Rep. Rachel Keshel

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 2041) proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Arizona public universities and community colleges to charge U.S. citizens the same tuition rate as non-citizens. If approved by voters, it would reverse the current practice where non-citizens typically pay higher out-of-state tuition rates. The law would apply to all institutions under the Arizona Board of Regents and community colleges defined in state law. It mandates that tuition and mandatory fees for citizens cannot exceed those charged to non-citizens, with the measure requiring voter approval at the next general election.

Maddy summaryHCR 2017 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a new property tax exemption for Arizona residents aged 62 or older who own their primary residence without a mortgage and have lived there as their main home for at least two years. If approved by voters, this exemption would apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2026. The amendment would specifically affect seniors meeting these criteria by eliminating property tax liability on their primary residence. This proposal requires voter approval and is not yet law, as it is currently in the early legislative review stages.

Maddy summaryHB 2831 establishes Arizona's School Safety Program within the Department of Education to fund school safety initiatives. It directly affects public school districts and charter schools, which can apply for up to three years of funding to cover costs for school resource officers, counselors, social workers, safety technology, training, or campus infrastructure improvements. Schools must submit detailed proposals outlining safety needs, plans for collaboration with law enforcement or mental health resources, and evaluation methods. If a school cannot place requested personnel, it may instead apply for an "alternative proposal" to fund safety technology, training, or building upgrades like secured entrances. The program requires annual spending plan updates and verification visits by the Department of Education.

Maddy summaryHB 2366 limits Arizona election precincts to a maximum of 2,500 registered voters and prohibits the use of voting centers (where voters can choose any location in the county) for regular elections, requiring each precinct to have a designated polling place. County election boards must now establish precincts within the voter limit and cannot replace designated polling places with centralized voting centers. Emergency voting centers are permitted only with a specific, recorded vote by the board for a single election, under strict conditions. This bill affects county election boards and changes how polling locations are organized for regular elections, taking effect in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2556 creates "law enforcement support special plates" for Arizona vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, individuals must pay a one-time $32,000 fee to the state department (not an annual fee), which funds the program. The $25 annual special plate fee includes a $17 contribution to a dedicated law enforcement support fund, with the remaining $8 covering administrative costs. This affects only owners who choose to purchase these specific plates, not all drivers. The plates must be designed by the payer (with state approval) and may be combined with personalized plate requests.

Maddy summaryHB 2832 establishes Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts (ESAs), providing state funds to parents for their children's education outside public schools. Parents can use ESA funds for tuition at private schools meeting security requirements, textbooks, educational therapies (for students with qualifying disabilities), tutoring, online learning, vocational training, and approved standardized tests. The bill requires parents to agree not to enroll children in public school districts while using ESAs and prohibits combining ESA funds with school tuition organization (STO) scholarships in the same year. It also specifies detailed allowable expenses and includes provisions for students with specific needs to access additional educational services through the accounts.

Maddy summaryHB 2365 establishes clear procedures for handling newborns left at designated safe haven locations (such as hospitals, churches, or fire stations). It requires immediate hospital examinations, directs private adoption agencies to take custody within 24 hours if able, and mandates the state department to contact the next agency on a rotating list if needed - ensuring custody is secured within 48 hours. The bill directly affects newborns left at safe havens, adoption agencies, hospitals, and the Department of Child Safety. It also requires agencies to cover medical costs if the infant is ineligible for state health programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2018 prohibits Arizona's Department of Child Safety (DCS) from paying health care institutions or their employees for reporting suspected child abuse or negligence. The bill bans any agreement requiring or allowing such payments in exchange for these reports, directly affecting DCS and health care providers. Key provisions eliminate financial incentives for reporting, ensuring reports are made without monetary motivation. The bill is currently prefiled and awaiting legislative consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 2274 creates a new "Grand Canyon preservation special plate" program for Arizona vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, individuals must pay a one-time $32,000 fee to the state for plate design approval, plus an annual $25 special plate fee (with $17 of that fee directed to a dedicated Grand Canyon preservation fund). The bill establishes that the $17 annual donation, collected from all buyers of this special plate, will fund conservation efforts for the Grand Canyon. This directly affects Arizona residents who choose to purchase these custom plates, while the preservation fund benefits Grand Canyon conservation projects.

Maddy summaryHB 2277 amends Arizona's condominium association laws by clarifying key financial terms in the declaration documents. It defines terms like "common expense lien" (covering unpaid assessments, late fees, and legal costs), "assessment" (periodic payments for shared expenses), and "common expense liability" (how costs are allocated to units). These changes directly affect homeowners' associations (HOAs) and condominium associations by standardizing how financial responsibilities and liens are documented in their governing documents. The bill does not create new financial obligations but ensures consistent terminology for transparency in HOA fiscal operations. (This is a procedural definitional amendment, not a policy change.)