Rep. James Taylor

Maddy summaryHB 2426 requires Arizona's State Land Commissioner to create and update a five-year plan for managing state trust lands (lands held in trust for public benefit, like education funding) within two years. It mandates written policies for updating the plan every five years and using it to decide when to sell land via public auction. The bill responds to years of non-compliance, as the State Land Department failed to produce required plans since 2016 and the oversight committee remained vacant. This requirement expires on June 30, 2029.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets requirements for Arizona's homebuyer and downpayment assistance programs. First-time homebuyers must be Arizona residents for two years before applying, occupy the home as their primary residence for two years, and cannot use it as a vacation or short-term rental (per defined statutes) until repaying program funds. It also prohibits out-of-state investors from accessing these programs. These rules apply directly to state-run assistance programs and their recipients.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 2064) expressing the Arizona Legislature's condolences upon the passing of former state legislator Barbara Leff. It honors her 1996-2006 service representing Paradise Valley, her work on HMO reform and economic development, and her contributions to voter information systems. The resolution extends sympathy to her surviving family members (husband, children, grandchildren) and acknowledges her community leadership. It has no policy impact or legislative effect beyond this expression of respect.

Maddy summaryHB 2827 establishes annual groundwater withdrawal fees up to $5 per acre-foot for users in Arizona's Prescott, Santa Cruz, Tucson, Phoenix, and Pinal active management areas. The fees fund specific purposes: administration ($0.50-$1/acre-ft), water supply augmentation ($2/acre-ft), Arizona water banking ($2.50/acre-ft in Tucson/Phoenix), and purchasing grandfathered rights ($2/acre-ft). Notably, the Pinal area will collect a $2.50/acre-ft fee specifically for irrigation efficiency projects from 2020 through 2030. The bill exempts small irrigators (≤10 acres) with grandfathered rights from fees unless part of an integrated farm operation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits cities, counties, and state agencies from creating or enforcing any urban growth boundaries that restrict new development, housing options, or public services outside designated areas. It declares such boundaries void in local ordinances, rules, or state contracts, citing Arizona voters' 1998 and 2000 rejections of similar policies. The law aims to prevent policies that could reduce housing affordability by limiting land availability for development, referencing studies from other states. It requires a three-fourths legislative vote to take effect.

Maddy summaryHR 2006 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Arizona House of Representatives honoring Yvonne Glee Lime Fedderson, who died on January 23, 2026. The resolution expresses the House's sympathy to her family and admirers while recognizing her founding role in Childhelp and her decades of work advancing child welfare programs, including establishing the first national child abuse hotline and advocacy centers. It directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to her family and Childhelp organization. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryHB 4088 requires motor carriers transporting agricultural commodities (like produce, livestock, or feed) for intrastate commerce in Arizona to maintain liability insurance covering emergency towing and recovery services. If a towing operator isn't paid for these services (directed by law enforcement), they can place a lien on the commercial vehicle and the transported commodities, which must be recorded with the Secretary of State. The bill excludes farm-to-field operations, farmer self-hauling, and non-commercial vehicles. It defines "agricultural commodity" broadly and "emergency towing" as services performed under law enforcement direction. The bill failed to pass on February 17, 2026.

Maddy summaryHCR 2061 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit individuals holding dual citizenship from serving in Arizona state office. It would amend the state constitution to require all state legislators and other elected officials (as listed in Article V, Section 1) to be U.S. citizens at the time of election, explicitly barring those with dual citizenship from eligibility. This change would directly affect candidates running for state legislative seats and other state offices requiring U.S. citizenship. The amendment must be approved by voters in the next general election after being submitted by the Secretary of State, as it is currently in early legislative stages (House first and second readings in February 2026).

Maddy summaryHB 2669 sets a maximum train length of 8,000 feet for railroads operating on main tracks or branch lines within Arizona. This bill directly affects railroad operators in the state by prohibiting trains exceeding this length. The key provision is a clear, enforceable limit on train size, replacing any previous length allowances. The law applies to all railroad operations on state-maintained tracks and aims to standardize safety and operational parameters. This is a straightforward regulatory change with no additional funding or complex implementation mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 2920 requires app stores operating in Arizona to verify the age of users creating accounts and link accounts of minors (under 18, excluding married/emancipated individuals) to verified parent accounts. App stores must obtain parental permission before minors can download apps, make purchases, or access in-app purchases, and re-verify consent after significant app changes like new ads or in-app purchases. The bill mandates that app stores provide clear disclosures about age ratings, data collection, and privacy practices to parents before granting permission. It directly affects app store providers, minors under 18, and their parents within Arizona, with exemptions for preinstalled apps and core device functions.