Rep. Betty Villegas

Maddy summaryHB 2835 requires mandatory settlement conferences for certain eviction cases in Arizona before a trial can proceed. It applies to landlords seeking eviction for unpaid rent (under ARS 33-1368(B)) or material lease violations (under ARS 33-1368(A)), mandating that both parties attend a court meeting five days after the eviction notice is served. At the conference, they must bring lease agreements, payment records, and other relevant documents; failure to attend results in dismissal (landlord) or default judgment (tenant). If unresolved, the case moves to an eviction hearing five business days after the conference, streamlining the process while requiring courts to track and report settlement outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 2829 requires real estate websites using multiple listing services to give homeowners the option to opt out of having their property advertised online or opt in to having it advertised. This directly affects homeowners whose properties are listed on such websites, providing them control over whether their personal information and property details appear in public listings. The key provision mandates that websites must clearly offer both "opt out" and "opt in" choices for property advertising, without requiring homeowners to take extra steps to remove their listings. The bill aims to give property owners more privacy and choice regarding how their information is shared through real estate platforms.

Maddy summaryHB 2848 requires corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), or their affiliates purchasing single-family homes in Arizona to register with the Corporation Commission before buying. County recorders cannot record deeds unless the buyer provides proof of registration and the deed states the property is not the owner’s primary residence. The bill limits corporate buyers to owning no more than 5% of a county’s single-family homes (or 100 units annually in counties with over 400,000 residents), with exceptions for entities owning fewer than ten homes statewide. These rules apply to commercial investors buying homes, aiming to limit large-scale corporate ownership in residential neighborhoods.

Maddy summaryHB 2834 requires Arizona municipalities with over 30,000 residents to allow "starter homes" in at least 10% of new single-family developments larger than 10 acres, starting January 1, 2027. It removes specific zoning rules like minimum lot sizes (4,000 sq ft), front/rear yard setbacks, and requirements for rear patios or landscaping, while preserving building codes and safety standards. A "starter home" must have income restrictions limiting initial sales or occupancy for 15 years to households earning ≤120% of the area median income (based on HUD data). The law exempts historic districts, airport zones, and existing planned communities, and expires December 31, 2035.

Maddy summaryArizona's HCR 2054 formally ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a constitutional proposal originally adopted by Congress in 1972. The bill directs Arizona's Secretary of State to transmit the state's approval to federal officials, supporting the ERA's goal of guaranteeing equality under the law regardless of sex. This resolution does not create new state laws but affirms Arizona's position in the process of achieving the required ratifications for the ERA to become part of the U.S. Constitution. The measure directly affects Arizona's role in the federal constitutional amendment process, not Arizona residents' rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2812 modifies Arizona law to expand in-state tuition eligibility for certain students. It allows individuals who attended Arizona high school (public, private, or homeschool) for at least two years and graduated in-state - regardless of immigration status - to qualify for in-state tuition at Arizona universities or community colleges. The bill specifically clarifies that people without lawful immigration status meet the residency requirements under this provision. It does not change requirements for nonimmigrant visa holders (e.g., students on F-1 visas). The amendment requires a three-fourths legislative vote for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2836 establishes new rights for sexual assault survivors in Arizona, directly affecting survivors, medical providers, law enforcement, and victim advocacy programs. The bill creates confidentiality for communications between survivors and trained victim advocates (requiring 30 hours of specific training), prohibits charging survivors for medical exams, and guarantees survivors the right to consult an advocate during medical exams and police interviews. It also mandates that medical facilities inform survivors of their rights before exams, ensures survivors can request gender-specific interviewers, and prohibits using sexual assault kits to prosecute survivors for unrelated minor offenses. The law aims to protect survivors' privacy and autonomy throughout medical and legal processes.

Maddy summaryHCR 2052 proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal a provision requiring Arizona school districts and community college districts to follow annual spending limits. Currently, these limits are calculated by the Economic Estimates Commission based on 1979-1980 spending levels adjusted for student population and cost of living. The repeal would eliminate this requirement, removing the need for annual calculations and the spending cap for districts. This change would require voter approval and a governor's proclamation to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 appropriates $122,300,300 from Arizona's state general fund and $402,981,400 in Medicaid funding for the Department of Economic Security's developmental disabilities program during fiscal year 2024-2025. This bill provides specific supplemental funding to cover program expenses without altering eligibility or service requirements. The funding directly supports the state's developmental disabilities services, which assist individuals with disabilities and their families. As a funding measure, it does not change program rules or create new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2499 restricts the sale and use of neonicotinoid pesticides (a class including chemicals like imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) in Arizona. It requires sellers to hold a restricted-use pesticide license and limits user eligibility to certified applicators, veterinarians, or wood preservers. Exceptions cover pet care products, personal care items, indoor insect control, and wood preservatives. Violations are classified as class 3 misdemeanors, and the law takes effect January 1, 2026.