Rep. Patty Contreras

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes repealing Arizona's constitutional "right to work" provision (Article XXV), which currently prohibits requiring union membership as a condition of employment. If approved by voters, it would remove this constitutional protection, altering Arizona's labor law framework. The measure will be submitted to voters at the next general election as required by state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2740 appropriates $500,000 from Arizona's state general fund for the Arizona Office of African-American Affairs' operating expenses during fiscal year 2026-2027. This funding bill directly supports the office's ongoing operations, including staff and administrative costs. The legislation provides no new policy changes or program expansions, solely allocating existing state funds for the office's current functions. As a procedural budget measure, it does not affect specific constituents or create new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2294 requires Arizona's occupational licensing agencies to establish clear pathways for obtaining licenses, certificates, or registrations through approved apprenticeship programs. It mandates that apprenticeships must be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or Arizona's Department of Economic Security, and that any required examination cannot discriminate against apprenticeship completers versus vocational school graduates. This directly affects individuals seeking occupational licenses (e.g., in construction, healthcare, or trades) and the state agencies that oversee licensing. The law aims to standardize and expand accessible licensing routes while ensuring fair evaluation for all training paths.

Maddy summaryHB 2582 clarifies the one-week waiting period requirement for Arizona unemployment benefits. It specifies that the waiting period does not count toward eligibility if the week occurs within the benefit year, if the claimant was already eligible for benefits that week, or if benefits were already paid for that week. This affects unemployed Arizonans claiming benefits under the state's unemployment compensation program. The bill amends eligibility rules (Section 23-771) to make the waiting period conditions clearer, without changing the one-week requirement itself. The change aims to reduce confusion for claimants and administrative processing.

Maddy summaryHB 2678 adds a new exemption to Arizona's retail sales tax code, removing sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products. This directly affects consumers who purchase these essential items and retailers selling them. The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes § 42-5061 to explicitly exempt "diapers and feminine hygiene products" from the state's retail sales tax, aligning with similar exemptions for items like food and medical supplies. The change applies to all qualifying products sold within Arizona, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2715 repeals Section 9-461.16 of Arizona's zoning code, which previously addressed specific municipal planning procedures. This bill does not alter the main zoning regulations found in Section 9-462.01 (which governs land use, building standards, and special districts like historical or age-restricted zones). Municipalities will continue to operate under the existing zoning framework, as this repeal only removes one specific section from the statutes. The bill directly affects local governments that implement zoning ordinances but does not change how communities regulate housing or land use.

Maddy summaryHB 2474 updates Arizona's legal terminology by replacing the terms "legal resident alien" and "alien" with "noncitizen" in two sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Specifically, it amends Section 4-202 (liquor license qualifications) and Section 5-301 (watercraft regulations definitions) to use "noncitizen" consistently. The bill does not change eligibility requirements for liquor licenses or watercraft permits; it only revises the language to modernize and clarify statutory references. This is a procedural change focused solely on terminology, not policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2719 creates a new "Community College Access and Success Special Plate" program for Arizona vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, individuals must pay a one-time $32,000 fee to the Department of Transportation (with plate design approval), plus a $25 annual fee. Of the $25 fee, $17 annually funds a dedicated "Community College Access and Success Special Plate Fund" supporting community college programs, while $8 covers administration. This directly affects vehicle owners who choose to purchase these plates, with the funds benefiting Arizona's community college system through the new dedicated fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2361 prohibits both public and private employers in Arizona from requiring noncompete clauses as a condition of employment. It directly affects all current and prospective employees by banning restrictions that prevent them from working in specific geographic areas for a set period after leaving a job. The law defines a "noncompete clause" as an employment contract term that limits an employee's future work location or duration. This applies to all new employment contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2525 repeals existing Arizona law requiring abortion providers to submit specific reports to the state. It directly affects abortion providers who previously had to file these reports under Title 36, Chapter 20, Article 2 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The bill removes this reporting obligation, eliminating a requirement that had been in place for providers. This is a procedural repeal with no new policy changes, simply removing an existing administrative duty.