Rep. Rachel Keshel

Maddy summaryHB 2061 establishes core patient rights for individuals receiving healthcare in Arizona, directly affecting all patients, including unborn children as defined by existing law. The bill requires health professionals to act in the patient's best interest, avoid causing harm, and obtain informed consent for all medical treatments or procedures - except in emergencies. It defines key terms like "patient" (including unborn children) and "health professional" to clarify these rights within Arizona law. This legislation creates a legal framework for patient-centered care but does not alter existing medical practices or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2017 requires Arizona's Department of Health Services and Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to add specific links to their public website by December 1, 2026. The links must direct users to easily accessible information about pregnancy support agencies (excluding those providing abortion services), adoption agencies (excluding those affiliated with abortion providers), and free services like ultrasounds and counseling. All content must be available in English and Spanish, with a dedicated AdoptionOption.AZ.gov webpage listing adoption agencies, first steps for confidential adoption exploration, and agency-specific details. The bill mandates that all information be downloadable in print format, directly affecting pregnant women seeking non-abortion support services in Arizona.

Maddy summaryHB 2019 creates a new tax exemption for married individuals under age 25, regardless of income source. It directly affects married couples where both spouses are under 25 years old, exempting them from Arizona's individual income tax for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026. The bill adds Section 43-1043 to the tax code, requiring the state tax department to establish a verification process for eligibility. This is a concrete policy change that eliminates income tax liability for this specific group starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHCR 2055 is a voter referendum (not enacted law) proposing that Arizona declare drug cartels "terrorist organizations" under state law and direct the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to address this threat. It defines "drug cartel" as groups engaging in human smuggling, drug trafficking, or terrorism, and states that this declaration does not affect asylum claims under federal law. The resolution cites voter-approved Proposition 314 and findings about border security concerns, including fentanyl trafficking and border crossings by individuals on terrorist watchlists. This measure failed to pass in the June 27, 2025, vote and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHCR 2013 is a proposed law requiring Arizona counties to verify voters' addresses before mailing early ballots and restricting foreign funding in election administration. It mandates that large counties (500,000+ population) require voters to confirm their address each election cycle via mail, phone, or online portal before receiving an early ballot, while smaller counties must do so every four years. The measure also prohibits government election administration from using funds from foreign governments or non-U.S. individuals, requiring vendors to certify annually they receive no such funds and imposing misdemeanor penalties for violations. This referendum failed to pass in June 2025 and would require voter approval to become law.

Maddy summaryHCR 2021 would require Arizona cities and towns to exempt most food for home or on-premises consumption from municipal sales taxes, prohibiting differential tax rates on specific food items. It sets a deadline of June 30, 2027, for cities to comply, limits tax increases to 2% without voter approval, and bans new food taxes or rate hikes in the 24 months before that date. This affects local governments (cities/towns), food retailers, restaurants, and residents purchasing food, as it standardizes food tax treatment and restricts local tax authority over food sales. The bill also exempts SNAP/food stamp purchases and food packaging from taxation. It requires voter approval for any new food tax or rate increase beyond 2% and applies retroactively to December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (HCR 2058) would establish a fundamental right to abortion in Arizona for all pregnant individuals, protecting access before fetal viability (when a fetus can survive outside the womb) and after viability if a healthcare provider deems it necessary to protect the patient's life or health. It prohibits laws that restrict this right without a "compelling state interest" tied to health care standards, and bans penalties for those assisting with abortions. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect, as it seeks to change Arizona's state constitution. It directly affects all pregnant individuals in Arizona, healthcare providers, and state agencies regulating abortion access.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SCR 1004) prohibits Arizona state and local governments from imposing taxes or fees based on vehicle miles driven, or enacting rules to monitor or limit miles traveled without a person's voluntary consent. It specifically bans policies like mileage-based road usage fees while allowing exceptions for interstate commercial vehicle fuel tax agreements and vehicles owned by government entities. If approved by voters, it would amend Arizona's constitution to block these measures. The bill passed both legislative chambers in 2025 and will now be submitted to voters for approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2779 amends Arizona law to clarify procedures for taking juveniles into temporary custody and establishes training for school security personnel. It requires peace officers to notify a juvenile’s parents, guardian, or custodian (unless safety is at risk) when taking a juvenile into custody for alleged misconduct, and mandates explaining juvenile Miranda rights in understandable language. The bill also creates a new training program for school law enforcement officers and security staff, requiring completion within one month of starting a school-related role (or presenting a valid certificate if completed within two years). These changes apply to all school districts and charter schools, with the training requirement effective June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects juveniles, their families, law enforcement officers, and school security personnel.

Maddy summaryHB 2700 requires Arizona high school students to meet specific social studies standards for graduation, directly affecting all public high school students in the state. It mandates that geography instruction include "the gulf of America" and adds a civics test requirement: students must correctly answer at least 60 of 100 questions (for 2025 graduates) or 70 of 100 questions (for 2026+ graduates) on a test identical to the U.S. citizenship civics exam. Students in grades 7-8 may take the test early to satisfy the requirement without retaking it later in high school. The bill specifies that schools must document only "pass" or "fail" on transcripts for this test, with no other policy changes detailed in the provided text.