Rep. Cesar Aguilar

Maddy summaryThis bill, if approved by Arizona voters, would increase the state's minimum wage to $12 per hour starting January 1, 2020, with annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2028 based on the consumer price index. It would allow employers to pay tipped workers a base wage up to $3 less per hour than the minimum wage if tips make up the difference, but this exception would end on January 1, 2030, requiring full minimum wage payment for all workers thereafter. The measure directly affects Arizona workers, particularly low-wage and tipped employees, and aims to provide a wage floor that rises with living costs.

Maddy summaryHB 2740 appropriates $500,000 from Arizona's state general fund for the Arizona Office of African-American Affairs' operating expenses during fiscal year 2026-2027. This funding bill directly supports the office's ongoing operations, including staff and administrative costs. The legislation provides no new policy changes or program expansions, solely allocating existing state funds for the office's current functions. As a procedural budget measure, it does not affect specific constituents or create new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2643 links landlord-tenant violations to consumer fraud enforcement in Arizona. It states that when a landlord breaks Chapter 10 of Arizona's landlord-tenant law (covering issues like security deposits or habitability), that violation is automatically considered a consumer fraud under state law. This means tenants could pursue remedies through Arizona's consumer fraud statutes (Title 44, Chapter 10, Article 7), which offer stronger enforcement tools like civil penalties and attorney fees. The bill directly affects landlords who violate tenant protections and tenants seeking legal recourse. (Note: The bill is in early stages, having received its first House reading on January 20, 2026.)

Maddy summaryHB 2294 requires Arizona's occupational licensing agencies to establish clear pathways for obtaining licenses, certificates, or registrations through approved apprenticeship programs. It mandates that apprenticeships must be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or Arizona's Department of Economic Security, and that any required examination cannot discriminate against apprenticeship completers versus vocational school graduates. This directly affects individuals seeking occupational licenses (e.g., in construction, healthcare, or trades) and the state agencies that oversee licensing. The law aims to standardize and expand accessible licensing routes while ensuring fair evaluation for all training paths.

Maddy summaryHB 2582 clarifies the one-week waiting period requirement for Arizona unemployment benefits. It specifies that the waiting period does not count toward eligibility if the week occurs within the benefit year, if the claimant was already eligible for benefits that week, or if benefits were already paid for that week. This affects unemployed Arizonans claiming benefits under the state's unemployment compensation program. The bill amends eligibility rules (Section 23-771) to make the waiting period conditions clearer, without changing the one-week requirement itself. The change aims to reduce confusion for claimants and administrative processing.

Maddy summaryHB 2646 establishes three fundamental rights for Arizona children: the right to maintain relationships with parents (including visitation during parental incarceration), access to confidential health care services (such as contraception, STI treatment, and mental health care without parental consent), and enrollment in public schools with in-person instruction. The bill requires any law affecting these rights to prioritize the child's best interest and be narrowly tailored to a compelling government interest. It specifically allows children to consent to certain health services independently and overrides parental direction regarding public school enrollment. The law applies directly to Arizona children and their parents or legal guardians.

Maddy summaryHB 2678 adds a new exemption to Arizona's retail sales tax code, removing sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products. This directly affects consumers who purchase these essential items and retailers selling them. The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes § 42-5061 to explicitly exempt "diapers and feminine hygiene products" from the state's retail sales tax, aligning with similar exemptions for items like food and medical supplies. The change applies to all qualifying products sold within Arizona, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2636 proposes to increase Arizona's individual income tax rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021. The bill would amend tax brackets to raise rates across all income levels for both residents and nonresidents earning income within Arizona. Key provisions include adjusting the percentage rates applied to different income ranges, such as increasing the top marginal rate for single filers and married couples filing jointly. This legislation directly affects all Arizona taxpayers subject to individual income tax, with changes applying to future tax years. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First/Second Reading in 2026).

Maddy summaryHB 2715 repeals Section 9-461.16 of Arizona's zoning code, which previously addressed specific municipal planning procedures. This bill does not alter the main zoning regulations found in Section 9-462.01 (which governs land use, building standards, and special districts like historical or age-restricted zones). Municipalities will continue to operate under the existing zoning framework, as this repeal only removes one specific section from the statutes. The bill directly affects local governments that implement zoning ordinances but does not change how communities regulate housing or land use.

Maddy summaryHB 2300 strengthens protections for mobile home renters in Arizona by requiring landlords to follow specific notice procedures before eviction and banning excessive fees. It mandates a 5-7 day waiting period after a court ruling before eviction enforcement can begin, prevents landlords from charging fees for background checks if tenants provide their own reports, and requires written disclosure of landlord contact information before lease signing. The bill directly affects mobile home tenants and landlords by standardizing eviction processes, limiting fees, and ensuring clear communication. Key provisions include prohibiting "application fees" for background checks and requiring landlords to provide physical addresses for tenant contact. These changes aim to create fairer rental practices without altering tenant rights beyond the specified legal procedures.