Rep. Gail Griffin

Maddy summaryHB 2666 reclassifies threatening to share explicit images or force sexual acts as a felony. It increases penalties based on the victim’s age: a class 3 felony for adults, class 2 for teens aged 15-17 (requiring consecutive sentences with no probation), and class 2 for children under 15. Offenders cannot receive probation, early release, or sentence suspension for these crimes. The bill defines "sexual extortion" as threatening to damage property, harm reputation, or distribute explicit images of the victim.

Maddy summaryHB 2026 requires developers to obtain a "certificate of assured water supply" or a written commitment from a designated water provider before selling subdivided lands in Arizona's active management areas. It directly affects land developers and real estate sellers in these areas, mandating proof of water availability for new subdivisions. Key provisions include designating cities/towns with Central Arizona Project water contracts as automatically qualifying for "assured water supply" status, requiring the director to notify local officials of designations, and allowing gray water systems to reduce water demand requirements. The bill is currently pending (prefiled in 2025, first reading in 2026) and does not apply to mineral or industrial developments.

Maddy summaryHB 2029 creates a Water Conservation Grant Fund to support water-saving projects in Arizona. It allows eligible entities (like local governments or nonprofits partnering with them) to apply for grants for conservation programs (up to $3 million) or projects (up to $250,000), requiring a 25% match from other sources. Applicants must disclose projected water savings, the source of saved water (groundwater or surface water), and their plan for using the saved water. The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority must adopt implementing rules within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2031 extends the deadline for current groundwater users in Arizona's Willcox Active Management Area (AMA) to formally certify their existing rights. It requires these individuals to submit an application to the Department of Water Resources within 27 months of the AMA's designation (not later than December 2026), as mandated by state law. The bill applies retroactively to January 7, 2025, and will expire on December 31, 2026, after which the provision ceases to apply. This bill directly affects landowners and users with historical groundwater rights in the Willcox AMA who must now formalize their claims under the new timeline.

Maddy summaryHB 2055 establishes a program to fund projects recovering brackish (salty) groundwater in Arizona. It provides matching state funds (up to $1 for every $3 in project costs) for eligible projects that build facilities to treat and deliver this water as a new drinking water source. The program requires the state to issue a request for proposals within 120 days and sets criteria like salinity data, permits, and engineering plans for qualifying projects. This aims to create new potable water sources by supporting infrastructure development using brackish groundwater resources.

Maddy summaryHB 2103 creates a program to provide financial assistance to low-income or fixed-income homeowners in Arizona for specific water-related improvements. The program would fund deepening existing drinking water wells, installing storage tanks for water hauling, or plumbing for water delivery systems at the homeowner's residence. A designated county entity (like a department or nonprofit) would manage the program, set eligibility criteria, and report annually to county and state officials. The bill prohibits using general county funds, requiring funding to come only from gifts, grants, or donations.

Maddy summaryHB 2098 authorizes Arizona county water augmentation authorities to issue bonds for water projects like facilities, water acquisition, or infrastructure. It establishes a formal process requiring bond resolutions to detail amounts, interest rates, and justification, followed by public hearings and board approval before bond issuance. The bill affects county authorities and their operating units (cities, water companies, or other entities), allowing authorities to collect fees for water services to fund these projects. Key provisions include rules for managing bond funds, paying interest, and investing surplus monies, while clarifying that fees are not regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona law to clarify the authority of domestic water improvement districts, which manage water and wastewater systems in unincorporated areas. It specifically allows these districts to engage in water hauling (transporting water) as part of their operations and to make other local improvements like street maintenance, funded through special assessments or bonds. The bill defines key terms (e.g., "waterworks," "wastewater systems") and sets rules for including land in districts, requiring consent for state lands and permitting landowners to object to inclusion for large agricultural properties or mining claims. It primarily affects property owners in unincorporated areas where water systems are being developed or improved.

Maddy summaryHB 2117 redirects $17 of the $25 annual fee for Arizona's environmental special license plates into a dedicated fund. The state natural resource conservation board will distribute $5,000 to $10,000 annually to each natural resource conservation district with an established education center. These funds must support environmental education programs that are scientifically based and address economic and social implications. The bill specifies that funds are exclusively for conservation education programs at local districts, without changing the plate fee structure.

Maddy summaryHB 2264 establishes a mining, mineral, and natural resources educational museum at the University of Arizona and clarifies the Arizona Geological Survey's duties. The Geological Survey must map geology, maintain public databases of mineral resources, and provide accessible information to the public. The museum will collect mining artifacts, offer educational programs, and may charge admission fees while accepting donations. This bill directly affects the public (via free access to geologic data and museum exhibits), the University of Arizona (as operator), and Arizona's mining industry (through historical recognition).