Rep. Rachel Keshel

Maddy summaryHB 2993 amends Arizona law to clarify when state agencies can hire their own legal counsel. Typically, agencies must use the Attorney General's office for legal representation, but exceptions allow them to hire outside lawyers if the Attorney General is disqualified (e.g., due to a conflict of interest) or in specific cases like pesticide complaints involving the Department of Agriculture. The bill also requires agencies with their own legal divisions (funded by non-general revenue) to reimburse the state general fund for legal services provided by the Attorney General. This affects all state agencies, including the Department of Public Safety (DPS), by defining their legal representation options and reimbursement obligations.

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2042 forbids intentionally injecting, releasing, or dispersing materials within the state for solar radiation management (modifying atmospheric reflectivity to alter sunlight reaching Earth). It also prohibits public entities like universities or private groups receiving public funds from granting money for developing such technologies. Residents can file complaints with the Attorney General about violations, who will investigate and may seek court orders to stop violations and cover legal costs. The bill directly affects anyone conducting or funding solar radiation management activities in Arizona, including researchers and public institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 2020 defines and penalizes interference with or disruption of public educational institutions in Arizona. It requires public schools, colleges, and universities to adopt rules for maintaining order on their property, with penalties including ejection, suspension, or expulsion for students and staff who violate these rules. The law classifies threatening harm as a class 1 misdemeanor for minors or a class 6 felony for adults (18+), while entering school property to disrupt operations is a class 1 misdemeanor. Private educational institutions are exempt from these requirements, and the bill explicitly preserves approved gun safety programs on campuses.

Maddy summaryHB 2373 allows Arizona taxpayers to voluntarily contribute a portion of their income tax refund to a veterans' fund via their tax return. The bill creates a new provision (43-623) enabling this donation, which the Department of Revenue will transfer to the Veterans' Donations Fund. This fund includes specific subaccounts: one for the Enduring Freedom Memorial (via section 28-2431), another for women veterans' services (via section 28-2447), and two for military family scholarships (via sections 28-2454 and 28-2470.10). The bill directly affects taxpayers who choose to donate, veterans' service organizations (501(c)(19) qualified), and the Departments of Veterans Services and Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets requirements for Arizona's homebuyer and downpayment assistance programs. First-time homebuyers must be Arizona residents for two years before applying, occupy the home as their primary residence for two years, and cannot use it as a vacation or short-term rental (per defined statutes) until repaying program funds. It also prohibits out-of-state investors from accessing these programs. These rules apply directly to state-run assistance programs and their recipients.

Maddy summaryHB 2833 requires certain professionals - including doctors, teachers, social workers, and child welfare staff - to report suspected abuse, violent threats, or neglect involving minors to child safety authorities or law enforcement. It expands mandatory reporting to cover threats of death or serious injury, physical injury not explained by medical history, and denial of necessary medical care, while exempting clergy from reporting confessions (but not personal observations of harm). Reports must be made immediately with details like the minor’s identity and incident specifics, and the law includes limited exemptions for consensual minor-on-minor interactions and accidental playground injuries. This bill directly affects minors at risk of harm and the professionals legally obligated to report such incidents.

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 2085 prohibits physicians and health professionals in Arizona from providing or referring minors under 18 for gender transition procedures, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormone therapy, or surgery. The bill allows exceptions for minors with specific medical conditions, such as disorders of sex development, or for treating infections or injuries caused by prior gender transition care. It bans public funding for such procedures in state facilities, government-employed providers, or state health insurance programs. Violations may lead to professional discipline, private lawsuits for damages, or enforcement actions by the attorney general.

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.