Rep. Leo Biasiucci

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2647 requires landlords to offer tenants the optional chance to have their rental payments reported to credit bureaus. Landlords must provide a written offer at lease start and annually, disclosing that reporting is optional, including all payments (on time or late), any fee ($10 max or actual cost), and how to opt in or out. Tenants can stop reporting at any time but cannot restart for six months. Landlords may charge a fee for reporting, but nonpayment of this fee cannot be treated as rent nonpayment or affect security deposits.

Maddy summaryHB 2445 modifies Arizona's tax deed sale process to prioritize affordable housing. It allows counties, cities, towns, or special districts to purchase tax-deeded properties (land seized for unpaid taxes) for low-income housing projects, provided the housing meets HUD standards and includes a 30-year covenant requiring continued affordability. This directly affects local governments seeking to develop or acquire land for affordable housing, as it permits them to buy such properties without public auction and sell/lease them below market value while maintaining long-term affordability. The bill does not change tax collection or general sale procedures but creates a specific pathway for affordable housing development using tax-foreclosed land.

Maddy summaryHB 2107 modifies Arizona's tax lien foreclosure process to protect primary residences. It prohibits foreclosure actions against property owners whose homes are their primary residence (as defined in A.R.S. § 42-12053), regardless of lien duration. Instead, county treasurers must collect redemption payments through setoffs, wage garnishment, payment plans, or other legal methods. This applies to all tax liens sold after the bill's effective date, ensuring primary homeowners cannot lose their homes through standard tax lien foreclosure.

Maddy summaryHB 2302 establishes a state fund to provide grants for school facility maintenance and repairs. School districts qualify if they submit preventive maintenance plans, with priority given to projects addressing immediate safety risks or building closures (called "critical" projects). Funds can cover major renovations, system upgrades, and infrastructure to extend building life but cannot be used for new construction, aesthetic remodeling, demolition, or routine maintenance. Accommodation schools are generally excluded, except for pre-2014 buildings funded by a prior program. Grants must be spent within 12 months (or extended for longer projects) and require annual reporting on fund usage.

Maddy summaryHB 2497 establishes a study committee to examine health insurance costs for Arizona school district employees and their dependents. The committee, composed of appointed members including health insurance representatives, school district officials, teachers, and school board members, will analyze current insurance plans and costs. It must recommend affordable ways to maintain high-quality health coverage for educators and their families. The committee must submit its findings and recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2026, and will be dissolved after October 31, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 2520 amends Arizona's duress defense law to limit when a defendant can claim they committed a crime due to threats of immediate physical force. Specifically, the defense cannot be used if the defendant intentionally created the situation where they faced duress, or for offenses involving homicide, serious physical injury, or certain violent crimes like aggravated assault or sexual offenses. This change directly affects criminal defendants in cases where they attempt to justify their actions using duress as a legal defense. The bill clarifies that the duress defense is unavailable for the most serious violent offenses, making it harder for defendants to avoid responsibility for those acts.

Maddy summaryHB 2318 changes how agricultural land is valued for property tax purposes in Arizona. It requires using only the income approach, based on the average net cash rental rate of comparable land over five years (excluding taxes), capitalized at 1.5 percentage points above average farm loan interest rates. The bill specifically excludes permanent crops and depreciating improvements from the definition of "agricultural land" for valuation. This directly affects Arizona farmers and ranchers whose property taxes are calculated using this new method. The bill does not alter tax rates or who pays taxes, only the assessment methodology.

Maddy summaryHB 2199 requires that advertisements for prescription and nonprescription drugs on TV, radio, or online must clearly present major side effects and usage restrictions ("major statement") at the same volume, clarity, and pace as the rest of the ad. It prohibits using distracting audio or visual elements that could interfere with understanding these critical health details. The bill directly affects drug manufacturers and advertisers operating in Arizona. If passed, it would mandate that health risks are communicated as prominently as promotional content in digital and broadcast ads.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds specific protections for peace officers who intercept, disable, or destroy unmanned aircraft (drones) within 30 miles of Arizona's international border. It expands qualified immunity under Arizona law, shielding public employees and contractors from lawsuits for injuries caused during such drone operations unless the officer acted with gross negligence or intent to cause harm. The law explicitly states that drone operators cannot hold officers liable for injuries resulting from these border-related drone interventions. This directly affects drone operators who may no longer pursue legal claims against law enforcement for such incidents near the border.

Maddy summaryHB 2304 allocates $39.6 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund specific highway and road projects across the state. It directs funds to 56 designated projects in communities like Globe, Prescott Valley, and tribal nations (e.g., Hopi Tribe), covering pavement repairs, bridge replacements, roundabouts, and infrastructure improvements. The bill serves as a funding mechanism - distributing existing state resources to support local transportation needs without creating new policy or regulations.