Rep. Julie Willoughby

Maddy summaryHB 2126 strengthens parental rights regarding minor children's medical information in Arizona. It directly affects Arizona parents of minors by guaranteeing their access to all medical records (including electronic portals), requiring consent for biometric scans and genetic testing, and ensuring notification if child safety concerns arise. Key provisions mandate healthcare entities to provide parents equal access to medical records and require government entities to prove compelling justification before interfering with parental health decisions. The bill establishes legal recourse for parents if their rights are violated, shifting the burden of proof to the government in such cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2164 prohibits Arizona public schools from serving or selling ultraprocessed foods during the school day, directly affecting school meal programs and cafeteria operations. The law defines "ultraprocessed food" as any item containing specific synthetic additives like certain dyes (e.g., Yellow #5, Red #40) or preservatives (e.g., potassium bromate), excluding foods parents provide to their own children. The Arizona Department of Education may create implementing rules but is not required to mandate specific alternatives. Signed into law on April 14, 2025, this policy aims to improve school meal nutrition by limiting low-nutrient processed foods.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by Arizona lawmakers expressing support for the Palo Verde Generating Station nuclear power plant and nuclear energy. It highlights Palo Verde's role as Arizona's largest clean energy source, economic contributor ($2.3 billion impact), and employer (3,000+ jobs), while noting public support for nuclear power. The resolution has no legal effect but formally endorses continued nuclear energy use and directs the Secretary of State to send copies to federal officials. It does not create new policies, funding, or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2172 requires Arizona schools to provide parents and guardians of K-8 students with information about free parent training programs focused on preventing child sex trafficking and internet crimes against children. The Department of Education must create an online webpage with these resources, including free training options and printed materials for families without internet access. Schools must distribute hard-copy information at the start of each school year or upon enrollment, encouraging annual completion of the training and providing alternative access methods. The bill directly affects all Arizona public schools and parents/guardians of students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Key mechanisms include mandatory resource distribution, annual training encouragement, and accessibility provisions for non-internet users.

Maddy summaryHB 2677 allows Arizona middle school students (grades 6-8) to earn career and technical education (CTE) course credits that count toward both 8th-grade promotion and high school graduation. Schools offering these courses must partner with approved CTE providers, such as career districts, state-approved schools, or community colleges. They must report annually to the state on course offerings and student completions, with a final summary due by December 2028. The law applies only through the 2027-2028 school year and expires December 31, 2036.

Maddy summaryHB 2855 declares that drug cartels operating in Arizona are terrorist organizations under state law. It defines "drug cartel" to include groups involved in human smuggling, drug trafficking, or terrorism, and requires the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to address the threat they pose. The bill explicitly states this definition does not affect individuals' claims for asylum under federal law. This legislation aims to empower state agencies to combat border-related criminal activity, based on voter-approved findings about public safety concerns linked to transnational cartels.

Maddy summaryHB 2134 amends Arizona's definition section for physician assistants (PAs), clarifying key terms that affect their practice. It specifically defines "minor surgery" to exclude surgical abortions and establishes that PAs with at least 8,000 hours of clinical practice can work without a formal supervision agreement under a collaborating physician. The bill also defines terms like "adequate records," "advisory letters," and "unprofessional conduct" to guide licensing and disciplinary actions. These definitions directly affect licensed PAs, collaborating physicians, and the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants by setting clearer standards for scope of practice and accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 2173 bans Arizona health profession licensing boards (like those for doctors or nurses) and other licensing authorities (such as for cosmetologists or contractors) from asking applicants about mental health history, including whether they sought treatment or received a diagnosis. The bill allows licensing entities to ask only if an applicant is under out-of-state monitoring for health conditions (like substance abuse), with the applicant not required to answer if the monitoring is confidential. It directly affects all individuals applying for professional licenses in Arizona, removing barriers to licensure related to mental health. The bill became law after passing the legislature and being signed by the governor in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2384 requires Arizona insurers to use wildfire risk modeling for fire insurance policies in cities and towns with fewer than 150,000 residents. It mandates that insurers base premiums on community-level wildfire mitigation efforts, specifically rewarding properties in "Firewise USA Site" communities that have implemented proven safety measures. This policy change directly affects homeowners in smaller Arizona communities and insurers operating there, shifting how wildfire risk is assessed from individual properties to community-wide safety programs. The law aims to incentivize community-wide wildfire preparedness by offering lower insurance rates to areas with certified mitigation efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 2108 requires Arizona prosecutors to notify crime victims within 15 days of sentencing or commitment that they can request to block all communication (mail, email, phone calls) from the offender. This applies to both juvenile offenders (under A.R.S. § 8-392.01) and adult inmates (under A.R.S. § 13-4411.01), directly affecting victims and their families or household members who make such requests. Correctional departments must enforce these blocks by not forwarding prohibited communications and imposing sanctions like loss of earned release credits if offenders violate the request. The law also prohibits inmates from contacting communication service providers or remote computing services, with departments reviewing outgoing mail to ensure compliance.