Rep. Lisa Fink

Maddy summaryHB 2635 amends Arizona's tax code to add new sales tax exemptions for specific items. It exempts sales of "cash equivalents" (like gift cards, stored-value cards, and prepaid digital payment tools) and "precious metal bullion" (refined gold, silver, etc.) from retail sales tax. The bill defines "cash equivalents" as pre-paid items denominated in money redeemable for goods/services, excluding telecom prepaids, and clarifies that "monetized bullion" (coins used as currency) is exempt. This directly affects retailers selling these items, removing tax liability on such transactions. The bill focuses solely on tax policy, with no provisions related to firearm storage devices as inaccurately suggested in the title.

Maddy summaryHB 2255 updates Arizona's child custody law to improve professional standards in family court proceedings. The bill requires court-appointed evaluators and investigators to complete specific training in domestic violence and child abuse (6 hours initially, 4 hours every two years) and prohibits courts from ordering psychiatric evaluations of parents without evidence of high risk to the child. It also mandates that courts cover all fees for these professionals instead of charging parents, reducing financial burdens in custody cases. This applies directly to Arizona family courts handling custody, parenting time, and legal decision-making disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 2059 prohibits Arizona state and local governments from participating in enforcing federal laws related to coal, oil, gas, timber, or related industries if those federal rules don't exist under Arizona law. It specifically bans using state funds or assets to assist federal enforcement efforts and requires state employees to avoid aiding such activities. Violations carry fines up to $3,000 for first offenses or misdemeanor charges for repeat violations, and local governments violating the law risk losing state grants. The bill is grounded in Supreme Court rulings (like *Printz v. United States*) affirming states' right to refuse federal mandates on resource regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 2113 prohibits displaying most flags on Arizona public property, applying only to state and local government entities (including schools and agencies). The bill allows specific exceptions: the American flag (per federal guidelines), POW/MIA flag, Arizona state flag, tribal flags, first responder flags (with design rules), and service flags like blue/gold star flags. It does not restrict flag displays by private individuals or entities. The law aims to standardize flag usage on government property while preserving recognized symbols.

Maddy summaryHCR 2014 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how Arizona's House of Representatives seats are designated and establish an independent redistricting commission. Starting in 2027, each legislative district would elect two representatives whose seats would be labeled "A" and "B" based on the alphabetical order of their names (surname then first name), requiring candidates to run for a specific seat. It also creates a five-member independent redistricting commission with strict rules to ensure political balance (no more than two members from the same party) and requires members to have been registered voters for at least three years without recent political office or lobbying roles. This amendment must be approved by Arizona voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2668 amends Arizona law to establish overtime pay rules for certain law enforcement and probation officers. It requires employers to compensate eligible officers (including police, peace officers, and correctional security personnel) at 1.5 times their regular pay or provide 1.5 hours of compensatory time off for each overtime hour worked, unless federal law already mandates higher rates. Probation officers specifically must be compensated for hours worked beyond 80 in a two-week period. The bill clarifies that "hours worked" includes principal job duties but excludes non-compensable activities under federal law, and it does not override existing agreements between employers and officers.

Maddy summaryHB 2822 requires nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Arizona that receive state contracts and operate near the state's international border to submit quarterly financial reports. These reports must detail all funding sources (including private, federal, and state money) and all expenditures related to the state contract. The bill directly affects border-area NGOs receiving state contracts, mandating transparency to the Senate President and House Speaker. It does not change how contracts are awarded but adds specific reporting obligations for these organizations. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (first and second reading in February 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 2870 requires Arizona law enforcement agencies (including police departments, sheriff's offices, and public safety departments) to provide written explanations to job applicants who were not hired or advanced in the hiring process. The summary must detail specific reasons, such as concerning background information, physical fitness test failures, medical concerns from exams, polygraph results, or psychological exam issues. This bill directly affects applicants whose hiring was denied or delayed by these agencies. It aims to increase transparency in hiring decisions by standardizing the information provided to applicants. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House first and second readings).

Maddy summaryHB 2762 amends Arizona law to clarify that children aged 14 or older who are mature enough can express a preference for which parent they wish to live with regarding custody and parenting time. The bill states that a child's choice is presumed valid unless the court determines it is not in their best interests. This applies directly to minors in custody disputes who meet the age and maturity criteria. The change requires courts to consider the child's preference as a key factor when making legal decision-making and parenting time rulings. The amendment does not override other best-interest factors but ensures a child's expressed choice is given significant weight in court decisions.

Maddy summarySB 1686 clarifies that the county recorder is the "officer in charge of elections" for Arizona counties, directly affecting county election officials. It updates rules for establishing election precinct boundaries and designating polling places, requiring county recorders to set boundaries by October 1 before elections and follow specific guidelines for combining precincts or using voting centers. The bill also mandates that public schools must provide space for polling places unless principals deny requests with written reasons like lack of space or safety concerns. These changes aim to standardize election administration procedures for county recorders managing polling locations.