Rep. Chris Mathis

Maddy summaryHB 2474 updates Arizona's legal terminology by replacing the terms "legal resident alien" and "alien" with "noncitizen" in two sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Specifically, it amends Section 4-202 (liquor license qualifications) and Section 5-301 (watercraft regulations definitions) to use "noncitizen" consistently. The bill does not change eligibility requirements for liquor licenses or watercraft permits; it only revises the language to modernize and clarify statutory references. This is a procedural change focused solely on terminology, not policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2719 creates a new "Community College Access and Success Special Plate" program for Arizona vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, individuals must pay a one-time $32,000 fee to the Department of Transportation (with plate design approval), plus a $25 annual fee. Of the $25 fee, $17 annually funds a dedicated "Community College Access and Success Special Plate Fund" supporting community college programs, while $8 covers administration. This directly affects vehicle owners who choose to purchase these plates, with the funds benefiting Arizona's community college system through the new dedicated fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2710 updates Arizona's eviction rules by clarifying when landlords can legally terminate leases. It requires landlords to give tenants 10 days to fix most lease violations (like unpaid rent) or 5 days for health/safety issues, but allows immediate eviction for serious, irreparable breaches like violent crimes, drug activity, or property destruction. Crucially, for tenants who have lived in a unit 12+ months, landlords must either waive one month’s rent or provide relocation assistance when terminating for reasons like nonpayment, lease breaches, or the landlord moving in. The bill also specifies that tenants are responsible for guests’ lease violations they could reasonably prevent.

Maddy summaryHB 2461 creates a new 1% surcharge on payroll taxes for Arizona businesses employing 50 or more workers, starting in 2027. The surcharge applies to all business types (including corporations and "small business taxpayers" as defined) and funds a dedicated Community College Apprenticeship and Workforce Development Program Fund. Monies collected will be deposited into this fund to support community college workforce training programs. The bill directly affects businesses with 50+ employees across Arizona, with no changes to existing tax structures beyond this new surcharge.

Maddy summaryHB 2465 modifies Arizona's licensing requirements for professionals like certified public accountants by changing documentation rules. It prohibits state agencies from requiring applicants to provide citizenship or alien status documentation when applying for a license. Instead, agencies must accept a federal tax identification number in place of a Social Security number for licensing applications. This applies to all state agencies, departments, or boards issuing business or service licenses, directly affecting individuals seeking professional licenses in Arizona. The bill does not alter educational or experience requirements for licensure, only the documentation process.

Maddy summaryHB 2713 amends Arizona law to treat violations by landlords in mobile home parks and RV parks as consumer fraud. It deems such violations as breaches of the state's consumer fraud statute (Title 44, Chapter 10, Article 7), making them subject to enforcement under that law. This means landlords who break rules for mobile homes or RVs could face penalties like fines or remedies under consumer fraud protections. The bill directly affects mobile home and RV park landlords by expanding enforcement tools without changing existing rental regulations. It does not create new rules but links violations to an established consumer protection mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 2390 requires court approval for contracts involving unemancipated minors (under 18) working in artistic or creative roles like acting, music, or online content creation. It mandates that 15% of a minor’s gross earnings be placed into a trust account managed by a parent or guardian (unless the court appoints another trustee), with employers depositing these funds within 15 business days. The bill also requires employers to provide documentation to financial institutions and establishes annual accounting requirements for the trust. This applies to all minors in the entertainment industry who enter contracts for artistic services, directly affecting minors, their parents/guardians, and their employers.

Maddy summaryHB 2471 adds two new state holidays in Arizona: March 31 for "Cesar Chavez Day" and April 1 for "Dolores Huerta Day." The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes § 1-301 to include these dates in the official list of state holidays, affecting state employees and institutions that observe designated holidays. It also repeals Section 1-308 of the statutes. This is a procedural change to the state's holiday calendar with no substantive policy impact beyond naming these observances.

Maddy summaryHB 2470 adjusts Arizona legislators' daily subsistence payments during legislative sessions. It replaces a fixed $35 rate for Maricopa County residents with a new system where all legislators receive 100% of the federal per diem rate (including lodging) for non-Maricopa residents, and Maricopa residents get $35 for the first 120 session days. After 120 days, Maricopa residents receive $10 daily, while non-Maricopa residents get 50% of the annual federal rate. The annual rate is set by the Department of Administration using U.S. General Services Administration data, and legislators may opt out of these payments.

Maddy summaryHB 2741 designates the third Tuesday in January each year as Arizona's "National Day of Racial Healing" for public observation. The bill specifies this day is not a legal holiday, meaning state offices and schools would remain open. It aims to encourage community reflection and dialogue on racial healing through state-level recognition, without imposing new legal requirements or funding. This is a symbolic, non-binding designation focused on raising awareness.