Rep. Oscar De Los Santos

Maddy summaryHB 2910, the "Wage Antidiscrimination Act," protects Arizona employees by banning employers from prohibiting wage discussions or requiring employees to sign agreements that limit pay transparency. It prohibits employers from asking about a job applicant's prior salary before making an offer and prevents retaliation against employees who discuss pay or assert their rights. The law updates equal pay protections to bar employers from using past salary history as a defense in discrimination claims, ensuring pay differences are based on factors like seniority or job duties - not gender. Employees can file civil lawsuits for violations, seeking remedies like back pay, reinstatement, or removal of negative employment records.

Maddy summaryHB 2847 prohibits landlords and rental platforms from using algorithmic pricing that relies on hidden competitor data to set residential rental rates. It creates a legal presumption of antitrust violations if the attorney general proves three conditions: (1) the algorithm used nonpublic competitor data, (2) it set residential rental rates, and (3) multiple competitors used the same algorithm in the same market. The bill defines "algorithmic pricing" broadly to include AI/machine learning systems and "nonpublic competitor data" as hidden information from competitors - not public reports or industry surveys. Landlords can challenge the presumption by proving they didn’t develop the algorithm or know it contained hidden competitor data. This targets practices where rental platforms collude via shared algorithms, directly affecting rental businesses using such technology.

Maddy summaryHB 2849 requires all Arizona employers to offer a dependent care assistance program meeting federal standards under 26 U.S. Code § 129. This law directly affects every employer in Arizona by mandating they provide this benefit to employees, which helps cover costs for childcare or elder care. The program must align with the federal tax-advantaged structure outlined in the referenced U.S. Code section. The requirement becomes effective January 1, 2027, giving employers time to implement the change.

Maddy summaryHB 2848 requires corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), or their affiliates purchasing single-family homes in Arizona to register with the Corporation Commission before buying. County recorders cannot record deeds unless the buyer provides proof of registration and the deed states the property is not the owner’s primary residence. The bill limits corporate buyers to owning no more than 5% of a county’s single-family homes (or 100 units annually in counties with over 400,000 residents), with exceptions for entities owning fewer than ten homes statewide. These rules apply to commercial investors buying homes, aiming to limit large-scale corporate ownership in residential neighborhoods.

Maddy summaryHB 2812 modifies Arizona law to expand in-state tuition eligibility for certain students. It allows individuals who attended Arizona high school (public, private, or homeschool) for at least two years and graduated in-state - regardless of immigration status - to qualify for in-state tuition at Arizona universities or community colleges. The bill specifically clarifies that people without lawful immigration status meet the residency requirements under this provision. It does not change requirements for nonimmigrant visa holders (e.g., students on F-1 visas). The amendment requires a three-fourths legislative vote for implementation.

Maddy summaryHCR 2052 proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal a provision requiring Arizona school districts and community college districts to follow annual spending limits. Currently, these limits are calculated by the Economic Estimates Commission based on 1979-1980 spending levels adjusted for student population and cost of living. The repeal would eliminate this requirement, removing the need for annual calculations and the spending cap for districts. This change would require voter approval and a governor's proclamation to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 appropriates $122,300,300 from Arizona's state general fund and $402,981,400 in Medicaid funding for the Department of Economic Security's developmental disabilities program during fiscal year 2024-2025. This bill provides specific supplemental funding to cover program expenses without altering eligibility or service requirements. The funding directly supports the state's developmental disabilities services, which assist individuals with disabilities and their families. As a funding measure, it does not change program rules or create new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2367 requires Arizona to identify "burdened communities" (census tracts in the bottom 33% for median household income) and mandates that new or expanded facilities in these areas must complete a community-focused review process before permits are approved. Applicants must prepare an environmental impact report (including public health effects and cumulative pollution risks), hold a public hearing with community input, and submit materials 30 days in advance. The environmental agency must wait 60 days after the hearing to decide on permits and may deny applications if the project creates an unreasonable health or environmental risk when combined with existing pollution. The agency must also consider community support or opposition, as demonstrated through the hearing and local government input, in its final decision.

Maddy summaryHB 2773 amends Arizona's liquor license laws (ARS § 4-203) to clarify how licenses are issued, transferred, and handled during ownership changes. It creates a rebuttable presumption that public convenience was met when an existing license location applies for a new license of the same type, unless the location has been unused for over 180 days. The bill requires businesses to notify authorities within 30 days of ownership changes and mandates local governments to review new owners' qualifications before approval. These changes directly affect bars, liquor stores, and beer/wine bars seeking new licenses, transfers, or ownership transitions in Arizona.

Maddy summaryHB 2790 requires employers in agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil/gas extraction, airport work, mail/delivery, and heavy-material transportation to implement heat illness prevention measures. It mandates free access to cool water with ice (at least one cup every 15-20 minutes above 80°F), shade or climate-controlled areas within 400 feet of workspaces, and paid rest periods based on temperature. Employers must monitor workers for heat symptoms, establish emergency response protocols, and gradually acclimate new hires to hot conditions. The law directly affects outdoor and indoor workers in these high-risk industries during heat events.