Rep. Chris Lopez

Maddy summaryThis Arizona state memorial (HCM 2011) urges Congress to delist the Mexican wolf from the federal endangered species list. It claims the wolf population has exceeded recovery goals since 2014 (286 wild wolves in 2024) and no longer requires ESA protections. The memorial specifically requests Congress pass H.R. 4255 to remove the wolf from the list, defund the federal reintroduction project, transfer management to states, and ensure full compensation for ranchers' livestock losses. It does not create new law but advocates for policy changes to end federal management of the species.

Maddy summaryHCR 2059 is a symbolic resolution expressing legislative support for Arizona county sheriffs. It does not create new laws or alter legal authority; instead, it reaffirms the Legislature's backing of sheriffs as constitutional law enforcement officers and encourages public appreciation for their service. The resolution highlights sheriffs' roles in addressing issues like drug trafficking and human trafficking, while recognizing their authority derived directly from voters. As a concurrent resolution (HCR), it has no binding legal effect and solely serves to publicly acknowledge sheriffs' duties.

Maddy summaryHB 2665 amends Arizona's manslaughter law to create a new offense: intentionally providing advice or encouragement to a minor about suicide, knowing the minor intends to die by suicide. This specifically targets adults who engage in direct online communications (like social media posts, texts, or tagged messages) aimed at a minor who is suicidal. The law defines "directed communication" to include specific online interactions with the minor, but excludes general public discussions about suicide. Violating this provision is classified as a class 2 felony.

Maddy summaryHB 2138 clarifies that professional firefighters employed by city, town, county, or fire district departments are considered "in the course and scope of employment" for workers' compensation purposes if injured or killed while traveling directly to or from work. This directly affects firefighters in these specific municipal fire departments by ensuring commute-related injuries qualify for workers' comp benefits, provided they were not engaged in criminal activity. The bill explicitly states it does not create new employer liability for negligent or intentional conduct during commutes. The law was passed by the Arizona House of Representatives on February 3, 2026, and transmitted to the Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona's vehicle warranty law by clarifying key definitions. It specifically adds "lessee" (a person renting a vehicle) to the definition of "consumer" covered under motor vehicle warranties, ensuring lessees have the same warranty rights as buyers. The bill also clarifies what constitutes a "used motor vehicle" and a "used motor vehicle dealer," excluding certain transactions like classic car sales or public auctions from these definitions. This change directly affects lessees of vehicles and dealers handling used vehicles, ensuring warranty rules apply consistently to leased vehicles under existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 2055 establishes a program to fund projects recovering brackish (salty) groundwater in Arizona. It provides matching state funds (up to $1 for every $3 in project costs) for eligible projects that build facilities to treat and deliver this water as a new drinking water source. The program requires the state to issue a request for proposals within 120 days and sets criteria like salinity data, permits, and engineering plans for qualifying projects. This aims to create new potable water sources by supporting infrastructure development using brackish groundwater resources.

Maddy summaryHB 2575 prohibits public schools, teachers, and administrators in Arizona from teaching, promoting, or requiring students to advocate for antisemitism or anti-Semitic conduct that creates a hostile school environment. The bill bans using public funds for curriculum, training, or materials promoting antisemitism, and protects staff who refuse to teach such material from adverse employment actions. Violations can be reported to school officials, with investigations leading to corrective actions within 30 days, and repeated violations by educators may result in formal reprimands, certificate suspensions, or revocation. The law directly affects public school staff, curriculum decisions, and funding allocations related to classroom instruction.

Maddy summaryHB 2057 creates "Arizona centennial special plates" to commemorate Arizona's 100th anniversary, primarily affecting vehicle owners who choose these plates. It establishes a $20 annual fee for fleet vehicles (as defined in law), down from $25 for standard plates, with $8 covering administration and $12 designated as an annual donation. The $12 donations fund the Arizona Centennial Special Plate Fund, which reimburses the state highway fund for initial costs and allocates annual monies to support the University of Arizona’s mining museum. The bill focuses on plate fees and fund allocation, with no broader policy changes beyond this specialized vehicle registration program.

Maddy summaryHB 2939 creates a state income tax credit for businesses expanding or locating qualified facilities in Arizona. It directly affects businesses that make new capital investments, create qualifying jobs paying at least 125% of the median wage (100% in rural areas), and provide 65% employer-paid health insurance. The credit equals 10% of qualifying investments, capped at $200,000-$300,000 per new job, with a $125 million annual cap and $30 million per business limit. Businesses must retain operations at the facility for five years and claim credits in five equal installments over time.

Maddy summaryHB 2446 requires all motor carriers operating in Arizona to demonstrate English proficiency during roadside inspections, directly affecting commercial drivers and trucking companies. The bill mandates that inspectors conduct all inspections in English without using interpreters, translation tools, or other communication aids. If a motor carrier cannot prove sufficient English skills - such as understanding verbal questions or electronic traffic signs - an inspector may issue an out-of-service order. This law aims to ensure clear communication during safety checks but does not change existing safety standards beyond the language requirement.