Rep. Neal Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Arizona government entities and election vendors from using money or services from foreign governments or non-citizens for election administration. It also bans foreign entities from funding efforts to influence ballot measure outcomes. Vendors must provide annual written statements confirming they don’t receive foreign funds, with penalties for false statements (up to three times the contract value). The law explicitly excludes federally recognized tribal nations from the definition of "foreign government."

Maddy summaryHB 2866 strengthens protections for homeowners against unfair enforcement by Arizona homeowner associations. It requires associations to provide detailed violation notices - including the specific rule broken, date observed, and observer's name - and gives homeowners 21 days to respond via certified mail. If associations fail to provide this information, they cannot pursue enforcement (including fees) until details are shared. The bill also imposes escalating damages on associations that enforce prohibited rules: $1,000 for the first attempt, $10,000 for the second, and $100,000 for each additional attempt.

Maddy summaryHB 2739 requires manufacturers, packagers, or retailers of food products made from cultivated cells (like lab-grown meat) to label the product packaging with "This food product is derived from cultivated cells." The bill directly affects food companies producing such products sold in Arizona. Its key provision mandates this specific labeling language on all packaging, ensuring consumers can identify these products. The law does not restrict the sale of cultivated cell products but requires clear disclosure of their origin.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits vehicles towing trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers from using Arizona's high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes at all times. It directly affects drivers of trucks, RVs, and other vehicles towing trailers who might otherwise use HOV lanes. Exceptions include tow trucks during service, motorcycles, public transit vehicles, and emergency vehicles. Violators face a $200 civil penalty, with $100 of each penalty deposited into the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2723 prohibits Arizona municipalities from requiring developers to establish homeowner associations (HOAs) for all subdivisions or developments. It allows municipalities to mandate HOAs only for maintaining common areas in *newly established* planned communities (recorded after July 2014), and explicitly states that HOAs cannot impose rules stricter than existing municipal regulations. The bill directly affects municipalities (in setting zoning rules), developers (in subdivision requirements), and homeowner associations (in their governance authority). It aims to limit mandatory HOA formation while ensuring community maintenance rules align with local government standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2658 creates a new process for individuals convicted of misdemeanors in Arizona to petition courts to expunge their criminal records. To qualify, petitioners must wait three years after completing their sentence or probation, have no pending cases or new convictions, and pay all fines and restitution. If approved, courts will seal all related records, including arrests and convictions, so they no longer appear in background checks or public records, and individuals may legally state they were never convicted. The bill excludes certain offenses, such as violent misdemeanors under §13-3601 or related felony charges. It passed the Arizona House in February 2025 and is now pending in the Senate, with an effective date of December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2378 allows individuals previously convicted of juvenile offenses to apply for restored firearm rights after completing probation or juvenile corrections. It specifically requires a 25-year wait for those convicted of dangerous offenses (like arson or burglary), and a 2-year wait for other felonies after discharge. The bill streamlines the process by eliminating court filing fees and directing applications to juvenile or superior courts. This directly affects Arizona residents with past juvenile felony convictions seeking to regain firearm possession rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2869 allows property owners or their contractors to hire licensed independent providers (not affiliated with them) to review building permit applications or conduct inspections instead of using municipal staff. The bill requires these providers to carry professional liability insurance ($2 million/$4 million coverage for projects under $5 million) and mandates municipalities to reduce application/inspection fees by the amount they save. It sets a 5-business-day timeline for municipalities to approve applications reviewed by independent providers or provide written reasons for rejection, with automatic approval if deadlines pass. The law directly affects property developers, contractors, and municipalities in Arizona, streamlining permitting while ensuring provider accountability and cost savings for applicants.

Maddy summaryHB 2118 amends Arizona's sales tax sourcing rules for tangible personal property (physical goods) by clarifying where transactions are considered "received" for tax purposes. It specifies that sales are sourced to the seller's Arizona business location if the order is accepted there, or to the purchaser's Arizona address if the seller is outside Arizona. The bill also details special rules for shared vehicle transactions (like car-sharing services) and leasing/renting, defining key terms like "business location" and "shared vehicle transaction" to ensure consistent tax application. This directly affects businesses selling physical goods or vehicles in Arizona, ensuring tax is collected based on clear location criteria rather than where orders are processed online.

Maddy summaryHB 2864 amends Arizona's aggravated assault law to specifically include attacks against registered security guards while they are performing their official duties. The bill adds security guards (defined as those registered under Title 32, Chapter 26) to the list of protected individuals, alongside first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, and others. It also creates new aggravated assault offenses for intentionally taking weapons from first responders or obstructing their breathing. Violators face mandatory minimum prison sentences without parole eligibility for assaults on first responders, and the law removes the defense that an officer was "not on duty" during the assault.