Rep. Nick Kupper

Maddy summaryHB 2855 declares that drug cartels operating in Arizona are terrorist organizations under state law. It defines "drug cartel" to include groups involved in human smuggling, drug trafficking, or terrorism, and requires the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to address the threat they pose. The bill explicitly states this definition does not affect individuals' claims for asylum under federal law. This legislation aims to empower state agencies to combat border-related criminal activity, based on voter-approved findings about public safety concerns linked to transnational cartels.

Maddy summaryHB 2633 creates a new legal tool allowing individuals to seek dismissal of lawsuits they believe were filed to retaliate against their exercise of constitutional rights, such as free speech, peaceful assembly, or political advocacy. To use this tool, the person must first provide evidence showing the lawsuit was substantially motivated by a desire to deter or punish such protected activities (a "prima facie" showing). State government entities (like agencies or officials) face additional requirements to defend against such motions, including proving they were unaware of the person's protected activity or had consistent practices for similar cases. If successful, the moving party can recover attorney fees and costs, while courts must stay discovery proceedings during the motion. This bill directly affects individuals facing civil lawsuits they claim are retaliatory, not state actors.

Maddy summaryHB 2405, the "Topical Medical Waste Reduction Act," allows hospitals and outpatient surgical centers to offer unused topical medications (like antibiotic ointments, anti-inflammatory gels, or eye drops) to patients upon discharge if the medication was ordered at least 24 hours before a procedure and is needed for ongoing treatment. It requires facilities to label such medications properly and waives standard pharmacist counseling when doctors provide instructions directly in operating rooms or emergency departments. The law specifically applies to topical medications administered during surgical or emergency visits, aiming to reduce medical waste while ensuring patients receive necessary continuing care. This bill affects healthcare facilities, prescribers, and patients receiving these specific topical treatments during procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2384 requires Arizona insurers to use wildfire risk modeling for fire insurance policies in cities and towns with fewer than 150,000 residents. It mandates that insurers base premiums on community-level wildfire mitigation efforts, specifically rewarding properties in "Firewise USA Site" communities that have implemented proven safety measures. This policy change directly affects homeowners in smaller Arizona communities and insurers operating there, shifting how wildfire risk is assessed from individual properties to community-wide safety programs. The law aims to incentivize community-wide wildfire preparedness by offering lower insurance rates to areas with certified mitigation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona's definition of "dangerous drug" to include specific synthetic compounds under new categories, such as cannabimimetic substances (e.g., JWH-018, JWH-073) and other listed chemicals. It directly affects individuals possessing or using these substances, as it establishes legal thresholds for enforcement under Arizona law. The key provision redefines "dangerous drug" to explicitly cover these synthetic compounds, including their salts, isomers, and derivatives, without exception. This change clarifies legal boundaries for law enforcement and pharmacists (referencing the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy) regarding these substances. Note: The bill's title mentions "hydrolyzed cocaine," but the actual text focuses on defining dangerous drugs, not hydrolyzed cocaine.

Maddy summaryHB 2115 makes it illegal to observe a nude minor solely for the purpose of sexual gratification, classifying this as a class 2 felony. The law directly affects individuals who engage in this conduct, applying to all minors regardless of age. This amendment to Arizona law (Section 13-3553) specifically adds "observing a nude minor for sexual gratification" as a new prohibited act under sexual exploitation of a minor charges.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 prohibits Arizona critical infrastructure providers (including utilities, telecoms, emergency services, and water systems) from using software, equipment, or vendors owned or controlled by foreign adversaries - defined as countries designated under federal law (15 CFR §791.4). It requires replacing existing equipment from federally banned corporations with U.S.-made alternatives by 2025, mandates annual certification to the attorney general, and bans government contracts with prohibited vendors. The law applies to all critical infrastructure service providers and government entities purchasing equipment like routers, modems, or traffic enforcement systems. The attorney general must publish an annual list of banned vendors on their website, starting December 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 2037) is a concurrent resolution proposing to repeal specific definitions related to prohibited weapons in Arizona law. It seeks voter approval to remove definitions from Arizona Revised Statutes sections 13-3101, 13-3102, and 13-3110 that currently define terms like "firearm," "prohibited possessor," and "deadly weapon." If approved by voters, the repeal would eliminate these definitions from the law, though it does not change existing prohibited weapons restrictions or penalties. The measure is procedural and requires voter approval via referendum, not legislative enactment.

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2663 requires school principals or designated administrators to provide teachers with written certification before allowing a temporarily removed student to return to class. This certification must state the authorization for readmission and describe any disciplinary action taken for the behavior that led to the removal. The bill applies to all public school classrooms where regular instruction occurs and clarifies that "rules governing student conduct" include district policies, school procedures, and teacher-developed classroom management plans. The law aims to ensure transparency in classroom management decisions and is currently awaiting the governor's action after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 2025) proposes a constitutional amendment that would require 60% voter approval for two types of measures: constitutional amendments and tax-related initiatives or referendums. Currently, these measures only need a majority (over 50%) of votes to pass. If approved by voters, this change would raise the threshold for these specific measures from a simple majority to 60% of votes cast. The amendment would also prevent the legislature from repealing or amending such measures without a 3/4 vote in each chamber, and would restrict fund diversion for tax-related initiatives. This resolution requires voter approval after legislative passage.