Rep. Matt Gress

Maddy summaryHB 2319 amends Arizona statutes to clarify that lifetime injunctions protecting victims from offenders remain valid even if the offender's criminal records are later sealed or reclassified as misdemeanors. Specifically, it ensures that injunctions issued under Section 13-719 (which prohibit contact after certain felony convictions) do not expire due to record sealing under Section 13-911, and that misdemeanor designations or expungements do not invalidate these injunctions. The bill directly affects victims who can maintain these protections and individuals seeking to seal their records, as it prevents record sealing from overriding existing court-ordered injunctions. Key provisions require courts to maintain injunctions for life unless the victim dies, the conviction is overturned, or the victim requests termination.

Maddy summaryHB 2724 allows public school principals to permit patriotic youth groups (defined as organizations serving under-21s with educational patriotism goals, like state affiliates of groups listed in specific U.S. Code sections) to address students during the first quarter of each school year. Principals must approve requests submitted within the first two weeks, and schools may accept materials from these groups for direct student distribution on school property. The bill prohibits schools from denying equal access or discriminating against such groups based on membership criteria or oaths of allegiance to God and country. It specifically applies to schools and eligible patriotic youth groups, creating a new requirement for school access during designated times.

Maddy summaryHB 2369 requires Arizona's Auditor General to conduct annual financial audits for all counties, school districts (when not subject to federal single audits), and community college districts, ensuring proper use of state funds like transportation revenues. It mandates procedural reviews of county treasurer offices to assess compliance with accounting standards and internal controls, with a one-year follow-up period for corrections. The Auditor General gains authority to approve auditing contracts, disapprove non-compliant contracts, and suspend or debar auditors who fail to meet standards, with an appeal process to superior court. This bill directly affects county governments, school districts, community colleges, and county treasurers by strengthening financial oversight.

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 2019 proposes a technical constitutional amendment to rename Arizona's "organized militia" as "The National Guard of Arizona" in Article XVI, Section 2 of the Arizona Constitution. This change would update the official designation of the state's military force but does not alter any existing laws, policies, or responsibilities. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and must be submitted by the Secretary of State. It is purely a naming correction with no new provisions or direct impact on citizens or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2225 requires Arizona's Board of Regents and community college districts to establish uniform guidelines for determining student tuition status, such as in-state versus out-of-state classification, across all public institutions they oversee. These guidelines must create consistent criteria for classifying students and standardized procedures for reviewing status decisions. The bill directly affects public universities and community colleges in Arizona, ensuring fairer application of tuition rates for all students. Currently pending after its first House reading on June 27, 2025, the bill aims to eliminate inconsistent practices without altering tuition rates themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 2610 amends Arizona law to address school district financial crises by defining insolvency (e.g., unpaid debts, teacher salaries for 45+ days, or deficits exceeding 5% of revenue) and establishing a state board oversight process. If a district is deemed insolvent, the state board can appoint a receiver to take control, override board decisions, replace the superintendent or chief financial officer, and develop a financial improvement plan within 120 days. The receiver may reassign staff, cancel non-teacher contracts, and require audits, but cannot terminate certificated teachers with over one year of service. This directly affects financially troubled school districts and their leadership, shifting operational control to state-appointed receivers to restore fiscal stability.

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 summaryArizona's HCR 2041 is a state resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V to propose term limits for U.S. House and Senate members. It asks other states with similar applications to combine their efforts to meet the two-thirds state requirement for such a convention. If Congress fails to act, Arizona and other participating states would proceed with their own convention to draft term limits. This resolution does not create new law but seeks to restart a state-led process for constitutional change, targeting federal congressional representation.

Maddy summaryHB 2370 requires life care facilities in Arizona to place resident entrance fees into a secure escrow account before occupancy. It establishes specific conditions for when funds can be released to providers (e.g., after facility construction is complete or a new resident moves in) and mandates refunds be processed within 60 days of a resident vacating, using a sequential numbering system to prioritize refunds. The bill directly affects residents who pay entrance fees for senior living facilities and the facilities themselves, ensuring timely refunds when residents leave. It applies to all contracts entered into on or after December 31, 2025, and amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 20-1804.