Rep. Nancy Gutierrez

Maddy summaryHB 2578 amends Arizona law to add a new provision (Section 13-3102, subsection 17) making it a crime for an adult to fail to take reasonable measures to prevent a minor from accessing a firearm. This directly affects parents, guardians, or anyone responsible for minors who have firearms in their care. The key mechanism requires adults to secure weapons so minors cannot access them, with penalties for negligence in this duty. The law does not prohibit firearm ownership but targets preventable access by children through specific safety measures. (This summary focuses solely on the policy change described in the bill text.)

Maddy summaryHB 2648 allocates $160 million from Arizona's general fund for child care assistance through the Department of Economic Security during fiscal year 2026-2027. This funding directly supports families using state child care assistance programs by ensuring consistent financial resources for providers. The bill also specifies that these funds are exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules, meaning the money won't expire if not fully spent by the end of the fiscal year. As a funding measure, it does not change eligibility rules or program structure but secures dedicated resources for existing child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Arizona's child care assistance program rules to expand eligibility and clarify income thresholds. It directly affects low-income families transitioning from cash aid, foster care children, families facing crises (like domestic violence or homelessness), and parents pursuing education or job training. Key changes include setting income limits (assistance ends if income exceeds 165% of the federal poverty level or 85% of state median income), prioritizing families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, and allowing child care support while parents complete education programs related to employment. The department manages funding through waiting lists and priority categories based on income levels.

Maddy summaryHB 2652 repeals Arizona's requirement for notarized parental consent for minors seeking abortions. It removes the current law that mandated either a minor's parent or guardian provide notarized written consent or a judge authorize the procedure through a confidential court process. This bill directly affects unemancipated minors in Arizona who would no longer need parental consent or judicial bypass to access abortion care. The repeal eliminates all associated provisions, including confidentiality rules, time limits for court hearings, and civil liability for providers who follow the old consent requirements. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First/Second Reading).

Maddy summaryHB 2643 links landlord-tenant violations to consumer fraud enforcement in Arizona. It states that when a landlord breaks Chapter 10 of Arizona's landlord-tenant law (covering issues like security deposits or habitability), that violation is automatically considered a consumer fraud under state law. This means tenants could pursue remedies through Arizona's consumer fraud statutes (Title 44, Chapter 10, Article 7), which offer stronger enforcement tools like civil penalties and attorney fees. The bill directly affects landlords who violate tenant protections and tenants seeking legal recourse. (Note: The bill is in early stages, having received its first House reading on January 20, 2026.)

Maddy summaryHB 2582 clarifies the one-week waiting period requirement for Arizona unemployment benefits. It specifies that the waiting period does not count toward eligibility if the week occurs within the benefit year, if the claimant was already eligible for benefits that week, or if benefits were already paid for that week. This affects unemployed Arizonans claiming benefits under the state's unemployment compensation program. The bill amends eligibility rules (Section 23-771) to make the waiting period conditions clearer, without changing the one-week requirement itself. The change aims to reduce confusion for claimants and administrative processing.

Maddy summaryHB 2646 establishes three fundamental rights for Arizona children: the right to maintain relationships with parents (including visitation during parental incarceration), access to confidential health care services (such as contraception, STI treatment, and mental health care without parental consent), and enrollment in public schools with in-person instruction. The bill requires any law affecting these rights to prioritize the child's best interest and be narrowly tailored to a compelling government interest. It specifically allows children to consent to certain health services independently and overrides parental direction regarding public school enrollment. The law applies directly to Arizona children and their parents or legal guardians.

Maddy summaryHB 2678 adds a new exemption to Arizona's retail sales tax code, removing sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products. This directly affects consumers who purchase these essential items and retailers selling them. The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes § 42-5061 to explicitly exempt "diapers and feminine hygiene products" from the state's retail sales tax, aligning with similar exemptions for items like food and medical supplies. The change applies to all qualifying products sold within Arizona, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2715 repeals Section 9-461.16 of Arizona's zoning code, which previously addressed specific municipal planning procedures. This bill does not alter the main zoning regulations found in Section 9-462.01 (which governs land use, building standards, and special districts like historical or age-restricted zones). Municipalities will continue to operate under the existing zoning framework, as this repeal only removes one specific section from the statutes. The bill directly affects local governments that implement zoning ordinances but does not change how communities regulate housing or land use.

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.