Rep. Ben Toma

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a referendum to ban foreign governments and non-governmental sources from donating money or services to Arizona election administration or ballot measure campaigns. It requires vendors and service providers to submit sworn certifications confirming they have not accepted such foreign contributions, with annual updates and quarterly reporting to the Secretary of State. Violations of these rules could result in the invalidation of contracts, misdemeanor charges, and civil lawsuits allowing private citizens to seek damages and injunctions. The legislation explicitly excludes federally recognized sovereign tribal nations from the definition of foreign sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to declare drug cartels as terrorist organizations within Arizona state law. It directs the Department of Homeland Security to take all actions within its authority to address the threat posed by these groups. The legislation defines a drug cartel as an association involved in human smuggling, drug trafficking for profit, or acts of terrorism, and defines a threat as anything harming individual rights or public safety. If approved by voters, this change would formally categorize drug cartels alongside terrorist organizations for legal and enforcement purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an Arizona statute to require the Department of State Real Estate to update its website with specific water supply information for home buyers. The department must post advice encouraging prospective buyers to investigate water availability and provide definitions for terms like "adequate water supply" and "inadequate water supply" in areas outside active management zones. Additionally, the department is required to display a current map showing all state areas that fall outside these active management zones. These changes aim to improve transparency regarding water resources for individuals purchasing real property in Arizona.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing Arizona statute to clarify how individuals can request notifications about court orders or filings related to a deceased person's estate. It allows any person with a financial or property interest in the estate to file a written demand for notice with the court after the decedent's death. Once a demand is filed, the court must provide notice to that person before issuing any relevant orders or accepting filings, though the bill states that orders issued without such notice remain valid. The bill also specifies that the person making the filing could be held liable for damages caused by failing to provide the required notice, and the notification requirement can be waived in writing by the person requesting it.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects a technical error in the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding the state's witness protection program. It clarifies that the director of the Department of Public Safety, with the attorney general's approval, can provide security, housing, and other support to witnesses and their families in criminal or civil cases where they face danger. The legislation also allows the state to contract with other government entities for these services and permits the cost of protection to be reimbursed by the witness's government if applicable. Additionally, it confirms that funds from the anti-racketeering revolving fund can be used to finance witness protection efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to mark its fiftieth anniversary since its founding in 1975. The resolution commends the organization for its leadership and the dedication of its employees in serving state and territorial legislators over the past half-century. It highlights NCSL's role in fostering cooperation among state legislatures and advancing the effectiveness of the legislative institution. This measure is a commemorative action with no changes to laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 7, 2024, as Victims of Communism Day in Arizona. It encourages state citizens and schools to observe the day by honoring people who suffered under communist regimes through persecution, imprisonment, and death. The legislation does not change any laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal proclamation to recognize the historical impact of communism.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Secure the Border Act, seeks to address concerns about border security by empowering law enforcement to arrest individuals who cross Arizona's southern border without using official ports of entry. It requires state agencies to verify the legal status of non-citizens applying for public benefits using a federal database and imposes felony penalties for knowingly submitting false documents to obtain such benefits. Additionally, the legislation creates a specific crime for selling fentanyl that results in death, aiming to increase penalties for drug-related offenses linked to the border crisis.