Rep. Julie Willoughby

Maddy summaryHB 2766 requires Arizona cities and towns to apply municipal sales taxes uniformly to all food items (without differential rates), while exempting most food for home consumption, food packaging, and sales paid with SNAP benefits. It specifically excludes candy, confectionaries, soft drinks, and soda from the general food exemption, ensuring these remain taxable. The bill also exempts low-cost food sales to vulnerable groups (elderly, homeless, disabled) when purchased using SNAP benefits through approved programs. This amendment, effective January 1, 2026, modifies existing tax code to standardize food taxation and expand specific exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 1629 allows Arizona prison directors to release inmates with terminal illnesses or conditions requiring end-of-life care to state-contracted nursing care facilities. It applies only to inmates who are so debilitated they pose no danger to themselves or others, excluding those convicted of first-degree murder. The bill requires prison officials to periodically review medical records to confirm ongoing eligibility, and if an inmate no longer meets criteria, they must be returned to custody. This policy change directly affects terminally ill inmates in Arizona prisons who qualify under these specific medical and safety conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 2174 amends Arizona law to clarify eligibility requirements for developmental disabilities programs. It requires applicants to be Arizona residents with documented developmental disabilities (using culturally appropriate tests) and establishes a referral process to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System for eligibility determination after initial screening. The bill specifies that applicants who voluntarily refuse to cooperate - such as by declining to establish an estate or trust - will be deemed ineligible, and a form explaining this consequence must be signed. It also prevents the department from requiring people to apply for developmental services before seeking eligibility through the main system. These changes affect Arizona residents seeking state-funded developmental disabilities services.

Maddy summaryHB 2198 increases reimbursement rates for emergency hospital care provided by rural hospitals under Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS). Starting in fiscal year 2025-2026, rural hospitals will receive 30% higher fee-for-service payments compared to 2024-2025 rates. A "rural hospital" is defined as one located in a county with a population under one million. This change directly affects eligible rural hospitals by boosting their Medicaid payments for emergency services.

Maddy summaryHB 2721 requires privately owned ambulance services in Arizona to report specific data to the state health department, including call types (like emergency response or transport), timestamps for dispatch, on-scene arrival, hospital arrival, and hospital release. It also mandates reporting on ambulance unavailability, refusal of backup assistance, and complaints from patients or healthcare facilities. The health department must make this information publicly available online after removing personal details, allowing residents to access transparency about ambulance service performance. This bill directly affects private ambulance providers operating in Arizona and aims to increase public accountability for emergency medical response.

Maddy summaryHB 2732 prohibits homeowners' associations (HOAs) in Arizona from banning backyard shade structures like umbrellas, pergolas, or canopies. It allows HOAs to set reasonable rules about size, placement, or appearance, but not rules that prevent installation, impair function, or increase costs. The bill requires courts to award attorney fees to homeowners who successfully sue an HOA for violating these rules. This law directly affects homeowners seeking shade solutions and HOAs managing community rules.

Maddy summaryHR 2003 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Joan Romano for 35 years of service to the Arizona Legislature. It recognizes her career path - from switchboard operator in 1982 to House supply supervisor, managing printing, journals, and equipment - while highlighting her dedication and contributions to legislative operations. The resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' gratitude for her work and wishes her well in retirement. As a procedural tribute, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2661 is a procedural bill that amends definitions in Arizona's emergency medical services statutes. It updates specific terms like "certificate of necessity," "ambulance attendant," and "advanced life support" without creating new requirements or exemptions. The bill solely clarifies existing terminology within Chapter 36 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, affecting how emergency medical services are formally described in state law. It does not directly impact providers, patients, or new policy implementation. (Note: As a definitional amendment, this is a procedural change with no substantive policy effect.)

Maddy summaryHB 2197 repeals specific Arizona statutes (ARS 36-2233, 36-2235 through 36-2247) related to "certificate of necessity" laws, with the repeal taking effect on September 30, 2027. The bill directly affects Arizona's legal code by removing these outdated provisions, though it does not change current legal requirements. The key mechanism is a delayed repeal date, followed by a requirement for the legislative council to prepare conforming legislation for the next legislative session. This is a procedural bill focused on updating the statutes, not on creating new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2107 modifies Arizona's tax lien foreclosure process to protect primary residences. It prohibits foreclosure actions against property owners whose homes are their primary residence (as defined in A.R.S. § 42-12053), regardless of lien duration. Instead, county treasurers must collect redemption payments through setoffs, wage garnishment, payment plans, or other legal methods. This applies to all tax liens sold after the bill's effective date, ensuring primary homeowners cannot lose their homes through standard tax lien foreclosure.