2027-2028 and reducing to $15 per fee beginning in fiscal year 2028-2029. These collected monies are excluded from the general fee-setting process used to balance the department's overall budget, ensuring they are reserved exclusively for technological needs. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that funds in this account are continuously appropriated and cannot be used to replace staff salaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing law to clarify that any new or significantly renovated state building in Arizona costing at least $250,000 must be equipped with automated external defibrillators. It requires the state's budget committees and the governor's office to include funding for these devices in capital budgets for new construction starting with the 2003-2004 fiscal year. The legislation applies specifically to state-owned facilities and ensures that life-saving equipment is available in buildings undergoing major construction or renovation.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects a technical error in the Arizona Revised Statutes by updating the language that defines the scope of authority for the state water department. The amendment clarifies that the department and its director inherit the powers previously held by the Arizona Water Commission and the state water engineer regarding surface water, groundwater, and dams. It specifies that the director has general control over the appropriation and distribution of these water resources, with the exception of water reserved to special officers appointed by courts. This change does not alter existing laws or policies but rather ensures the statutory text accurately reflects the current organizational structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new criminal penalties for drug-related activities within designated areas around homeless shelters and service facilities in Arizona. It makes it a felony with increased sentencing for selling drugs in these zones and a misdemeanor for operators of state-funded homeless services who allow drug use on their premises. Additionally, the law requires these facilities to post permanent signs identifying their grounds as drug-free zones. The legislation also mandates that convicted individuals pay a fine of at least $2,000 or three times the value of the drugs involved, whichever is higher, without the possibility of suspending the fine.

Maddy summaryHB 2050 updates the rules and fees for the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, directly affecting individuals who apply for or renew their psychology licenses. The bill sets specific maximum charges for various services, such as initial licensing, renewals, and record copies, while also allowing the board to accept payments via credit or debit cards. Additionally, it clarifies the educational and training requirements for applicants, mandating a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited program and specifying the number of supervised work hours needed for licensure. These changes aim to standardize administrative costs and ensure consistent qualification standards for practicing psychologists in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the licensing rules for dentists and dental therapists in Arizona, primarily focusing on renewal procedures and administrative requirements. It mandates that these professionals renew their licenses every three years by submitting an application and paying a fee, while also requiring them to affirm compliance with continuing education rules. The legislation introduces specific penalties for failing to notify the board of address changes or for operating multiple practice locations without duplicate licenses. Additionally, it clarifies the process for reinstating expired licenses and outlines reduced fees and requirements for retired or disabled practitioners.