Rep. Tony Rivero

Maddy summaryHB 2374 enhances sentencing for individuals convicted of stalking, harassment, or assault when acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations to coerce people into actions like leaving the U.S. or restricting protected activities (e.g., free speech, religious practice). It also criminalizes foreign agents conducting unauthorized law enforcement activities (like surveillance) within Arizona, classifying violations as a class 2 felony. The bill mandates an annual training program for Arizona law enforcement on identifying transnational repression tactics, including digital surveillance and community-targeted threats. These provisions directly affect foreign government/terrorist agents operating in Arizona, local law enforcement, and residents potentially targeted by such repression. The law, signed by the governor on June 25, 2025, focuses on strengthening legal responses to cross-border intimidation campaigns.

Maddy summaryHCR 2021 would require Arizona cities and towns to exempt most food for home or on-premises consumption from municipal sales taxes, prohibiting differential tax rates on specific food items. It sets a deadline of June 30, 2027, for cities to comply, limits tax increases to 2% without voter approval, and bans new food taxes or rate hikes in the 24 months before that date. This affects local governments (cities/towns), food retailers, restaurants, and residents purchasing food, as it standardizes food tax treatment and restricts local tax authority over food sales. The bill also exempts SNAP/food stamp purchases and food packaging from taxation. It requires voter approval for any new food tax or rate increase beyond 2% and applies retroactively to December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 2779 amends Arizona law to clarify procedures for taking juveniles into temporary custody and establishes training for school security personnel. It requires peace officers to notify a juvenile’s parents, guardian, or custodian (unless safety is at risk) when taking a juvenile into custody for alleged misconduct, and mandates explaining juvenile Miranda rights in understandable language. The bill also creates a new training program for school law enforcement officers and security staff, requiring completion within one month of starting a school-related role (or presenting a valid certificate if completed within two years). These changes apply to all school districts and charter schools, with the training requirement effective June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects juveniles, their families, law enforcement officers, and school security personnel.

Maddy summaryHB 2679 establishes a new framework for Arizona public power entities (like municipal utilities) to finance infrastructure upgrades by issuing "Transition Bonds." These bonds are secured by future customer payments called "Financing Charges," which become nonbypassable fees added to all customers' utility bills until the costs are fully recovered. The bill creates specific definitions for terms like "Financing Charges," "Qualified Special Purpose Entity," and "Transition Bonds," ensuring these payments cannot be avoided regardless of the customer's service provider or asset ownership. This mechanism allows public power entities to shift financing costs to customers over time rather than relying solely on traditional rate increases.

Maddy summaryHB 2895 requires cities, counties, school districts, and state agencies in Arizona to publicly post task order contracts (for ongoing services or supplies) on their websites. It mandates that contracts must include the total dollar amount, contractor name, service description, and contract length - these items cannot be redacted. Contractors may redact personal or proprietary information beyond these four required details. The bill was passed by the legislature in May 2025 but was vetoed by the Governor on May 13, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 2742 streamlines the process for requesting court-ordered mental health evaluations in Arizona. It requires standardized application forms with specific details about the person needing evaluation (including behavioral evidence, treatment history, and witness information), and mandates that screening agencies process applications within 48 hours. The bill explicitly protects individuals receiving treatment through recognized religious practices from involuntary evaluation unless a court determines they pose a danger to self or others. This affects individuals with serious mental health concerns who are unwilling or unable to seek voluntary care, as well as healthcare providers, law enforcement, and courts handling such cases.

Maddy summaryHCR 2049 is a symbolic resolution passed by Arizona's legislature, not a binding law. It asserts Arizona's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment by declaring the state will not use state personnel or funds to enforce federal laws or programs deemed unconstitutional by Arizona. The resolution demands the federal government cease "commandeering" state actions and prohibits Arizona from complying with federal mandates that courts have ruled unconstitutionally coercive. It serves as a formal statement sent to federal officials, emphasizing Arizona's position but having no legal effect on federal law or enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 2824 amends Arizona law regarding legislative subpoenas, affecting witnesses subpoenaed by the Arizona legislature or its committees. It clarifies that testimony given under subpoena is under penalty of perjury, but cannot be used against a witness in criminal cases (except for perjury or related offenses) if they claimed Fifth Amendment protection. The bill also details procedures for handling refusal to comply: a committee chair may issue a contempt order after a hearing, or the full legislature may pass a resolution, with enforcement allowing arrest by law enforcement to bring the witness before the legislature. The bill passed both chambers in May 2025 but was vetoed by the Governor on May 7, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2733 grants legal immunity to Arizona government agencies and employees (like law enforcement) who intercept, disable, or destroy unmanned aircraft (drones) within 30 miles of the state's international border. It protects them from liability for injuries caused during these actions unless they intentionally harmed someone or were grossly negligent. The law specifically applies to drone operators (defined as anyone controlling a drone, including owners or groups acting together) and covers contractors working for government entities. This bill directly affects border enforcement practices and drone operators operating near Arizona's international border.

Maddy summaryHB 2741 modifies Arizona's liquor licensing rules by adjusting how many new bar, beer/wine bar, and liquor store licenses are issued each year based on county population growth (increasing from 5,000 to 10,000 people per new license for beer/wine bars starting in 2022). It requires new license holders to pay a fee equal to the current market value of similar licenses in their county, determined through appraisals. The bill also limits off-sale liquor sales (e.g., takeout) to no more than 30% of total on-sale sales at licensed establishments. Additionally, it allows license holders to combine multiple license types (like bar + liquor store) at a single location under specific conditions. This law directly affects businesses seeking new liquor licenses or expanding existing operations in Arizona.