Rep. Junelle Cavero

Maddy summaryHCR 2029 proposes repealing Arizona's constitutional "right to work" provision (Article XXV), which currently prohibits requiring employees to pay union dues as a condition of employment. If approved by voters, this change would remove a constitutional barrier that prevents employers and unions from mandating union membership or dues. The bill would require voter approval at the next general election, as specified in Arizona's Constitution. This proposal directly affects workers and unions in Arizona by potentially altering labor agreements regarding dues payment. The measure is currently in its first reading stage in the Arizona House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 2464 repeals Arizona's Section 36-2160, which previously restricted the mailing of abortion medication. This repeal removes a specific legal barrier that limited how such medication could be delivered via mail. The bill directly affects individuals seeking abortion care and healthcare providers who may use mail to distribute medication. It does not create new policy but eliminates an existing restriction on mailing abortion-related medication. The bill is currently at House First Reading (June 27, 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 2493 requires private education providers that accept Arizona empowerment scholarship funds to follow the same financial reporting and audit rules as public schools. These providers must submit financial data using the state's standard system, comply with annual achievement profile reporting, and undergo performance audits conducted by the auditor general. The bill directly affects private schools, tutoring services, or other educational entities receiving scholarship funds, mandating transparency in their financial operations. Key provisions include standardized financial recordkeeping, inclusion in state achievement reports, and specific audit requirements tailored for private businesses. This bill focuses on oversight rather than changing scholarship eligibility or funding amounts.

Maddy summaryHB 2852 allows enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes in Arizona to have a neutral distinguishing mark on their nonoperating identification license (not a driver's license) that identifies them as Native American. This mark cannot specify a particular tribe or include other personal details from their tribal documents. The bill ensures this identifier is consistent with existing provisions for veterans and other categories while maintaining clear labeling that the license is for identification only, not driving. It affects tribal members seeking state-issued nonoperating IDs, with no change to tribal sovereignty or voting rights.

Maddy summarySB 1106, titled "Ava's Law," modifies Arizona's public entity liability rules regarding sexual offenses. It clarifies that public entities (like schools or government agencies) generally cannot be held liable for sexual offenses committed by employees against minors or children with disabilities, **unless** the entity violated a duty to check employee backgrounds or failed to report known risks. The law applies only to offenses occurring on or after December 31, 2027, and does not affect liability for vehicle-related incidents or emergency care. This bill focuses on defining specific circumstances where public entities may face liability, not broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2677 allows Arizona middle school students (grades 6-8) to earn career and technical education (CTE) course credits that count toward both 8th-grade promotion and high school graduation. Schools offering these courses must partner with approved CTE providers, such as career districts, state-approved schools, or community colleges. They must report annually to the state on course offerings and student completions, with a final summary due by December 2028. The law applies only through the 2027-2028 school year and expires December 31, 2036.

Maddy summaryHB 2404 establishes the Arizona Commerce Authority to lead economic growth by attracting, expanding, and retaining businesses across the state. It creates a 19-member board of directors (including the governor as chair, 17 private business leaders appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, and non-voting ex officio members) to guide this work. Key provisions require appointed board members to undergo criminal background checks, mandate technical advisors from state agencies (like environmental quality and transportation), and set annual audit requirements for the authority’s funds. The bill directly affects state economic development strategy and business recruitment efforts, with the board’s decisions shaping how Arizona markets itself to companies.

Maddy summaryHB 2672 modifies Arizona's property tax exemption rules to expand eligibility for veterans with disabilities, widows/widowers, and individuals with total permanent disabilities. It provides full property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating, while others with disabilities receive a partial exemption capped at $4,188 (adjusted annually for inflation), reduced by their disability percentage. To qualify, applicants must meet income limits ($34,901 or $41,870 depending on dependents) and file annual affidavits with county assessors. The bill also clarifies that unused exemption amounts can apply to personal property taxes and prohibits double exemptions across categories.

Maddy summaryHB 2789 requires construction projects designed to reach at least 60 feet above ground level or 48 feet below ground level to include a functional elevator for employee use. The elevator must be installed and operational once the structure reaches 36 feet in height, measured from ground level to the highest point of the structure (excluding antennas, smokestacks, and similar attachments). This bill directly affects construction companies building large-scale projects in Arizona, mandating elevator access for workers before significant height is achieved. The law specifies exact height measurements and what structures count toward those measurements to clarify compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2213 allocates $3.8 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to provide free school lunches to children meeting federal income eligibility requirements under the National School Lunch Program. The funding is directed to the Arizona Department of Education to cover existing federal program standards, directly benefiting low-income students in public schools. The bill specifies this appropriation should be treated as ongoing funding for future years, building on current federal guidelines. It does not change eligibility rules but provides state financial support for meals already covered under federal law.