Rep. Michele Peña

Maddy summaryHB 2110 requires Arizona school governing bodies - including school boards, charter school boards, and other educational institution leaders - to allow any member to pray during meetings upon request. It specifically applies to governing groups at public school districts, charter schools, career technical education districts, the Arizona state schools for the deaf and blind, community colleges, and public universities. The bill mandates that if a member requests to pray, the meeting must accommodate that request without requiring prayer. This policy change directly affects how school governance meetings are conducted across Arizona's public education system.

Maddy summaryHB 4027 renames Arizona's Loop 202 highway as the "Charlie Kirk Highway" for official records and signage. The bill requires all state documents, records, and transportation department signage to include the new name after enactment, without replacing any existing designations. This is a ceremonial procedural bill with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2993 amends Arizona law to clarify when state agencies can hire their own legal counsel. Typically, agencies must use the Attorney General's office for legal representation, but exceptions allow them to hire outside lawyers if the Attorney General is disqualified (e.g., due to a conflict of interest) or in specific cases like pesticide complaints involving the Department of Agriculture. The bill also requires agencies with their own legal divisions (funded by non-general revenue) to reimburse the state general fund for legal services provided by the Attorney General. This affects all state agencies, including the Department of Public Safety (DPS), by defining their legal representation options and reimbursement obligations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 2064) expressing the Arizona Legislature's condolences upon the passing of former state legislator Barbara Leff. It honors her 1996-2006 service representing Paradise Valley, her work on HMO reform and economic development, and her contributions to voter information systems. The resolution extends sympathy to her surviving family members (husband, children, grandchildren) and acknowledges her community leadership. It has no policy impact or legislative effect beyond this expression of respect.

Maddy summaryHB 2827 establishes annual groundwater withdrawal fees up to $5 per acre-foot for users in Arizona's Prescott, Santa Cruz, Tucson, Phoenix, and Pinal active management areas. The fees fund specific purposes: administration ($0.50-$1/acre-ft), water supply augmentation ($2/acre-ft), Arizona water banking ($2.50/acre-ft in Tucson/Phoenix), and purchasing grandfathered rights ($2/acre-ft). Notably, the Pinal area will collect a $2.50/acre-ft fee specifically for irrigation efficiency projects from 2020 through 2030. The bill exempts small irrigators (≤10 acres) with grandfathered rights from fees unless part of an integrated farm operation.

Maddy summaryHB 2112 creates a new "Conservative Grassroots Network" special license plate option in Arizona. To implement this, a single entity must pay the state $32,000 upfront, design the plate (subject to state approval), and the plate will carry an annual $25 fee. Of that $25, $17 annually goes directly to a dedicated "Conservative Grassroots Network special plate fund" administered by the state. This program affects Arizona vehicle owners who choose this plate option and provides funding to the named organization through plate fees. The bill does not alter standard license plate rules but adds this specific special plate category with defined funding mechanics.

Maddy summaryHB 2725 prevents AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program) from requiring patients to switch from non-opioid pain medications to opioids when a doctor prescribes a non-opioid for chronic or acute pain. It also prohibits stricter coverage rules - like more difficult prior authorization or step therapy - for non-opioid pain drugs compared to opioid alternatives. The bill directly affects AHCCCS members prescribed pain medication and their healthcare providers. Key provisions mandate equal treatment in coverage policies for clinically appropriate non-opioid and opioid pain drugs. This bill is pending in the Arizona legislature after its first reading in January 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4036 regulates the use of specific bulk drug substances in compounded medications, primarily targeting drugs for obesity or weight management. It requires compounders to use only pharmaceutical-grade bulk substances meeting U.S. Pharmacopeia standards, conduct rigorous quality testing, verify supplier compliance with FDA registration, and maintain detailed records for two years. The bill also mandates truthful advertising disclosures, including clear statements that compounded medications are not FDA-approved. These provisions directly affect pharmacies and compounding facilities that create custom medications, with violations subject to $1,000 per dose penalties or license suspension.

Maddy summaryHR 2006 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arizona House of Representatives honoring Yvonne Glee Lime Fedderson, who died on January 23, 2026. The resolution expresses the House's sympathy to her family and admirers while recognizing her founding role in Childhelp and her decades of work advancing child welfare programs, including establishing the first national child abuse hotline and advocacy centers. It directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to her family and Childhelp organization. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryHB 4037 creates a new refundable education tax credit for Arizona taxpayers with qualifying children. The credit (up to 80% of the state's base support level) applies to children not enrolled in public school or scholarship programs for more than 50% of instructional days. Taxpayers can claim this credit starting tax year 2026, with excess credit paid as a refund. The bill also modifies income tax filing procedures to streamline forms for eligible taxpayers and requires electronic filing for tax preparers handling over 10 returns annually.