Rep. Rachel Keshel

Maddy summaryHB 2969 amends Arizona's family law statutes to require courts to include specific safety planning procedures for behavioral health crises in parenting plans. It directly affects parents and judges in custody cases by mandating that parenting plans (Section 25-403.02) include "a procedure for notice and safety planning in the event of a behavioral health crisis" and temporary orders under Section 25-403.11. The key provision requires courts to integrate crisis safety protocols - such as temporary orders or expedited hearings - into custody arrangements when a parent experiences a behavioral health crisis, ensuring children's safety during such events. This bill does not create new crisis services but mandates that existing legal processes address behavioral health emergencies within custody orders. The bill is currently pending (House First Reading on 2026-02-05) and would apply to all Arizona family court cases involving parenting plans.

Maddy summaryHB 2989 ensures both parents in custody disputes have equal, reasonable access to their child's education, health, and other records (like school, medical, or court documents) from providers or the other parent, unless a court orders otherwise. It requires parents with joint custody to agree on a single pharmacy for the child's prescriptions and penalizes non-compliance by requiring reimbursement of legal costs. The bill includes strong protections for families affected by domestic violence, stalking, or address confidentiality programs, allowing courts to restrict access, redact sensitive information (like home addresses), or mandate electronic record sharing to safeguard safety. This directly affects parents navigating custody, child welfare providers (doctors, schools), and courts handling domestic violence cases in Arizona.

Maddy summaryHB 2967 amends Arizona's custodial interference law (ARS 13-1302) to clarify when parents or custodians may legally withhold a child without facing criminal penalties. It adds specific defenses for parents who act in good faith to protect children from immediate danger - such as abuse, domestic violence, or neglect - during court-ordered parenting time or after filing protection petitions. Violations are classified as misdemeanors or felonies (ranging from Class 1 to Class 6) based on the actor’s relationship to the child (e.g., parent vs. non-parent), intent, and whether the action was motivated by a reasonable safety concern. The law directly affects parents, custodians, and courts in custody disputes, emphasizing child safety while defining legal boundaries for withholding children.

Maddy summaryHB 2973 adjusts Arizona's property tax exemption rules for widows/widowers, people with total disabilities, and veterans. It sets new annual income limits ($34,901 for those without minor children, $41,870 for those with qualifying children) to qualify for a $4,188 exemption (adjusted for disability percentage for veterans). The exemption amount and income limits will automatically increase each year based on inflation metrics. To maintain the exemption, claimants must annually verify income eligibility and file affidavits with county assessors.

Maddy summaryHB 2972 clarifies and strengthens jury trial rights for individuals facing guardianship or conservatorship proceedings in Arizona. It directly affects people alleged to be incapacitated or in need of protection, ensuring appointed attorneys inform them of their right to a jury trial before court hearings. The bill requires attorneys to interview the individual, explain key rights (including jury trial, choice of attorney, and court appearance), and provide court process details and relevant forms at least seven days before the initial hearing. If attorneys fail these duties, the court may hold them in contempt. This changes how guardianship cases are handled by mandating specific client education steps.

Maddy summaryHB 2555 requires Arizona retail businesses with physical locations to accept cash for transactions of $100 or less without charging fees or penalties. It directly affects in-person retail stores (excluding online sales) by mandating cash acceptance and creating a legal remedy: customers denied cash payments or charged fees can sue for $1,000 per violation (capped at $5,000 per person), plus attorney fees. The law exempts businesses with pre-agreed written payment terms and online transactions. Damages adjust annually for inflation, but the bill does not apply to digital services or agreements specifying payment methods.

Maddy summaryHCR 2027 would change Arizona's rules for determining in-state tuition eligibility at public universities and community colleges. To qualify as an in-state student for tuition purposes starting July 1, 2027, students must have completed at least two years of K-12 education in Arizona (in public, private, or homeschool settings, or via an Arizona scholarship program), graduated from an Arizona high school or earned an Arizona high school equivalency diploma, and be a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or hold lawful immigration status. Community colleges would be required to deny in-state tuition rates to students who do not meet these new criteria. The bill is a voter-approved measure, currently awaiting approval in the next general election.

Maddy summaryHB 2664 modifies Arizona's temporary custody and parenting time procedures in family court. It requires courts to reevaluate temporary orders every six months and mandates a hearing within 60 days for new requests, unless parties waive or exceptional circumstances exist. The bill also specifies that courts must make detailed written findings about why a temporary order serves a child's best interests, based on factors in Arizona law. This directly affects parents and children involved in divorce, separation, or custody disputes during ongoing legal proceedings. The changes aim to ensure timely reviews and clear court reasoning for temporary parenting arrangements.

Maddy summaryHB 2810 prohibits public schools in Arizona from allowing abortion clinics or related entities to provide health education instruction, programs, or materials to students or staff. It specifically bans involvement by abortion providers (including clinics, their controlling entities, or franchised partners) in school health education. Schools failing to comply face potential withholding of state education funding after a 90-day correction period. The law directly affects public schools and their health education programs by restricting partnerships with abortion-related organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 2829 amends Arizona's Board of Regents (ABOR) authority over university governance, primarily focusing on tuition and fee policies. It establishes a 145-credit-hour threshold for undergraduate tuition classification (excluding specific exemptions like transfer credits), requires public hearings for tuition increases, and mandates annual reporting to the legislature on students exceeding this threshold. The bill also creates separate tuition subaccounts for universities to manage revenue transparently, prohibiting use of tuition funds for alumni associations. These changes directly affect Arizona's public university students, administrators, and the legislature through enhanced transparency in pricing decisions. (Note: The title mentions "civil rights" and "biennial audits," but the provided text does not address these elements.)