Rep. Julie Willoughby

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HCR 2063), not a substantive bill. It honors Yvonne Glee Lime Fedderson, founder of Childhelp and a global humanitarian dedicated to child welfare, following her death on January 23, 2026. The resolution expresses the Arizona Legislature's sympathy to her family and admirers, and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to her family and Childhelp. It has no policy provisions or impact on legislation.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (HCR 2044) would prohibit Arizona state and local governments from granting preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, or contracting. It specifically bans requiring individuals to endorse race-based policies, spending public funds on offices promoting such policies, or implementing disciplinary actions based on race/ethnicity. The amendment directly affects public schools, universities, government agencies, and contractors operating under state authority. If approved by voters, it would become part of Arizona's Constitution, replacing existing antidiscrimination laws in these specific areas.

Maddy summaryHB 2676 allows individuals adjudicated delinquent as juveniles in Arizona to petition a court for restored firearm rights after meeting specific conditions. It directly affects people who were minors when convicted of certain offenses but not adults. The bill establishes two waiting periods: 25 years for those convicted of serious offenses like burglary or arson, or a two-year wait for other felonies after completing probation or court-ordered conditions. The process requires a court application with no filing fee, served to the county attorney, and is handled by juvenile court judges. This changes the legal pathway for juvenile offenders to regain firearm rights under defined circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the 2026-2027 budget for Arizona's Department of Corrections, allocating approximately $1.6 billion to fund state prisons, private prisons, and correctional programs. It mandates that the department submit detailed monthly and annual reports to the legislature regarding spending, staffing levels, bed capacity, and inmate healthcare performance. The legislation also requires that any plans to open or close one hundred or more prison beds be reviewed by the joint legislative budget committee before implementation. Additionally, it sets specific rules for how funds from various correctional funds must be used and transferred to support the department's operations and retirement contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Arizona's Commerce Authority to prioritize reducing fuel and gas prices as its primary objective, using existing programs and resources until December 31, 2029. It mandates a study on repealing the state's cleaner gasoline blend, evaluating pipeline construction, strategic oil reserves, and potential refineries (including a proposed Yuma County site), with findings due by October 1, 2026. The study must involve collaboration with the oil and gas industry and include regular updates to legislative committees on fuel prices. This bill directly affects all Arizona residents through potential gas price impacts and the Commerce Authority's operational priorities.

Maddy summaryHB 2176 updates Arizona's healthcare facility licensing rules to strengthen patient safety protections. It allows the state to deny new licenses or block ownership changes if applicants or their business associates have had licenses revoked, suspended, or faced serious safety violations in the past. The bill also limits complaint investigations to violations occurring within 12 months of the complaint date and requires clear deficiency statements with a formal dispute process for facilities to challenge findings. These changes directly affect healthcare facilities seeking new licenses, undergoing ownership transitions, or responding to complaints.

Maddy summaryHB 2189 requires Arizona's State Board of Nursing to create rules by October 2026 governing the scope of practice for licensed health aides. The rules must update training and eligibility standards - specifically for aides performing routine ventilator care - and establish a process to confirm patient suitability based on medical needs. The bill also mandates annual data collection on how licensed health aides are used across the state. These changes directly affect licensed health aides, the patients they serve, and healthcare facilities employing them. The rules aim to standardize training, safety checks, and data tracking without altering who can become a licensed health aide.

Maddy summaryHB 2342 prevents homeowners' associations (HOAs) in Arizona from banning backyard shade structures like umbrellas, pergolas, or canopies. HOAs may only set reasonable size, placement, or appearance rules that match local city zoning for single-family homes and don’t block installation, function, or increase costs. Homeowners who win court cases against HOAs for violating this law can recover attorney fees and costs. The bill defines "shade structure" broadly to include both temporary (e.g., umbrellas) and permanent (e.g., gazebos) installations.

Maddy summaryHB 2557 amends Arizona law to allow individuals convicted of certain offenses to petition courts to seal their criminal records after meeting specific requirements. It directly affects people with felony or misdemeanor convictions who have completed sentences, paid all fines/restitution, and waited set periods (e.g., 10 years for serious felonies, 5 years for less serious ones). Key mechanisms include mandatory victim notification, court review for public safety, and restrictions on how sealed records may be used (e.g., still admissible in future criminal cases). The bill does not change eligibility for voting or candidacy, despite its misleading title, and focuses solely on record sealing procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona state law to establish a specific order for how money from the state lottery fund is spent each year. It requires that funds first cover lottery operating costs and bond debt payments, followed by fixed annual allocations to various programs such as the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, child safety, health education, and disease control. The legislation also mandates that a minimum amount be deposited into the state general fund before other specific grants, like those for homeless shelters or university capital improvements, can be distributed. Ultimately, any remaining lottery money after these required payments and allocations must be sent to the state general fund.