Rep. Junelle Cavero

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Arizona's constitution to remove the current ban on same-sex marriage and guarantee marriage equality. It would repeal the existing constitutional provision defining marriage as between one man and one woman, replacing it with a new section stating marriage cannot be prohibited based on sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. If approved by voters, this change would directly affect all Arizona residents seeking marriage licenses by ensuring same-sex couples have the same constitutional right to marry as opposite-sex couples. The proposal requires voter approval at the next general election before taking effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2892 prohibits certain lobbying activities by restricting who can lobby and under what conditions. It specifically bans individuals who worked for political committees (like campaign committees or PACs) within the year before a legislative session from lobbying the legislature during that session. The bill also prohibits contingent-fee lobbying (where payment depends on bill outcomes), lobbying by former legislators or public employees within one year of leaving their roles, and improper influence attempts through a legislator's employer. These provisions directly affect lobbyists, political committee staff, former lawmakers, and public employees with procurement roles. The law aims to reduce conflicts of interest by limiting access to lawmakers for those with recent ties to political campaigns.

Maddy summaryHB 2893 establishes a grant program through the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to fund water-efficient irrigation systems for Arizona farmers. It provides grants to replace flood irrigation with systems proven to save at least 20% of water (compared to flood methods), with limits of $1 million per applicant or $1,500 per irrigated acre. Recipients must use the systems for three years, report water savings, and cannot claim state tax credits for grant-funded equipment. The bill requires annual reports tracking water conservation, field locations, crop types, and soil data to inform future water management decisions. *(Note: The bill title "data centers" appears inconsistent with the actual content; the bill focuses on agricultural water efficiency.)*

Maddy summaryHCR 2030 requires Arizona public schools to identify the primary language of all new students and assess English proficiency using state-approved tests. It mandates that students not proficient in English be enrolled in structured English immersion programs with specific daily instructional time (120 minutes for K-5, 100 minutes for grades 6-12). The bill repeals older language education rules and creates a framework for the state board to approve research-based English instruction models, including annual reviews and budget procedures for schools. This directly affects English language learners (ELLs) and their schools, focusing on standardized assessment, program enrollment, and funding mechanisms. The bill establishes the Arizona English Language Learner Fund to support these programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 adds two new official state holidays to Arizona's calendar: "Cesar Chavez Day" on March 31 and "Dolores Huerta Day" on April 1. The bill amends Arizona's statutes to include these dates in the list of recognized holidays for state employees and institutions. It directly affects state operations by designating these specific dates as days when state offices and schools would typically close. The key provision is the formal inclusion of these observances into the state's holiday schedule, honoring these civil rights leaders through official recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 2932 appropriates $100,000 and funds one full-time position within Arizona's Department of Economic Security for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to hire an early childhood grant writer. This position will directly assist providers of early childhood care and education (for children birth through age five) by identifying grant opportunities, helping them apply, supporting licensure efforts, and guiding grant execution. The bill requires the department to report by September 1, 2027, on the number, total value, and recipients of successful grants assisted by the grant writer. This is a funding measure to support existing providers in accessing external grants, not a new program or policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 2897 requires Arizona schools to ensure blind students receive individualized braille literacy assessments and appropriate educational services. It mandates that teachers certified to teach visually impaired students must demonstrate braille competence through specific tests or training. The bill also requires textbook publishers to provide electronic versions in standard formats for braille conversion and specifies detailed elements that must be included in each student’s personalized learning plan regarding braille instruction. These changes directly affect blind students, their educators, and textbook publishers in Arizona.

Maddy summaryHB 2853 establishes the Tribal Community College Operations Fund to provide dedicated state funding for tribal community colleges in Arizona. It appropriates $13.3 million annually from the state general fund for fiscal years 2025-2026 through 2027-2028, directly supporting operational costs like instructional programs and daily expenses for these institutions. The fund, managed by the Department of Administration, is exempt from standard appropriation lapse rules and can use investment earnings. This bill specifically targets tribal community colleges to strengthen their ongoing operations through guaranteed state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2907 changes eligibility rules for Arizona school district governing board members. It prohibits school employees (including third-party contractors) and their spouses from serving on the board, and bans immediate family members who lived in the same household within the past four years from serving simultaneously on five-member boards. For larger districts (over 250 students in high-population counties), it limits to two related members (by blood or marriage) on the board. The bill also requires candidates to submit written statements disclosing family relationships with other candidates or board members, and allows residents to sue if these rules are violated. This directly affects school board candidates and members in Arizona school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2901 establishes a $100 million scholarship program for low-income child care workers in Arizona. It provides funds to eligible individuals earning below 85% of the state median income who work as teachers, support staff, or district employees in contracted child care, preschool, or K-12 programs. The scholarship money is paid directly to child care providers (not individuals) on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is funded through a dedicated appropriation from the state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026. This bill directly affects child care providers and their staff by offering financial support to retain workers in the sector.