Rep. Chris Mathis

Maddy summaryHCR 2052 proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal a provision requiring Arizona school districts and community college districts to follow annual spending limits. Currently, these limits are calculated by the Economic Estimates Commission based on 1979-1980 spending levels adjusted for student population and cost of living. The repeal would eliminate this requirement, removing the need for annual calculations and the spending cap for districts. This change would require voter approval and a governor's proclamation to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 appropriates $122,300,300 from Arizona's state general fund and $402,981,400 in Medicaid funding for the Department of Economic Security's developmental disabilities program during fiscal year 2024-2025. This bill provides specific supplemental funding to cover program expenses without altering eligibility or service requirements. The funding directly supports the state's developmental disabilities services, which assist individuals with disabilities and their families. As a funding measure, it does not change program rules or create new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2499 restricts the sale and use of neonicotinoid pesticides (a class including chemicals like imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) in Arizona. It requires sellers to hold a restricted-use pesticide license and limits user eligibility to certified applicators, veterinarians, or wood preservers. Exceptions cover pet care products, personal care items, indoor insect control, and wood preservatives. Violations are classified as class 3 misdemeanors, and the law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Arizona state agencies and community college districts to preserve historic properties they own or control. It mandates they consider using existing historic buildings before new construction or leasing, and establish programs to locate, inventory, and protect these sites. The state historic preservation office must review any plans involving historic properties to prevent deterioration, demolition, or significant alteration. These requirements apply to all properties listed on or eligible for Arizona's state historic register.

Maddy summaryHB 2790 requires employers in agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil/gas extraction, airport work, mail/delivery, and heavy-material transportation to implement heat illness prevention measures. It mandates free access to cool water with ice (at least one cup every 15-20 minutes above 80°F), shade or climate-controlled areas within 400 feet of workspaces, and paid rest periods based on temperature. Employers must monitor workers for heat symptoms, establish emergency response protocols, and gradually acclimate new hires to hot conditions. The law directly affects outdoor and indoor workers in these high-risk industries during heat events.

Maddy summaryHB 2247 appropriates $1 million from Arizona's state general fund to the University of Arizona for a health study on PFAS chemicals. The study will test blood levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Arizona residents who receive drinking water from private wells or public systems contaminated with PFAS above federal safety limits. It directly affects individuals using water sources with PFAS exceeding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. The bill mandates the university to conduct this specific health assessment using state funding. This is a funding measure, not a regulatory change, focused on gathering data on exposure.

Maddy summaryHB 2756 modifies Arizona's landlord-tenant eviction procedures. It requires landlords to wait seven days after a court judgment before issuing an eviction order, and mandates 24 hours' notice to tenants before enforcing the eviction. The bill also clarifies that tenants who remain in property after an eviction order without permission face criminal trespass charges. Additionally, it updates rules for tenant lease violations, stating that false information on rental applications (like income or occupancy details) makes the breach non-remediable, allowing immediate eviction. This affects all Arizona landlords and tenants involved in nonpayment or lease violation cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2776 creates a $500,000 state fund to provide grants to rural watershed groups for operational costs like staff training, software, salaries, and event hosting. It prioritizes groups in high-risk groundwater areas with clear water conservation goals. The Department of Water Resources will administer the fund, using up to 15% of funds for operations, and must report annually to state leaders starting in 2026. The bill directly supports local rural organizations working on water sustainability without requiring new taxes or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2242 limits municipal authority over utility provider choices for new construction. It prohibits cities and counties from denying building permits based on the proposed utility provider (water, wastewater, gas, or electric) or charging higher fees for specific providers. The bill requires equal treatment of all authorized utility providers and bans municipalities from requiring business licenses as a permit condition. It also prevents municipalities from forcing subsequent owners to obtain permits for prior unpermitted construction, except for health/safety violations. The law repeals conflicting prior statutes (ARS 9-810 and 11-867) to clarify statewide standards for building permits.

Maddy summaryHB 2240 amends Arizona laws to clarify and strengthen private citizen lawsuits for environmental violations. It allows people directly harmed by breaches of water or air quality rules to sue polluters, government agencies, or the director, but requires a 120-day notice period for water cases (Section 49-264) or 60 days for air cases (Section 49-407) before filing. The bill prevents duplicate lawsuits by blocking citizen suits if the state is already enforcing violations, and permits courts to award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs while directing penalty funds to specific environmental funds. This creates a clearer legal pathway for citizens to enforce environmental protections without duplicating government enforcement efforts.