Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton

Maddy summaryHB 2460 amends Arizona's children's health insurance program (CHIP) eligibility rules by adjusting income thresholds for children under 19. It sets the following income limits relative to the federal poverty level: 200% for 1999-2023, 225% (with CMS approval) for 2023-2025, and 300% starting October 1, 2025. The bill directly affects low-income Arizona families with children under 19 whose household income meets these revised thresholds. It does not change program benefits or structure, only the income eligibility percentages. The amendment is part of defining program terms in Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-2981.

Maddy summaryHB 2336 creates a new "Native American Veteran special plate" option for Arizona vehicle owners. To implement this, a person must pay $32,000 to the state department by December 31, 2025, after which the department will issue the plates. The payer designs the plates (subject to department approval) and may combine the request with personalized plates. A $25 annual fee applies, with $17 of that amount donated to a dedicated "Native American Veteran special plate fund" established by the bill. This directly affects qualifying Native American veterans seeking this specific plate option.

Maddy summaryHB 2538 prohibits Arizona landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their income source, such as government benefits (e.g., Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, veterans' benefits) or private assistance. It requires landlords to count rent vouchers or subsidies toward income requirements when evaluating tenants and bans them from refusing rentals, evicting, or charging more because of a tenant’s income source. The law also prevents landlords from advertising preferences against tenants using such assistance. Violations are treated as unlawful under existing housing laws, with enforcement by the attorney general. This directly affects renters using public assistance and landlords managing rental properties.

Maddy summaryHB 2290 establishes a licensing requirement for student loan servicers operating in Arizona, directly affecting entities that manage student loans for borrowers. It mandates that most servicers obtain a state license (with exceptions for banks/credit unions), requiring application fees, financial disclosures, and criminal background checks. The bill also creates a state student loan ombudsman to handle borrower complaints, analyze issues, and develop an education course on loan terms and repayment options by 2025. Key provisions include license renewal rules, suspension for unpaid fees, and a requirement for servicers to notify the state of operational changes. This policy changes how student loan servicing is regulated within Arizona, focusing on oversight and borrower support.

Maddy summaryHB 2288 restricts tuition and fee increases at Arizona's public universities. It limits annual tuition hikes for in-state undergraduate students to the change in the metropolitan Phoenix consumer price index (CPI), but only if the state appropriates at least 50% of the tuition and mandatory fees. The bill also prohibits tuition increases for in-state undergraduates during their first four years of enrollment. Additionally, it requires public hearings and disclosure of proposed changes before any tuition or fee adjustments take effect. This directly affects the Arizona Board of Regents, public universities, and in-state undergraduate students.

Maddy summaryHB 2357 requires landlords in Arizona to provide tenants with specific written information at the start of a tenancy, including the name and address of property managers, owners authorized to receive legal notices, and the website for Arizona's residential landlord-tenant laws. It also mandates that landlords include the website address for tenant assistance resources (like azcourthelp.org) or local eviction prevention services in all written notices related to lease violations or eviction proceedings. This bill directly affects landlords (who must provide these disclosures) and tenants (who gain clearer access to legal resources and support). The key change is adding mandatory inclusion of tenant assistance information in eviction-related notices, without altering core eviction procedures or tenant obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 2286, the "Arizona Ban on Scholarship Displacement Act of 2025," prohibits eligible Arizona public universities and community colleges from reducing a student's gift aid (non-loan financial aid) because they receive a private scholarship, except when the gift aid exceeds the student's actual cost of attendance. It directly affects students enrolled in associate or bachelor's degree programs at eligible institutions (like Arizona Board of Regents universities or community colleges) who receive private scholarships from companies, foundations, or nonprofits (excluding university foundations or government aid). The bill requires institutions to consider private scholarship awards separately when determining financial aid, ensuring students retain full scholarship benefits unless the gift aid already covers their full cost of attendance. Key definitions clarify "cost of attendance" (including tuition, books, living expenses) and "gift aid" as non-loan financial support.

Maddy summaryHB 2501 repeals Arizona's right-to-work law (ARS 23-1302), which currently prohibits employers from requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment. The bill also amends related statutes to remove references to the repealed law, including adjustments to civil liability for employment violations and protections against retaliatory termination. However, the bill will not take effect unless voters approve a constitutional amendment for right-to-work at the next general election. This repeal would directly affect workers, employers, and labor unions by eliminating a key restriction on union security agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 2531 creates a new "community college access and success" special license plate program for Arizona vehicle owners. Community college districts must pay a one-time $32,000 fee to the state to implement the program. Once approved, vehicle owners can purchase these plates for a $25 annual fee, with $17 of that amount donated to the community college district. The plates will feature a design similar to historic collegiate plates (pre-1993) and may be personalized with an additional fee.

Maddy summaryHB 2282 requires Arizona's occupational licensing agencies to create pathways for obtaining licenses through approved apprenticeship programs. It mandates that applicants must complete a U.S. Department of Labor-approved or Arizona Department of Economic Security-approved apprenticeship program - either at a state-licensed school or under an approved trainer holding the same license - and pass any required exam. The bill specifically prohibits licensing exams from favoring applicants from apprenticeship programs over those from vocational schools. This directly affects workers seeking licenses in regulated fields (like construction or healthcare) and the state agencies that issue those licenses.