Rep. Lisa Fink

Maddy summaryHB 2553 authorizes Arizona to participate in a federal tax credit program (under Internal Revenue Code section 25F) that allows individuals to claim a tax credit for contributions to certified scholarship organizations. It requires the Arizona Department of Education to certify nonprofit scholarship organizations meeting federal standards and maintain a public list of certified organizations by January 1 each year. Starting December 31, 2026, these certified organizations may provide scholarships for elementary or secondary education expenses to eligible students, in alignment with federal law. The bill directly affects Arizona residents who contribute to scholarship programs and the nonprofit organizations administering them.

Maddy summaryHB 2366 limits Arizona election precincts to a maximum of 2,500 registered voters and prohibits the use of voting centers (where voters can choose any location in the county) for regular elections, requiring each precinct to have a designated polling place. County election boards must now establish precincts within the voter limit and cannot replace designated polling places with centralized voting centers. Emergency voting centers are permitted only with a specific, recorded vote by the board for a single election, under strict conditions. This bill affects county election boards and changes how polling locations are organized for regular elections, taking effect in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2377 sets new rules for employment contracts and evaluations of school leaders in Arizona. It limits superintendent and principal contracts to three years (with a 15-month notice period before renewal) and requires school districts to offer equal non-salary benefits to all staff, not just leadership. The bill also mandates annual performance evaluations for principals and school psychologists, including improvement plans and appeal processes. School districts must formally offer new contracts by May 15 (or June 15 if an override election occurs) and provide performance records to other districts for hiring. These changes directly affect superintendents, principals, and school psychologists in Arizona public and charter schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2334 prohibits food products (including livestock, poultry, and produce) sold in Arizona from containing or being "implanted with" messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, as defined in the bill. It requires food manufacturers and retailers to label products with country of origin, country of alteration, and vaccination/medication details for livestock/poultry. Organic produce labels must also list all sprays/coatings applied, with retailers providing signage for unpackaged items. The law takes effect on December 31, 2026, directly affecting food sellers and producers in Arizona. This bill focuses on labeling requirements and a specific prohibition regarding mRNA in food, though it conflates mRNA technology (typically used in medical vaccines) with food production.

Maddy summaryHB 2642 bans the distribution of pesticides containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or certain fluorinated chemicals, and herbicides containing glyphosate, effective December 31, 2027. This directly affects pesticide manufacturers, distributors, and agricultural users who currently rely on these products. The key provision adds two new prohibitions to Arizona's pesticide regulations, targeting specific chemical classes known for environmental and health concerns. The law provides a clear effective date for these bans without immediate implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2556 creates "law enforcement support special plates" for Arizona vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, individuals must pay a one-time $32,000 fee to the state department (not an annual fee), which funds the program. The $25 annual special plate fee includes a $17 contribution to a dedicated law enforcement support fund, with the remaining $8 covering administrative costs. This affects only owners who choose to purchase these specific plates, not all drivers. The plates must be designed by the payer (with state approval) and may be combined with personalized plate requests.

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2640 prohibits the distribution and use of fertilizers containing PFAS chemicals (perfluorooalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, or fluorinated organic chemicals with two or more fully fluorinated carbon atoms) starting December 31, 2027. The bill directly affects fertilizer distributors and manufacturers who currently use these substances in their products. Key provisions require the director to ban such fertilizers after 2027 and establish enforcement mechanisms, including license cancellation and penalties for violations. This policy change specifically targets PFAS in agricultural fertilizers, with no exemptions specified.

Maddy summaryHB 2335 prohibits health professionals in Arizona from refusing medical care to patients based solely on their vaccination status. It directly affects healthcare providers (like doctors and nurses) and patients, making such refusal an act of "unprofessional conduct" under state law. The key provision adds this specific prohibition to Arizona's professional conduct rules, requiring providers to offer care without discrimination related to vaccination. If enacted, this would prevent healthcare access denials tied to whether a patient is vaccinated or not.

Maddy summaryHB 2365 establishes clear procedures for handling newborns left at designated safe haven locations (such as hospitals, churches, or fire stations). It requires immediate hospital examinations, directs private adoption agencies to take custody within 24 hours if able, and mandates the state department to contact the next agency on a rotating list if needed - ensuring custody is secured within 48 hours. The bill directly affects newborns left at safe havens, adoption agencies, hospitals, and the Department of Child Safety. It also requires agencies to cover medical costs if the infant is ineligible for state health programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2387 prohibits school district officials in districts with over 500 students from holding secondary outside jobs that pay compensation. It specifically targets officials with budget control, procurement authority, or operational leadership roles (including superintendents and CFOs), excluding only district duties or passive investments. The bill allows parents of enrolled students, residents, or others harmed by violations to sue school districts for enforcement. This directly affects top administrators in larger Arizona school districts by restricting their ability to work outside their primary school roles.