Rep. Lydia Hernandez

Maddy summaryHB 2677 amends Arizona law to specifically prohibit preventing someone from entering or exiting a place of worship through physical blocking, detention, or force/threats. This directly affects individuals or entities who obstruct access to religious sites, such as security personnel or others blocking entrances. The bill classifies this act as a class 6 felony (unless the victim is safely released before arrest, making it a misdemeanor), adding it as a specific scenario under unlawful imprisonment. It defines "place of worship" per existing law and clarifies that this provision applies to the specific act of hindering religious access.

Maddy summaryHB 2922 amends Arizona law to exempt homeowners from obstruction charges when refusing police entry to their residential property. Specifically, it removes the criminal penalty for a residential property owner who declines to open a door to a peace officer seeking entry. The bill does not affect commercial properties or alter police authority to obtain warrants for searches. This change directly impacts homeowners who may refuse entry during routine police inquiries without facing felony charges under the obstruction statute.

Maddy summaryHB 2864 amends Arizona law to define "misconduct involving weapons," adding 17 specific prohibited actions. Key provisions include banning concealed carry of deadly weapons near schools, polling places, or in vehicles during serious crimes, and prohibiting instigating others to commit such offenses (newly added in subsection A.17). The law directly affects individuals carrying weapons in restricted locations or circumstances, such as failing to disclose weapons to police or supplying firearms to those likely to commit felonies. Exceptions cover law enforcement, military personnel, licensed museums, and specific educational activities, but the bill focuses on expanding prohibited conduct rather than altering penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 2598 amends Arizona campaign finance rules to increase penalties for political committees missing filing deadlines. Committees face $20 per day for the first 15 days late, then $50 per day after, with penalties accruing until reports are filed. Failure to file three consecutive reports triggers automatic temporary suspension, requiring compliance within 30 days to avoid permanent suspension. This directly affects political action committees and parties managing campaign finances in Arizona.

Maddy summaryHB 2865, titled "Jordin's Law," clarifies Arizona's definition of a "prohibited possessor" under firearm laws by amending Section 13-3101 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. It specifies who is barred from possessing firearms, including individuals convicted of felonies (with rights not restored), undocumented immigrants (with exceptions for hunters, shooting event participants, or diplomats), people subject to certain court orders (like mental health holds or domestic violence protection orders), and those serving prison terms or probation for violent offenses. The bill also defines "prohibited weapons," such as short-barreled rifles or machine guns, but states these definitions do not override federal law compliance. This is a definitional update to existing law, not a new restriction on firearm access.

Maddy summaryHB 2823 prohibits Arizona's Department of Corrections from renewing or creating new contracts with private prison operators that include a "minimum occupancy clause." This means the state cannot require private prisons to maintain a specific occupancy rate, and will only pay for the actual number of inmates physically housed at the facility. The bill directly affects the state department and private prison operators by changing how contracts are structured and paid. It applies to all new contracts or renewals after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2803 repeals Arizona Revised Statute 15-911 and amends ARS 15-1285 to exempt school districts and career technical education districts from state budgetary spending limits. Specifically, funds received by these districts under the relevant chapter are not counted as local revenue for constitutional budget calculations and cannot be restricted by existing expenditure caps. This allows school districts to use state-provided funds without being constrained by the usual spending limits that apply to local revenue. The bill also includes related adjustments to expenditure limitation calculations for counties but focuses primarily on increasing school district financial flexibility.

Maddy summaryHB 2685 allocates $5 million from a consumer restitution fund to provide three-year grants for up to three telehealth mental health providers serving Arizona K-12 schools. The grants fund providers who offer free, evidence-based mental health services (like therapy for anxiety and depression) via telehealth during school hours, coordinate with school staff, and serve all students regardless of insurance or payment ability. Providers must meet specific criteria, including not having received prior state funding for similar services and demonstrating capacity to serve diverse communities from urban to tribal schools. The funding is exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules until June 2029. This bill directly affects Arizona public school students by expanding access to in-school mental health support through telehealth.

Maddy summaryHB 2867 clarifies that Arizona driver's licenses are not proof of citizenship. The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes to adjust definitions and prohibitions related to driver's license issuance, ensuring citizenship status is not required for obtaining a license. It prevents driver's licenses from being treated as evidence of citizenship in any context. This change directly affects all Arizona residents applying for or renewing a driver's license.

Maddy summaryHB 2670 prohibits Arizona employers (including state agencies) from threatening or punishing employees for declining to attend meetings or participate in communications about religious beliefs or political matters, such as elections or political parties. Employees who face retaliation can file a civil lawsuit within 120 days to seek reinstatement, back pay, benefits, and attorney fees. The law does not apply to communications required by law, necessary for job duties, or part of academic programs at colleges, nor does it cover religious organizations exempt under federal law. It requires employers to post a notice of these rights within 30 days of the law taking effect.