Rep. Chris Lopez

Maddy summaryHB 2942 allocates $12 million from Arizona’s general fund and $36 million in Medicaid funds annually for fiscal years 2026-2031 to increase reimbursement rates for rehabilitation group homes serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill directly affects licensed group homes that provide care for these individuals, ensuring they receive higher payments under the health care coding system code T2016. Key provisions include mandatory annual funding increases to cover rising operational costs for these facilities. This policy change aims to stabilize funding for critical support services without altering eligibility or care standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2920 requires app stores operating in Arizona to verify the age of users creating accounts and link accounts of minors (under 18, excluding married/emancipated individuals) to verified parent accounts. App stores must obtain parental permission before minors can download apps, make purchases, or access in-app purchases, and re-verify consent after significant app changes like new ads or in-app purchases. The bill mandates that app stores provide clear disclosures about age ratings, data collection, and privacy practices to parents before granting permission. It directly affects app store providers, minors under 18, and their parents within Arizona, with exemptions for preinstalled apps and core device functions.

Maddy summaryHB 2553 authorizes Arizona to participate in a federal tax credit program (under Internal Revenue Code section 25F) that allows individuals to claim a tax credit for contributions to certified scholarship organizations. It requires the Arizona Department of Education to certify nonprofit scholarship organizations meeting federal standards and maintain a public list of certified organizations by January 1 each year. Starting December 31, 2026, these certified organizations may provide scholarships for elementary or secondary education expenses to eligible students, in alignment with federal law. The bill directly affects Arizona residents who contribute to scholarship programs and the nonprofit organizations administering them.

Maddy summaryHB 2826 amends Arizona's tax code to expand tax deductions for prime contractors (construction businesses) by adding specific exemptions to their taxable income calculation. It directly affects contractors working on projects like environmental cleanup, groundwater monitoring devices (required under water law), and manufacturing facilities for environmental technology. Key provisions include deducting 65% of gross income for qualifying work, such as hazardous substance remediation, installation of irrigation-related groundwater devices, and construction of qualified environmental manufacturing facilities. The bill also creates a new deduction for machinery/equipment work with "independent functional utility," excluding real property modifications.

Maddy summaryHCR 2026 would allow individuals convicted of personal possession or use of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia to receive probation instead of immediate jail time, requiring participation in drug treatment or education programs. It mandates that courts place offenders on probation with treatment as a condition, and they must pay for programs based on their ability to pay. Exceptions include those convicted of violent crimes, three or more prior drug possession offenses, refusal to participate in treatment, or offenses involving methamphetamine or fentanyl (without a valid medical prescription). This proposal must be approved by Arizona voters to become law, as it is structured as a referendum measure.

Maddy summaryHB 2152 amends Arizona's retail tax code to add new exemptions from state sales tax. It specifically removes sales tax on medical items like insulin, prescription eyewear, prosthetics, durable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs), and hearing aids. The bill also exempts food purchased with SNAP benefits, school meals, textbooks, and certain business services. These changes directly affect retailers selling these items, healthcare providers, schools, and food assistance programs by reducing taxable sales. The policy updates the existing tax code without altering broader tax structures.

Maddy summaryHB 2137 creates a new process for property owners to remove occupants from residential properties without a formal eviction lawsuit, directly affecting landlords and occupants in Arizona. Owners or agents can submit a sworn affidavit proving no lease, no recent rent payments, 48-hour notice to vacate, and no ongoing legal disputes, allowing local law enforcement to order removal within 48 hours if the occupant doesn’t leave. Occupants can challenge removals in court by showing evidence of lawful tenancy (e.g., lease, utility bills, payment records), and courts can order reinstatement, damages, and attorney fees if removal was wrongful. The bill also updates criminal trespass laws to clarify penalties for unlawful occupancy and ensures law enforcement can act under this procedure without violating tenant rights under existing housing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2139 updates Arizona's public records laws to clarify and strengthen access for residents. It requires all government agencies (including cities, counties, and state departments) to respond to public records requests within 15 business days, provide an index explaining withheld records with specific reasons, and designate a point of contact on their websites. The bill also establishes clearer appeal paths, allowing individuals denied records to file complaints with the ombudsman or seek court action, and permits recovery of attorney fees for successful requests. These changes directly affect government entities by standardizing response procedures and increasing transparency in record handling.

Maddy summaryHB 2058 amends Arizona's laws governing the Game and Fish Commission's membership structure. It specifies that the commission must consist of five members appointed by the governor, with no more than three from the same political party and no two members from the same county. The bill also requires at least one member to be a cattleman or rancher, ensuring diverse representation on wildlife management decisions. These changes clarify membership qualifications and procedures for appointments and removals, without altering the commission's conservation duties.

Maddy summaryHB 2054 amends Arizona's water law by clarifying the definition of "water provider" in Section 49-1201. It explicitly adds "natural resource conservation district" and "multi-county water conservation district" to the list of entities recognized as water providers. This change directly affects conservation districts and their ability to participate in water supply development projects under future state water programs. The bill is purely definitional and does not create new funding, regulations, or policy changes.