Rep. James Taylor

Maddy summaryHCR 2055 is a voter referendum (not enacted law) proposing that Arizona declare drug cartels "terrorist organizations" under state law and direct the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to address this threat. It defines "drug cartel" as groups engaging in human smuggling, drug trafficking, or terrorism, and states that this declaration does not affect asylum claims under federal law. The resolution cites voter-approved Proposition 314 and findings about border security concerns, including fentanyl trafficking and border crossings by individuals on terrorist watchlists. This measure failed to pass in the June 27, 2025, vote and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHCR 2013 is a proposed law requiring Arizona counties to verify voters' addresses before mailing early ballots and restricting foreign funding in election administration. It mandates that large counties (500,000+ population) require voters to confirm their address each election cycle via mail, phone, or online portal before receiving an early ballot, while smaller counties must do so every four years. The measure also prohibits government election administration from using funds from foreign governments or non-U.S. individuals, requiring vendors to certify annually they receive no such funds and imposing misdemeanor penalties for violations. This referendum failed to pass in June 2025 and would require voter approval to become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2448 updates Arizona's election rules for voting locations. It allows counties to combine polling places for efficiency, establishes procedures for emergency voting centers during elections (including updated voter registration at these sites), and requires school principals to provide written reasons if denying polling space. The bill also mandates that government-owned buildings be made available for voting locations starting in 2026. These changes directly affect local election officials and voters by altering where and how elections are conducted.

Maddy summaryHB 2700 requires Arizona high school students to meet specific social studies standards for graduation, directly affecting all public high school students in the state. It mandates that geography instruction include "the gulf of America" and adds a civics test requirement: students must correctly answer at least 60 of 100 questions (for 2025 graduates) or 70 of 100 questions (for 2026+ graduates) on a test identical to the U.S. citizenship civics exam. Students in grades 7-8 may take the test early to satisfy the requirement without retaking it later in high school. The bill specifies that schools must document only "pass" or "fail" on transcripts for this test, with no other policy changes detailed in the provided text.

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 2868 prohibits Arizona cities and counties from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, requiring DEI statements or training, or giving preference based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity in employment or programs. The bill directly affects local government entities by banning specific DEI-related policies and mandating disciplinary action for violations. Key provisions define "diversity, equity and inclusion" broadly to include concepts like systemic oppression and gender theory, while allowing limited compliance training approved by legal counsel. This bill was passed by the Arizona legislature in May 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on May 13, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 2540 amends Arizona's education law to expand testing accommodations for students. It requires schools to offer written-format assessments for students whose individualized education plans (IEPs), 504 plans, or religious beliefs necessitate it, as well as for special circumstances. The bill directly affects Arizona public school students, particularly those with disabilities or religious objections to digital testing. Key provisions include mandating that schools accept parental submissions of external test scores (like SATs) for exemption from state tests and requiring written test formats when requested by parents or required by IEPs/504 plans. The law maintains existing statewide testing requirements for reading, writing, and math while adding specific written assessment options.

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 2206 prohibits Arizona from joining any multistate voter registration system or organization that requires the state to share voter registration data with the organization. This directly affects Arizona's participation in interstate voter data-sharing initiatives, such as the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). The bill amends Arizona law to explicitly block membership in such systems, with no exceptions noted in the provided text. The bill passed the legislature in May 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on May 13, 2025.

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.