Rep. Alma Hernández

Maddy summaryHB 2944 amends Arizona's mental health statute (Section 36-540) to clarify that the total duration of combined inpatient and outpatient treatment under court order cannot exceed the maximum period allowed for inpatient treatment alone. This directly affects patients receiving court-ordered combined treatment and the mental health agencies supervising their care. The key provision explicitly states that the combined treatment period must not exceed the maximum inpatient treatment period permitted by law, preventing extended treatment beyond statutory limits. This change ensures consistent calculation of treatment days without altering eligibility or treatment requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2488 allows probationers in Arizona who are enrolled in state or federally recognized apprenticeship programs to work flexible hours (as long as they maintain good standing with the program) and travel outside their home jurisdiction for work, provided they return to their home jurisdiction by 11:59 p.m. each day. The bill directly affects individuals on supervised probation who are participating in approved apprenticeships. Key provisions remove prior restrictions on work hours and out-of-jurisdiction travel for these probationers, as long as program requirements are met. This policy change streamlines participation in apprenticeship programs while maintaining supervision requirements. The law was signed by the governor in May 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2380 establishes the Arizona Rare Disease Advisory Council within the state department to address the needs of Arizonans with rare diseases. The council, composed of 16 diverse members including patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, researchers, insurers, and industry representatives, will conduct public hearings, research barriers like high treatment costs and insurance coverage gaps, and develop policy recommendations. It must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature by December 1st, detailing its work and suggesting improvements to healthcare access, diagnostics, and coverage for rare disease patients. This council directly serves Arizona residents living with rare diseases, their caregivers, and healthcare providers seeking better treatment options and system support.

Maddy summaryHB 2880 prohibits unauthorized encampments on Arizona university and community college campuses, requiring immediate dismantling if established without prior authorization. It mandates that campus officials direct occupants to leave, warn of criminal trespass charges (pursuant to Arizona law), and pursue legal action for removal if refused. Students who refuse to vacate face disciplinary action under their institution's code of conduct, while individuals establishing encampments are liable for all property damage costs and may face criminal prosecution for property damage. The law directly affects students, campus administrators, and anyone attempting to establish protest or temporary housing on campus grounds without approval.

Maddy summaryHB 2733 grants legal immunity to Arizona government agencies and employees (like law enforcement) who intercept, disable, or destroy unmanned aircraft (drones) within 30 miles of the state's international border. It protects them from liability for injuries caused during these actions unless they intentionally harmed someone or were grossly negligent. The law specifically applies to drone operators (defined as anyone controlling a drone, including owners or groups acting together) and covers contractors working for government entities. This bill directly affects border enforcement practices and drone operators operating near Arizona's international border.

Maddy summarySB 1106, titled "Ava's Law," modifies Arizona's public entity liability rules regarding sexual offenses. It clarifies that public entities (like schools or government agencies) generally cannot be held liable for sexual offenses committed by employees against minors or children with disabilities, **unless** the entity violated a duty to check employee backgrounds or failed to report known risks. The law applies only to offenses occurring on or after December 31, 2027, and does not affect liability for vehicle-related incidents or emergency care. This bill focuses on defining specific circumstances where public entities may face liability, not broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2706 creates a legal framework for court-ordered intensive outpatient treatment for individuals with chronic mental health conditions who have repeatedly resisted standard treatment. The bill allows courts to issue such orders only after finding clear evidence of chronic treatment resistance, requiring a court-approved treatment plan that includes a dedicated case manager, stable housing, transportation, and specific clinical services. Patients cannot be forced to consent to this treatment if the court determines their mental disorder impairs their decision-making capacity. The plan is enforceable by the court, with regular compliance hearings to adjust the plan based on patient progress and safety needs.

Maddy summaryHB 2492 modifies Arizona's guardianship laws to streamline court appointments for minors nearing adulthood. It allows petitions for guardianship to automatically take effect on a minor's 18th birthday if filed when they are 17 years and six months old, provided a recent medical evaluation (within six months of filing) supports the request. The bill updates petition requirements to include specific details about the minor's condition, existing legal documents (like health care powers of attorney), and alternatives considered, while ensuring the minor's right to representation and a hearing. This directly affects minors aged 17.5+ who may be deemed incapacitated and their families navigating legal guardianship transitions.

Maddy summaryHB 2557 appropriates $16,291,610 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Transportation. The funds are specifically designated to widen and improve State Route 347 between Interstate 10 and the city of Maricopa. This project directly affects drivers and local communities along that corridor by expanding the highway infrastructure. The bill creates no new regulations or requirements - its sole mechanism is the allocation of funds for this physical improvement project.

Maddy summarySB 1671 adds traditional healing services as a covered benefit under Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS). This coverage applies only to AHCCCS members who qualify under federal regulations (42 CFR § 136.12) and receive services delivered by or through the Indian Health Service or a tribal facility. The bill explicitly requires federal approval for this coverage and is subject to available funding. It does not alter other existing covered services listed in the statute.