Rep. Rachel Keshel

Maddy summaryHB 2442 requires homeowners' associations (HOAs) in Arizona to obtain owner ratification for their annual or supplemental budgets before implementation. The bill amends statutes to clarify key financial terms like "assessment" (monthly fees) and "common expense liability" (owner's share of costs), ensuring budgets are based on anticipated expenses. This directly affects all HOAs and their members (unit owners), as it mandates that budgets must be approved by owners prior to being enacted. The law focuses on procedural transparency in HOA budgeting, aligning with existing requirements under Arizona Revised Statutes.

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2681 establishes requirements for physicians prescribing medication abortions. It mandates in-person examinations, pregnancy verification, Rh blood testing, and disclosure of physical/psychological side effects (including bleeding and seeing pregnancy tissue) before providing abortion-inducing drugs. Physicians must also schedule a 7-14 day follow-up visit to confirm the abortion is complete, document efforts to ensure the visit occurs, and provide the patient with the contact information of an associated physician for complications. The bill prohibits mailing or delivering abortion drugs via courier and creates civil liability for violations, allowing patients to seek $5,000 statutory damages plus medical costs and attorney fees. It explicitly states this law does not create a right to abortion or make unlawful abortions legal.

Maddy summaryHCR 2042 proposes amending Arizona's constitution to prohibit state governments from granting preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, or contracting. It specifically bans requiring individuals to endorse race-based policies, discuss personal race/ethnicity, or participate in training promoting "diversity, equity and inclusion" beyond equal protection under federal law. The amendment would restrict public funding for offices promoting race-based policies and prohibit differential treatment in hiring, admissions, or contracting decisions. If approved by voters, it would take effect on December 14, 2010, applying only to state actions after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change Arizona's initiative and referendum processes. It requires 10% of qualified voters from *each county* to propose statewide initiatives (15% for constitutional amendments) and 5% per county to trigger referendums on legislation. Crucially, it raises the approval threshold for tax-related measures to 60% (from a simple majority) and prohibits governors from vetoing such tax measures once approved. It also blocks the legislature from repealing, amending, or diverting funds from tax initiatives without a 3/4 vote in both chambers. This directly affects Arizona voters and future tax policy decisions.

Maddy summarySB 1096 establishes the Arizona Bullion Depository to securely store gold and silver bullion and specie (coins). It directly affects state agencies, counties, municipalities, and private individuals who may deposit precious metals. Key provisions include requiring the depository to record deposits in troy ounces, mandating annual third-party audits of stored metals and security, and prohibiting conflicts of interest for administrators. The depository serves as the state’s custodian for bullion held by government entities, with state monies deposited as bullion counted as part of Arizona’s financial reserves.

Maddy summaryHB 2601 exempts minors under 18 years old from Arizona income tax on their first $50,000 of Arizona gross income for any tax year. This directly affects young workers earning up to $50,000 annually in Arizona, regardless of income source (e.g., wages, self-employment). The bill adds this exemption to existing tax code sections (43-403 and 43-1043), requiring the tax department to verify eligibility. The policy change applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2672 modifies Arizona's property tax exemption rules to expand eligibility for veterans with disabilities, widows/widowers, and individuals with total permanent disabilities. It provides full property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating, while others with disabilities receive a partial exemption capped at $4,188 (adjusted annually for inflation), reduced by their disability percentage. To qualify, applicants must meet income limits ($34,901 or $41,870 depending on dependents) and file annual affidavits with county assessors. The bill also clarifies that unused exemption amounts can apply to personal property taxes and prohibits double exemptions across categories.

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 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 summaryHB 2152 adds the right to a jury trial in Arizona divorce and custody cases. It allows either party to request a jury for factual issues like property division, child custody findings (including best interests of the child), or domestic violence allegations, provided the request is filed in writing at least 30 days before trial. The jury’s factual findings on these specific issues become binding on the court, which must incorporate them into final orders for parenting time, child support, or spousal maintenance. This bill directly affects individuals filing for divorce, custody, or parenting time in Arizona family court. The court retains discretion for legal rulings but must follow the jury’s factual determinations on the listed matters.