Rep. Anna Abeytia

Maddy summaryHB 2289 would increase Arizona's minimum wage in phased steps, starting at $10 per hour in 2017 and rising to $18 per hour by 2025. After 2025, the wage would automatically adjust annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) to account for cost-of-living changes. The bill also allows employers to pay tipped workers a base wage up to $3 less per hour, provided total tips and wages meet the minimum wage requirement for all hours worked. This applies to most covered employees in Arizona, excluding certain agricultural or seasonal workers as defined by existing law. The bill requires a three-fourths vote in both legislative chambers to become effective.

Maddy summaryHCR 2030 requires Arizona public schools to identify the primary language of all new students and assess English proficiency using state-approved tests. It mandates that students not proficient in English be enrolled in structured English immersion programs with specific daily instructional time (120 minutes for K-5, 100 minutes for grades 6-12). The bill repeals older language education rules and creates a framework for the state board to approve research-based English instruction models, including annual reviews and budget procedures for schools. This directly affects English language learners (ELLs) and their schools, focusing on standardized assessment, program enrollment, and funding mechanisms. The bill establishes the Arizona English Language Learner Fund to support these programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 adds two new official state holidays to Arizona's calendar: "Cesar Chavez Day" on March 31 and "Dolores Huerta Day" on April 1. The bill amends Arizona's statutes to include these dates in the list of recognized holidays for state employees and institutions. It directly affects state operations by designating these specific dates as days when state offices and schools would typically close. The key provision is the formal inclusion of these observances into the state's holiday schedule, honoring these civil rights leaders through official recognition.

Maddy summarySB 1185 requires Arizona municipalities to provide 24-hour access to public restrooms and potable water for homeless individuals, and counties to do the same for county-maintained facilities. The bill establishes statewide preemption, prohibiting local governments from adding further regulations on this requirement. It declares homelessness a statewide concern, making the access mandate uniform across all jurisdictions. The bill failed to pass on February 20, 2025, after advancing through Senate readings.

Maddy summaryHB 2284 prohibits cities and local authorities in Arizona from enacting or enforcing ordinances that ban "cruising" - defined as repetitive driving past the same location without a destination within a specific time period. The bill amends traffic laws to prevent local governments from banning this activity, ensuring uniform state traffic regulations apply across all communities. It clarifies that cities may still adopt other traffic rules not conflicting with state law, but cannot target cruising through local ordinances. The bill does not create new traffic rules but limits local authority to ban a specific driving behavior. This directly affects cities' ability to regulate traffic patterns under local ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 2005) expressing the Arizona House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of former state representative Martha Garcia. It does not create new laws or affect any constituents; it solely serves as a formal tribute to her service. The resolution memorializes her 2004-2010 tenure in the Arizona House, her advocacy for children and crime victims, and her community work. It was unanimously passed by the House on February 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2902 amends Arizona's corporate income tax law to increase the minimum tax for larger corporations. It sets a $1,000 minimum tax for corporations with 50 or more employees (up from $50), while smaller corporations remain subject to the $50 minimum. This change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and affects businesses meeting the employee threshold. The bill modifies Section 43-1111 of Arizona Revised Statutes to implement this targeted tax adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 2911 allocates $5 million annually from the state general fund for Arizona's Department of Child Safety (DCS) to support its existing Healthy Families Program. The funding covers fiscal years 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028, with the legislature intending this to become ongoing annual funding. This bill directly affects the DCS program, which provides services to families, though it does not change the program's structure or eligibility. The key mechanism is the dedicated state funding stream for the program's operations. The bill focuses solely on financial support for an established service, with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2907 changes eligibility rules for Arizona school district governing board members. It prohibits school employees (including third-party contractors) and their spouses from serving on the board, and bans immediate family members who lived in the same household within the past four years from serving simultaneously on five-member boards. For larger districts (over 250 students in high-population counties), it limits to two related members (by blood or marriage) on the board. The bill also requires candidates to submit written statements disclosing family relationships with other candidates or board members, and allows residents to sue if these rules are violated. This directly affects school board candidates and members in Arizona school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2900 updates Arizona's health insurance appeal process for denied coverage. It gives members up to two years to request an initial appeal after a denial and requires insurers to send written acknowledgment within five business days. The bill specifies that appeal reviews for medical necessity must be conducted by licensed physicians or advanced practice nurses (like nurse practitioners), and clarifies when external reviews can be requested. This affects patients, healthcare providers, and insurers by standardizing appeal timelines and review procedures.