Maddy summaryHB 2679 establishes a new framework for Arizona public power entities (like municipal utilities) to finance infrastructure upgrades by issuing "Transition Bonds." These bonds are secured by future customer payments called "Financing Charges," which become nonbypassable fees added to all customers' utility bills until the costs are fully recovered. The bill creates specific definitions for terms like "Financing Charges," "Qualified Special Purpose Entity," and "Transition Bonds," ensuring these payments cannot be avoided regardless of the customer's service provider or asset ownership. This mechanism allows public power entities to shift financing costs to customers over time rather than relying solely on traditional rate increases.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2380 establishes the Arizona Rare Disease Advisory Council within the state department to address the needs of Arizonans with rare diseases. The council, composed of 16 diverse members including patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, researchers, insurers, and industry representatives, will conduct public hearings, research barriers like high treatment costs and insurance coverage gaps, and develop policy recommendations. It must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature by December 1st, detailing its work and suggesting improvements to healthcare access, diagnostics, and coverage for rare disease patients. This council directly serves Arizona residents living with rare diseases, their caregivers, and healthcare providers seeking better treatment options and system support.
Maddy summaryHCR 2051 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by Arizona's legislature to formally declare its intent to protect Yuma agriculture and Arizona's Colorado River water rights. It highlights Yuma's unique role as the source of 90% of North America's leafy greens during winter, its $4.2 billion economic contribution, and its status as the most water-efficient agricultural area in the Colorado River basin. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a public statement of legislative support. It directly affects Arizona's water policy discussions and Yuma's agricultural interests by affirming their national significance. This resolution was adopted by both chambers and transmitted to the Secretary of State on May 6, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2880 prohibits unauthorized encampments on Arizona university and community college campuses, requiring immediate dismantling if established without prior authorization. It mandates that campus officials direct occupants to leave, warn of criminal trespass charges (pursuant to Arizona law), and pursue legal action for removal if refused. Students who refuse to vacate face disciplinary action under their institution's code of conduct, while individuals establishing encampments are liable for all property damage costs and may face criminal prosecution for property damage. The law directly affects students, campus administrators, and anyone attempting to establish protest or temporary housing on campus grounds without approval.
Maddy summarySB 1106, titled "Ava's Law," modifies Arizona's public entity liability rules regarding sexual offenses. It clarifies that public entities (like schools or government agencies) generally cannot be held liable for sexual offenses committed by employees against minors or children with disabilities, **unless** the entity violated a duty to check employee backgrounds or failed to report known risks. The law applies only to offenses occurring on or after December 31, 2027, and does not affect liability for vehicle-related incidents or emergency care. This bill focuses on defining specific circumstances where public entities may face liability, not broader policy changes.
Maddy summarySB 1311 creates a new "West Valley Charity Special Plate" for Arizona vehicle owners. To implement this, a person must pay $32,000 to the state department upfront, then vehicle owners pay a $25 annual fee ($17 of which is donated to the West Valley Charity Special Plate Fund). The department issues the plates after design approval, and the fund receives all $17 annual donations from plate fees. This program affects Arizona drivers who choose this specialty plate, with the charity fund supporting West Valley community initiatives.
Maddy summaryHB 2883 is a technical correction to Arizona law that fixes wording in Section 15-326 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. It clarifies that school district boards may sue and be sued, and hold and convey property for the district’s benefit - consistent with existing legal authority. The bill directly affects school district governing boards across Arizona by correcting a grammatical error in the statute. It does not create new powers or change policy, only ensuring the law is properly worded. The bill was introduced in 2025 but ultimately failed to pass.
Maddy summaryHB 2259 amends Arizona's railroad crossing safety laws to clarify when drivers must stop and how they must proceed. It requires all drivers approaching a crossing to stop 15-50 feet from the tracks if signals are active, gates are down, trains are visible, or conditions are hazardous. Specific rules apply to commercial vehicles (must ensure space on the other side), school buses (must follow district policy), and heavy equipment (must notify railroads and confirm safety before crossing). The bill also prohibits U-turns on tracks, proceeding around gates, and pedestrians lingering in active crossing zones. These changes directly affect all drivers, commercial operators, and heavy equipment users at railroad grade crossings statewide.
Maddy summaryHB 2381 allows Arizona employees to file written claims with the Department of Economic Security for unpaid wages up to $15,000 within one year of when the wages were due. It gives the department authority to collect these wages through legal remedies like garnishment and deposit collected funds into a special state fund for direct payment to affected workers. The bill directly affects employees owed small amounts of unpaid wages by their employers, streamlining the process for recovery without requiring a court lawsuit. Key changes include setting a clear $15,000 cap on claims, shortening the filing deadline to one year, and establishing the department as the primary collector and distributor of unpaid wages.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona's child neglect definitions in Section 8-201 of the Revised Statutes. It adds specific criteria for "abandoned" (e.g., minimal parental effort after six months) and expands "abuse" to explicitly include sexual offenses against minors and certain hazardous situations. The changes clarify how child neglect and abuse are legally defined, affecting cases handled by the Department of Child Safety (DCS) and juvenile courts. It does not create new financial assistance or policy changes - it only refines existing legal terminology for consistency. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First Reading).