Rep. Chris Lopez

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 2064) expressing the Arizona Legislature's condolences upon the passing of former state legislator Barbara Leff. It honors her 1996-2006 service representing Paradise Valley, her work on HMO reform and economic development, and her contributions to voter information systems. The resolution extends sympathy to her surviving family members (husband, children, grandchildren) and acknowledges her community leadership. It has no policy impact or legislative effect beyond this expression of respect.

Maddy summaryHB 2273 allocates unspent county transportation excise tax revenues for specific road improvement projects across Pinal County and surrounding communities in Arizona. The bill directs $45.98 million toward 12 named projects, including road widening in Florence, paving in Pinal County, traffic interchanges in Maricopa, and general transportation upgrades for cities like Queen Creek and tribal communities (Gila River, Ak-Chin, and Coolidge). Funds are distributed proportionally if total revenues exceed or fall short of the $45.98 million target. This policy change directly affects local governments and tribal entities by providing dedicated funding for infrastructure projects without creating new taxes or fees.

Maddy summaryHB 2913 formally establishes the "county land commissioner" as a defined county officer position in Arizona statutes. It sets salary standards for this role based on county population size (e.g., $96,600 annually for commissioners in large counties starting in 2025), and explicitly defines the commissioner's duties regarding state lands within the county. The bill specifies the commissioner manages state land leases, auctions, and conflicts, determining terms, highest bids, and best land uses. These changes clarify existing responsibilities by codifying the position's role and compensation structure without introducing new policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2827 establishes annual groundwater withdrawal fees up to $5 per acre-foot for users in Arizona's Prescott, Santa Cruz, Tucson, Phoenix, and Pinal active management areas. The fees fund specific purposes: administration ($0.50-$1/acre-ft), water supply augmentation ($2/acre-ft), Arizona water banking ($2.50/acre-ft in Tucson/Phoenix), and purchasing grandfathered rights ($2/acre-ft). Notably, the Pinal area will collect a $2.50/acre-ft fee specifically for irrigation efficiency projects from 2020 through 2030. The bill exempts small irrigators (≤10 acres) with grandfathered rights from fees unless part of an integrated farm operation.

Maddy summaryHB 2052 requires Arizona's groundwater management director to establish a 2020-2025 management plan for active groundwater areas. It directly affects municipal water providers (cities, towns, private companies), requiring them to limit water loss in distribution systems to 8% or less of total water entering the system. The bill also allows adjustments to agricultural irrigation water usage limits - reducing them by up to 5% for farms in similar conditions - but prohibits reductions below a minimum threshold. Additionally, it creates a process for some farmers with historical groundwater rights to seek exemptions if their usage prevents groundwater loss or waterlogging.

Maddy summaryHB 2112 creates a new "Conservative Grassroots Network" special license plate option in Arizona. To implement this, a single entity must pay the state $32,000 upfront, design the plate (subject to state approval), and the plate will carry an annual $25 fee. Of that $25, $17 annually goes directly to a dedicated "Conservative Grassroots Network special plate fund" administered by the state. This program affects Arizona vehicle owners who choose this plate option and provides funding to the named organization through plate fees. The bill does not alter standard license plate rules but adds this specific special plate category with defined funding mechanics.

Maddy summaryHR 2006 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arizona House of Representatives honoring Yvonne Glee Lime Fedderson, who died on January 23, 2026. The resolution expresses the House's sympathy to her family and admirers while recognizing her founding role in Childhelp and her decades of work advancing child welfare programs, including establishing the first national child abuse hotline and advocacy centers. It directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to her family and Childhelp organization. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryHB 4088 requires motor carriers transporting agricultural commodities (like produce, livestock, or feed) for intrastate commerce in Arizona to maintain liability insurance covering emergency towing and recovery services. If a towing operator isn't paid for these services (directed by law enforcement), they can place a lien on the commercial vehicle and the transported commodities, which must be recorded with the Secretary of State. The bill excludes farm-to-field operations, farmer self-hauling, and non-commercial vehicles. It defines "agricultural commodity" broadly and "emergency towing" as services performed under law enforcement direction. The bill failed to pass on February 17, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2828 creates a state grant program to fund nurse home visitor services for low-income pregnant women and their children up to age two. The Arizona Department of Child Safety will award annual grants to eligible organizations (like nonprofits, tribal nations, or county agencies) that provide voluntary, evidence-based services including health screenings, parenting support, referrals to services, and job resources. Organizations must use federally vetted models proven to reduce child maltreatment and improve maternal/child health outcomes. The program requires grantees to track participant data and submit annual reports on service delivery, with $6 million allocated for fiscal 2026-2027.

Maddy summaryHB 4135 creates a new child care tax credit for Arizona taxpayers with children under five who use certified child care providers. The credit provides $2,000 per child for families with federal adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less, and $1,000 for incomes between $75,000 and $150,000 annually. A total of $15 million in credits is available each year on a first-come, first-served basis, with excess credits paid as refunds. The credit applies to tax returns filed for 2026 and later, supporting working families seeking quality early childhood care.