Rep. Alma Hernández

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Arizona's state constitution to explicitly protect marriage equality. It would repeal the current constitutional provision defining marriage as between one man and one woman and replace it with a new section stating that marriage cannot be denied based on sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. If approved by Arizona voters in the next general election, this change would make same-sex marriage a constitutional right in Arizona, directly affecting all couples seeking marriage licenses. The proposal requires voter approval and does not take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HCR 2063), not a substantive bill. It honors Yvonne Glee Lime Fedderson, founder of Childhelp and a global humanitarian dedicated to child welfare, following her death on January 23, 2026. The resolution expresses the Arizona Legislature's sympathy to her family and admirers, and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to her family and Childhelp. It has no policy provisions or impact on legislation.

Maddy summaryHCR 2018 is a proposed voter measure (not yet law) that would require Arizona cities and towns to apply a uniform local tax rate to all food sales, eliminating differential tax rates for specific food items. It exempts food manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution from local transaction taxes, and specifically removes taxes on food purchased with SNAP benefits (food stamps) or sold at low cost to eligible elderly, homeless, or disabled individuals through approved programs. The bill affects local governments that impose food taxes, food businesses, and low-income residents using SNAP benefits. If approved by voters, it would apply retroactively to taxable periods starting after the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Arizona's constitution to establish separate permanent funds for money derived from specific land grants, ensuring these funds are managed independently and invested according to strict rules. It mandates that funds be invested in safe securities (with limits on stock holdings), sets annual distribution rates (2.5% or 6.9% based on fiscal years), and requires any excess funds above 2.5% to support basic state aid for education. If fund values decline significantly, the legislature can temporarily reduce distributions to protect the principal, with reductions not affecting future calculations. The bill directly affects Arizona's state budgeting for education and land-related revenue, ensuring long-term fund stability while directing surplus funds to public education funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2839 (Arizona) requires cities and towns to apply municipal sales taxes uniformly to all food items, prohibiting extra charges for specific foods. It exempts food manufacturing, distribution, and packaging containers from these taxes, and removes taxes on food purchased with SNAP benefits (food stamps) or low-cost food sold to eligible elderly, homeless, or disabled individuals through approved programs. The law affects local governments imposing food taxes, food businesses, and SNAP recipients by standardizing tax treatment and expanding certain exemptions. It applies retroactively to taxable periods after its effective date.

Maddy summaryHCR 2042 proposes to repeal a constitutional provision (Article IX, Section 21) that set annual spending limits for Arizona school districts and community college districts. This repeal would remove the requirement for these districts to adjust their budgets based on student population changes and cost-of-living factors. The bill directly affects all public school districts and community colleges in Arizona by eliminating these specific expenditure constraints. It does not create new rules but removes an existing constitutional requirement governing district budgeting.

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2977 prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings that conceal their face while on duty. It requires all law enforcement agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and state agencies) to create and publicly post policies emphasizing transparency, with exceptions for medical masks, safety gear like helmets during tactical operations, or authorized undercover work. The law defines "facial covering" broadly but excludes items like clear masks, medical masks, or safety equipment necessary for health or physical safety. It applies to all sworn officers across Arizona's public law enforcement entities.

Maddy summaryHB 2676 allows individuals adjudicated delinquent as juveniles in Arizona to petition a court for restored firearm rights after meeting specific conditions. It directly affects people who were minors when convicted of certain offenses but not adults. The bill establishes two waiting periods: 25 years for those convicted of serious offenses like burglary or arson, or a two-year wait for other felonies after completing probation or court-ordered conditions. The process requires a court application with no filing fee, served to the county attorney, and is handled by juvenile court judges. This changes the legal pathway for juvenile offenders to regain firearm rights under defined circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 2673 requires Arizona county sheriffs and state correctional facilities to address mental health needs of incarcerated individuals. It mandates that prisoners showing symptoms of mental illness receive a licensed physician examination within 24 hours, ensures continuity of prescribed medications and treatments upon jail entry, and requires screening for prior mental illness diagnoses. For state facilities, it creates a process where prisoners displaying severe mental health symptoms may be transferred to specialized treatment facilities after a court hearing with appointed legal representation. The bill also requires quarterly condition reports from treatment facilities to correctional authorities and courts. This applies directly to prisoners in county jails (for misdemeanor cases) and state correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 2923 amends Arizona law to establish clearer court oversight for inpatient mental health treatment of incapacitated persons under guardianship. It requires courts to authorize guardians to consent to such treatment only after clear evidence (supported by a mental health expert) that the person is likely to need inpatient care, and mandates that courts limit treatment to the least restrictive option for the shortest necessary duration. Key provisions include requiring facilities to assess placement every 30 days, notifying the ward’s attorney within 48 hours of admission, and allowing the attorney to request a court hearing within 3 days if placement seems inappropriate. The bill also ensures the ward’s attorney can access all treatment records and must review reports if guardians seek continued authority to consent to inpatient care.