Rep. Junelle Cavero

Maddy summaryHB 2819 requires Arizona state departments (administration, transportation, and state parks) to use compost made within Arizona for landscaping or land management on state-owned or managed land, if such compost is available. "Available" compost must be produced and sold in Arizona, meet quality and delivery standards, and cost no more than 20% more than comparable non-Arizona compost. The bill defines compost as stabilized organic material from decomposed organic matter suitable for soil use. This directly affects state agencies managing public lands and local compost producers meeting the specified criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 2843 establishes rules for portable solar power devices under 1,200 watts that plug into standard 120V outlets. It prohibits utility companies from charging fees, requiring permits, or demanding extra equipment for these devices. Devices must meet national safety standards, automatically shut off during power outages, and comply with electrical codes. Local governments cannot impose additional permits or inspections on compliant devices, clarifying they are distinct from larger solar systems.

Maddy summaryHB 2717 establishes new rights for sexual assault survivors in Arizona, directly affecting individuals reporting sexual assault and the medical/legal professionals who interact with them. The bill creates confidentiality for communications between survivors and sexual assault victim advocates (requiring advocates to complete 30 hours of training), prohibits charging survivors for medical exams, and guarantees survivors the right to consult an advocate during medical exams or police interviews. It also mandates that survivors be informed of their rights in writing before exams or interviews, restricts the use of sexual assault kits against survivors for unrelated offenses, and requires medical providers to notify law enforcement within 48 hours of collecting evidence. The law aims to protect survivors' privacy and ensure they receive support during sensitive medical and legal processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2576 amends Arizona's charter school funding statute to establish an annual inflation adjustment for charter school per-student payments. It sets fixed base rates ($2,131.90 for K-8 and $2,484.69 for 9-12) and requires the legislature to increase charter additional assistance by at least 2% or the GDP price deflator change (whichever is lower) starting in 2026-2027, while ensuring funding never drops below the 2026 base level. This directly affects Arizona charter schools receiving state funding, ensuring their per-student payments rise with inflation. The bill focuses on concrete funding mechanics rather than enrollment or operational rules. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First/Second Reading, 2026).

Maddy summaryHB 2510 modifies Arizona's election rules to allow counties to adjust polling locations for early and emergency voting. It permits county election boards to combine adjacent precincts for early voting if they anticipate reduced turnout at specific locations, and to establish emergency voting centers with specified hours and locations through a board resolution. Voters at emergency centers may update registration information without strict ID requirements. This affects county election officials, voters who use early/emergency centers, and schools that may provide polling space (though schools can deny requests for safety or space reasons). The bill does not change early voting hours but adjusts where voting can occur.

Maddy summaryHCR 2024 proposes amending Arizona's constitution to explicitly state that voting is a fundamental right, requiring any law restricting voting to be narrowly tailored for a compelling government interest. It would strengthen protections beyond the U.S. Constitution's equal protection clause, ensuring voting rights cannot be denied based on sex and extending equal eligibility to all citizens. The amendment clarifies that voting eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, age 18+, and state residency, while excluding individuals convicted of treason or felony (unless civil rights are restored). This constitutional change must be approved by Arizona voters at the next general election, as directed by the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryHB 2512 clarifies procedures for local initiatives and referendums in Arizona cities, towns, and counties. It requires local election officials to mail voter pamphlets to all households with registered voters at least 10 days before an election (with penalties for late mailing), mandates that arguments supporting or opposing measures be filed 90 days before the vote, and establishes a 5-calendar-day window to contest the validity of initiatives or referendums in court. The bill directly affects local governments, election officials, and voters participating in municipal or county ballot measures. It modifies Arizona Revised Statutes § 19-141 to standardize local election processes while maintaining strict deadlines for filing and legal challenges.

Maddy summaryHB 2505 extends early voting hours in Arizona to include the Saturday and Sunday before an election (open until 7:00 p.m.) and the Monday before until at least 3:00 p.m. (with counties allowed to extend to 7:00 p.m.). It establishes an emergency voting process for voters facing emergencies between 5:00 p.m. Friday and 5:00 p.m. Monday before an election, requiring a signed statement under penalty of perjury and identification. The bill also permits voters at early voting locations to update their registration information as outlined in state procedures. These changes apply to all elections in Arizona that utilize early voting.

Maddy summaryHB 2822 increases the annual fee for most special license plates in Arizona from $25 to $50 per plate. The fee is split: $16 goes to the state highway fund for administration, and $34 is donated to the organization or cause that sponsors the plate (like charities or groups for hearing-impaired drivers). This change affects all Arizona drivers who obtain or renew special plates, directly impacting both plate holders and the designated beneficiary organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 2820 repeals Arizona's Section 41-1519 (which previously provided tax incentives for data centers) and amends Section 42-2003 to allow the Arizona Commerce Authority to disclose taxpayer information for certifying computer data centers. This change directly affects data center operators seeking tax incentives, as it modifies how the Commerce Authority can access confidential tax information to verify eligibility. The key provision adds new disclosure permissions for the Commerce Authority to certify data centers for tax relief under repealed Section 41-1519. The bill focuses on administrative procedures for tax incentive programs rather than creating new financial benefits.