Rep. Lydia Hernandez

Maddy summaryHB 2379 allocates $5 million from Arizona's state general fund for home and community-based services and an additional $5 million for senior housing assistance, to be distributed by the Department of Economic Security to area agencies on aging during fiscal year 2025-2026. These funds directly support programs helping seniors age in place and access housing resources through local agencies. The bill establishes specific funding amounts for two distinct senior services categories without changing eligibility rules or creating new requirements. It is currently in early legislative stages, having passed House first and second readings on January 23 and 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2497 establishes a study committee to examine health insurance costs for Arizona school district employees and their dependents. The committee, composed of appointed members including health insurance representatives, school district officials, teachers, and school board members, will analyze current insurance plans and costs. It must recommend affordable ways to maintain high-quality health coverage for educators and their families. The committee must submit its findings and recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2026, and will be dissolved after October 31, 2027.

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 2382 requires Arizona employers to implement written heat and cold illness prevention programs for workers. It mandates free water access (at least one quart per hour), 10-minute cool-down breaks every two hours (more frequent at 100°F), and thermometer monitoring when temperatures reach 80°F or higher. Employers must provide shade access, cold-related safety plans for indoor work below 60°F, and personal protective equipment at no cost when engineering controls are insufficient. The bill directly affects all Arizona employers with indoor or outdoor workers, including those with vehicle-based work requiring air conditioning below 80°F.

Maddy summaryHCR 2001 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit the death penalty in Arizona. If approved by voters, it would add a new section to the Arizona Constitution stating "No person shall be sentenced to death in this state," effectively banning capital punishment for all future cases. The bill also repeals existing constitutional language allowing death sentences (Article XXII, Section 22) and adjusts related provisions about bail and jury trials to maintain constitutional consistency. This amendment would directly affect anyone facing a capital murder charge in Arizona, removing the death penalty as a sentencing option. The proposal requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 1174 expands tuition waiver scholarships in Arizona for children and spouses of public safety and military personnel who died in the line of duty or from injuries sustained while traveling to or from work. The bill specifically includes individuals who suffered a posttraumatic stress injury and died by suicide, requiring verification from relevant memorial boards or the department of veterans' services. Eligible recipients can receive up to 64 credit hours at community colleges or enough credits for a bachelor's degree at universities, provided they meet age and marital status requirements. Additionally, the law extends these benefits to National Guard members with Purple Heart citations and veterans with significant service-connected disabilities.

Maddy summarySB 1018 amends state law to update how the Arizona State Board of Equalization calculates spending limits for school districts and other political subdivisions. The bill requires the commission to determine these limits annually based on population growth and changes in the GDP price deflator, which measures inflation. It also provides specific formulas for setting limits in new cities, towns, or counties that are created or divided. By adjusting these calculations, the legislation ensures that spending caps reflect current economic conditions and demographic shifts rather than fixed historical figures.