Rep. Khyl Powell

Maddy summaryThis is not a legislative bill but a **procedural memorial** from the Arizona House of Representatives (HM 2002), not a law. It urges the U.S. President and Congress to withdraw from the USMCA trade agreement and block efforts to create a North American Union (NAU), arguing such integration threatens U.S. constitutional independence and borders. The memorial claims the USMCA and related agreements are steps toward a supranational government (like the EU) and a UN world government, which it asserts violates constitutional authority over foreign commerce. It has no legal effect and is not a bill requiring a vote.

Maddy summaryHCR 2055 is a voter referendum (not enacted law) proposing that Arizona declare drug cartels "terrorist organizations" under state law and direct the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to address this threat. It defines "drug cartel" as groups engaging in human smuggling, drug trafficking, or terrorism, and states that this declaration does not affect asylum claims under federal law. The resolution cites voter-approved Proposition 314 and findings about border security concerns, including fentanyl trafficking and border crossings by individuals on terrorist watchlists. This measure failed to pass in the June 27, 2025, vote and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHCR 2013 is a proposed law requiring Arizona counties to verify voters' addresses before mailing early ballots and restricting foreign funding in election administration. It mandates that large counties (500,000+ population) require voters to confirm their address each election cycle via mail, phone, or online portal before receiving an early ballot, while smaller counties must do so every four years. The measure also prohibits government election administration from using funds from foreign governments or non-U.S. individuals, requiring vendors to certify annually they receive no such funds and imposing misdemeanor penalties for violations. This referendum failed to pass in June 2025 and would require voter approval to become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2374 enhances sentencing for individuals convicted of stalking, harassment, or assault when acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations to coerce people into actions like leaving the U.S. or restricting protected activities (e.g., free speech, religious practice). It also criminalizes foreign agents conducting unauthorized law enforcement activities (like surveillance) within Arizona, classifying violations as a class 2 felony. The bill mandates an annual training program for Arizona law enforcement on identifying transnational repression tactics, including digital surveillance and community-targeted threats. These provisions directly affect foreign government/terrorist agents operating in Arizona, local law enforcement, and residents potentially targeted by such repression. The law, signed by the governor on June 25, 2025, focuses on strengthening legal responses to cross-border intimidation campaigns.

Maddy summaryHCR 2021 would require Arizona cities and towns to exempt most food for home or on-premises consumption from municipal sales taxes, prohibiting differential tax rates on specific food items. It sets a deadline of June 30, 2027, for cities to comply, limits tax increases to 2% without voter approval, and bans new food taxes or rate hikes in the 24 months before that date. This affects local governments (cities/towns), food retailers, restaurants, and residents purchasing food, as it standardizes food tax treatment and restricts local tax authority over food sales. The bill also exempts SNAP/food stamp purchases and food packaging from taxation. It requires voter approval for any new food tax or rate increase beyond 2% and applies retroactively to December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 2779 amends Arizona law to clarify procedures for taking juveniles into temporary custody and establishes training for school security personnel. It requires peace officers to notify a juvenile’s parents, guardian, or custodian (unless safety is at risk) when taking a juvenile into custody for alleged misconduct, and mandates explaining juvenile Miranda rights in understandable language. The bill also creates a new training program for school law enforcement officers and security staff, requiring completion within one month of starting a school-related role (or presenting a valid certificate if completed within two years). These changes apply to all school districts and charter schools, with the training requirement effective June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects juveniles, their families, law enforcement officers, and school security personnel.

Maddy summaryHB 2700 requires Arizona high school students to meet specific social studies standards for graduation, directly affecting all public high school students in the state. It mandates that geography instruction include "the gulf of America" and adds a civics test requirement: students must correctly answer at least 60 of 100 questions (for 2025 graduates) or 70 of 100 questions (for 2026+ graduates) on a test identical to the U.S. citizenship civics exam. Students in grades 7-8 may take the test early to satisfy the requirement without retaking it later in high school. The bill specifies that schools must document only "pass" or "fail" on transcripts for this test, with no other policy changes detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 2679 establishes a new framework for Arizona public power entities (like municipal utilities) to finance infrastructure upgrades by issuing "Transition Bonds." These bonds are secured by future customer payments called "Financing Charges," which become nonbypassable fees added to all customers' utility bills until the costs are fully recovered. The bill creates specific definitions for terms like "Financing Charges," "Qualified Special Purpose Entity," and "Transition Bonds," ensuring these payments cannot be avoided regardless of the customer's service provider or asset ownership. This mechanism allows public power entities to shift financing costs to customers over time rather than relying solely on traditional rate increases.

Maddy summaryHB 2868 prohibits Arizona cities and counties from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, requiring DEI statements or training, or giving preference based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity in employment or programs. The bill directly affects local government entities by banning specific DEI-related policies and mandating disciplinary action for violations. Key provisions define "diversity, equity and inclusion" broadly to include concepts like systemic oppression and gender theory, while allowing limited compliance training approved by legal counsel. This bill was passed by the Arizona legislature in May 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on May 13, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 2895 requires cities, counties, school districts, and state agencies in Arizona to publicly post task order contracts (for ongoing services or supplies) on their websites. It mandates that contracts must include the total dollar amount, contractor name, service description, and contract length - these items cannot be redacted. Contractors may redact personal or proprietary information beyond these four required details. The bill was passed by the legislature in May 2025 but was vetoed by the Governor on May 13, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.