Rep. Nancy Gutierrez

Maddy summaryHB 2569 allows terminally ill Arizona residents with capacity to obtain a prescription for medication to end their life under strict safeguards. It requires two witnesses (not related to the patient or entitled to their estate), counseling to confirm mental capacity and absence of depression, and detailed discussions about alternatives like hospice care. The bill mandates that physicians verify a terminal diagnosis (expected death within six months), ensure the patient's decision is voluntary, and document all steps before issuing a prescription. This law directly affects qualifying terminally ill adults in Arizona seeking end-of-life options, with no provision for physician administration of medication.

Maddy summaryHB 2391 requires vloggers (parents or guardians creating compensated video content featuring minors) to set aside earnings for minor children when their name, likeness, or image appears in at least 30% of compensated videos meeting platform compensation thresholds or $0.10 per view. For single minors, 15% of the relevant earnings must be held in a trust; for multiple minors, 10% of the combined earnings is distributed equally. Minors can later request permanent deletion of their content from platforms upon reaching 18, with platforms required to comply. The bill applies to Arizona-based vloggers using minors' content for compensation, defining key terms like "minor child" (under 18 residing in Arizona) and "content percentage."

Maddy summaryHB 2581 establishes a state-run health care claims consumer assistance program within Arizona's Department of Insurance to help individuals enrolled in or seeking health insurance plans. The program assists consumers with filing complaints, appeals, and resolving disputed claims against health insurers. Key provisions require insurers to pay double the amount of any wrongfully denied or underpaid claim (including attorney fees) and face civil penalties of at least $25,000 per violation for repeated denials. Insurers must report denial data to the department, and the department must publish annual public reports detailing claim denials, wrongful denials, and enforcement actions by insurer.

Maddy summaryHB 2530 amends Arizona's nursing board statute to clarify that the board cannot regulate the scope of practice for abortion services (as defined in ARS §36-2151). The bill primarily updates the board's authority to adopt rules for nursing education, licensing, disciplinary actions, and administrative functions. It does not include any provisions requiring waiting periods or ultrasounds for abortion procedures. This bill focuses on defining the nursing board's regulatory boundaries, not on changing abortion access policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2649 repeals Section 1-219 of Arizona Revised Statutes, which previously defined certain rights and privileges related to unborn children. The bill removes this specific statutory language from Arizona law but does not create new rights or alter existing legal protections for individuals. This is a procedural change to the state code, directly affecting the legal text of the repealed statute. The bill does not impose new requirements or change how laws apply to people.

Maddy summaryHB 2684 requires Arizona employers to implement heat and cold safety programs for workers. For heat (80°F+), it mandates written plans covering hydration (1 quart of water per hour), 10-minute cool-down breaks every 2 hours (more frequently during extreme heat), thermometer monitoring, shade access, and acclimatization for new workers. For cold (60°F-), it requires similar written programs with warm areas, cold-prevention training, and reduced exposure schedules. The bill directly affects all Arizona employers with indoor or outdoor workplaces, including construction, agriculture, and vehicle-based jobs (requiring vehicle AC below 80°F).

Maddy summaryHB 2645 prohibits price gouging on "essential off-patent or generic drugs" in Arizona, which are defined as common, non-patented medications meeting specific criteria (e.g., expired patents, listed by WHO or HHS as essential for serious conditions). It directly affects drug manufacturers and distributors, requiring them to justify price increases of 50% or more within a year - triggered if costs exceed $80 for a 30-day supply or full treatment - by submitting detailed cost breakdowns to the Attorney General. The law allows the Attorney General to investigate, demand corrective actions (like refunding consumers), and impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. It specifically targets drugs used in Arizona’s state medical assistance program (Medicaid), aiming to prevent unjustified price hikes that limit patient access.

Maddy summaryHB 2712 requires Arizona courts to create public reports for every eviction case where a landlord wins. The reports must include the location (city/county), the reason for the eviction, and be made publicly accessible. This bill directly affects courts (which must compile the reports) and the public (which gains access to this data). It does not change eviction laws or tenant/landlord rights, only adding a reporting requirement for eviction judgments.

Maddy summaryHB 2521 amends Arizona's children's health insurance program (CHIP) eligibility rules by adjusting income thresholds for children under 19. It increases the income limit from 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to 225% for fiscal years 2024-2026, then to 300% for all subsequent years. This change directly affects low-income families whose children qualify for CHIP coverage based on household income. The bill updates the legal definition of "member" in the program without altering its structure or administration.

Maddy summaryHB 2718 establishes a new annual rent increase cap for most Arizona rental properties, limiting increases to the annual consumer price index (CPI) plus 3% (capped at a maximum 7% total increase per year). This applies to landlords after the first 36 months of a newly built property’s occupancy. The law requires the Arizona Department of Housing to calculate permissible increases, accept tenant complaints about violations, and refer cases to the attorney general for enforcement. It also includes provisions for landlords to handle tenant property or animals if a tenant dies or becomes incapacitated, requiring updated contact information for authorized retrieval.