Rep. Julie Willoughby

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2122 prohibits the state's Department of Economic Security from seeking or accepting federal waivers for SNAP (food assistance) work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents unless specifically authorized by Arizona state law. It also blocks the department from granting exemptions to these work requirements under federal law without prior state authorization. The bill directly affects how Arizona administers its SNAP program by requiring legislative approval for any waiver or exemption related to work requirements. The bill passed the legislature in April 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on May 6, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2450 adjusts Arizona's unemployment insurance benefit duration based on the previous quarter's unemployment rate. It replaces a fixed 26-week maximum with a variable system: beneficiaries receive 16-26 times their weekly benefit amount depending on whether the unemployment rate was 5.5%-6%, 6%-6.5%, 6.5%-7%, 7%-7.5%, 7.5%-8%, or above 8%. The bill also caps total annual benefits at one-third of the claimant's base period earnings. This bill directly affects unemployed Arizonans seeking state unemployment benefits and was passed by the legislature in April 2025 but vetoed by the governor on May 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2449 updates Arizona’s Medicaid program (AHCCCS) eligibility verification rules and restricts temporary coverage. It requires monthly checks of lottery/gambling winnings ($3,000+), death records, and residency changes via out-of-state card transactions, and quarterly reviews of employment, income, and tax data to verify eligibility. The bill bans self-attested eligibility without verification, prevents accepting federal exchange eligibility determinations without independent checks, and limits temporary coverage (presumptive eligibility) to children and pregnant women only. Hospitals making temporary eligibility decisions must notify AHCCCS within 5 days, help applicants complete full applications, and provide clear end-date notices to beneficiaries. These changes directly affect AHCCCS enrollees and hospitals participating in the program.

Maddy summaryHB 2451 modifies Arizona's administrative hearing procedures to give parties in agency disputes a clear right to request one change of the hearing judge without needing to explain why (a "peremptory change"). It also clarifies that parties may file nonperemptory requests to disqualify a judge for bias, conflict of interest, or other specific reasons. The bill applies directly to individuals or businesses challenging government agency decisions, such as license denials or permit rejections. These changes aim to ensure fairer hearings by providing clearer mechanisms for addressing potential judge impartiality.

Maddy summaryHB 2733 grants legal immunity to Arizona government agencies and employees (like law enforcement) who intercept, disable, or destroy unmanned aircraft (drones) within 30 miles of the state's international border. It protects them from liability for injuries caused during these actions unless they intentionally harmed someone or were grossly negligent. The law specifically applies to drone operators (defined as anyone controlling a drone, including owners or groups acting together) and covers contractors working for government entities. This bill directly affects border enforcement practices and drone operators operating near Arizona's international border.

Maddy summaryHB 2607 increases sentencing for fentanyl offenses involving large quantities (200+ grams) in motor vehicles or for sale. It mandates a minimum 5-year prison sentence (up to 15 years) for possessing fentanyl in a vehicle or selling it in such amounts, with harsher penalties (10-20 years) for repeat offenses. The bill also requires a $2,000+ fine, prohibits probation for these offenses, and mandates 360 hours of community service with drug rehabilitation or victim services. This law directly affects individuals convicted of qualifying fentanyl-related crimes in Arizona.

Maddy summaryHB 2653 requires Arizona law enforcement and prosecutors to redact victims' personal details - including names, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers - from public records and case disclosures in criminal cases, unless specific exceptions apply. Victims can request this redaction if disclosure might lead to harassment, threats, or witness tampering. Exceptions include when the victim (or their representative for minors) consents, a court orders disclosure, or the information is needed for a defendant's constitutional rights. The bill also clarifies that a victim's address may still be disclosed in body-worn camera footage if the defendant already knows it due to a domestic relationship.

Maddy summaryHB 2670 requires Arizona public schools to include specific fetal development instruction in health education for students in grades 7 and 8, covering human reproduction, pregnancy, infertility, and trimester-by-trimester growth of an unborn child. School districts may also offer age-appropriate fetal development lessons in grades 1-6 or 9-12. Parents can opt their child out of this instruction, and schools must notify parents about the curriculum and withdrawal options. The bill passed the legislature in April 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on April 18, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2741 modifies Arizona's liquor licensing rules by adjusting how many new bar, beer/wine bar, and liquor store licenses are issued each year based on county population growth (increasing from 5,000 to 10,000 people per new license for beer/wine bars starting in 2022). It requires new license holders to pay a fee equal to the current market value of similar licenses in their county, determined through appraisals. The bill also limits off-sale liquor sales (e.g., takeout) to no more than 30% of total on-sale sales at licensed establishments. Additionally, it allows license holders to combine multiple license types (like bar + liquor store) at a single location under specific conditions. This law directly affects businesses seeking new liquor licenses or expanding existing operations in Arizona.

Maddy summaryThis Arizona legislative memorial (HCM 2008) requests the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relocate its Region 9 headquarters from San Francisco to Phoenix or establish a local office in Arizona. It directly affects Arizona's environmental agencies (like ADEQ), tribal nations, and stakeholders facing delays in EPA approvals for air/water quality permits and regulatory decisions. The key mechanism is moving EPA Region 9's operations to Phoenix or shifting Arizona to a different EPA region with a dedicated local office to improve coordination and reduce communication delays. The state argues this would enable faster responses to Arizona-specific environmental challenges, such as air quality issues and permitting backlogs. (Note: This is a state memorial requesting federal action, not an enacted federal law.)