Rep. Justin Wilmeth

Maddy summaryHB 2947 prohibits charter schools from suspending students for unexcused absences and updates school discipline rules for all public schools in Arizona. It specifically bans suspension as a penalty for absenteeism (except for students absent due to illness certified by a licensed healthcare provider) and requires school districts to establish clear procedures for discipline, including written parental notice for confinement and annual reporting of suspensions/expulsions involving illegal substances. The bill mandates that school boards hold hearings for suspensions over ten days, include specific appeal processes, and post aggregated suspension data online without personally identifiable information. These changes directly affect students, school districts, and charter schools by altering disciplinary practices and increasing transparency around school discipline outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 2961 creates "returning warrior" special license plates for Arizona vehicle owners who pay a $32,000 one-time fee to design the plate. The department issues these plates after receiving the fee, with the plate design subject to department approval. Annual fees include a $17 donation to the "returning warrior special plate fund" (established by this bill), while $8 covers administration. This affects veterans or others who choose this plate option, directing funds to the specified fund rather than general state revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 2677 amends Arizona law to specifically prohibit preventing someone from entering or exiting a place of worship through physical blocking, detention, or force/threats. This directly affects individuals or entities who obstruct access to religious sites, such as security personnel or others blocking entrances. The bill classifies this act as a class 6 felony (unless the victim is safely released before arrest, making it a misdemeanor), adding it as a specific scenario under unlawful imprisonment. It defines "place of worship" per existing law and clarifies that this provision applies to the specific act of hindering religious access.

Maddy summaryHB 2555 requires Arizona retail businesses with physical locations to accept cash for transactions of $100 or less without charging fees or penalties. It directly affects in-person retail stores (excluding online sales) by mandating cash acceptance and creating a legal remedy: customers denied cash payments or charged fees can sue for $1,000 per violation (capped at $5,000 per person), plus attorney fees. The law exempts businesses with pre-agreed written payment terms and online transactions. Damages adjust annually for inflation, but the bill does not apply to digital services or agreements specifying payment methods.

Maddy summaryHB 2450 prohibits Arizona state and local governments from requiring contractors or subcontractors on public construction projects to include project labor agreements, neutrality agreements, or participation in federally registered apprenticeship programs as conditions for winning or performing public works contracts. It directly affects construction companies bidding on public projects like schools, roads, or government buildings by removing these specific labor-related requirements. The bill explicitly allows private collective bargaining and does not interfere with federal labor protections or existing employee rights. This applies to all contracts involving the construction, repair, or improvement of public facilities funded by the state or local agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2822 increases the annual fee for most special license plates in Arizona from $25 to $50 per plate. The fee is split: $16 goes to the state highway fund for administration, and $34 is donated to the organization or cause that sponsors the plate (like charities or groups for hearing-impaired drivers). This change affects all Arizona drivers who obtain or renew special plates, directly impacting both plate holders and the designated beneficiary organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 2799 amends Arizona's contractor licensing law to enhance safety for workers in excavation projects. It requires contractors whose work includes excavation to ensure the "competent person" (the individual responsible for identifying hazards and taking corrective action) and all employees entering trenches complete and renew trench safety training every two years. The bill also mandates that new license applicants successfully complete a state-approved trench safety training course as part of the licensing process. These changes apply directly to all contractors seeking or renewing a license in Arizona, with the goal of reducing trench-related accidents.

Maddy summaryHB 2453 modifies Arizona's business filing fees to redirect funds toward arts funding. It requires that one-third of the annual report fees paid by domestic and foreign corporations (currently $45 per report) be deposited into the Arizona Arts Trust Fund, while the remaining two-thirds go to the Public Access Fund. This change applies to all businesses required to file annual reports with the state. The bill does not alter the fee amount but specifies where the funds are directed.

Maddy summaryHB 2553 authorizes Arizona to participate in a federal tax credit program (under Internal Revenue Code section 25F) that allows individuals to claim a tax credit for contributions to certified scholarship organizations. It requires the Arizona Department of Education to certify nonprofit scholarship organizations meeting federal standards and maintain a public list of certified organizations by January 1 each year. Starting December 31, 2026, these certified organizations may provide scholarships for elementary or secondary education expenses to eligible students, in alignment with federal law. The bill directly affects Arizona residents who contribute to scholarship programs and the nonprofit organizations administering them.

Maddy summaryHB 2393 prohibits selling or giving tobacco products, alternative nicotine products (like e-cigarettes), vapor products, or related paraphernalia (e.g., hookahs) to anyone under 21 in Arizona. Minors who buy, possess, or falsely claim age to obtain these items face petty offenses with fines starting at $100 or 30 hours of community service. Businesses violating the law face escalating penalties: first violations incur $500-$750 fines plus mandatory education, while repeat offenses can lead to misdemeanor charges, $10,000 fines, or even felony convictions with sales bans. The law exempts religious use of shisha and gifts not intended for minor use.