Rep. Matt Gress

Maddy summaryHB 2380 establishes the Arizona Rare Disease Advisory Council within the state department to address the needs of Arizonans with rare diseases. The council, composed of 16 diverse members including patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, researchers, insurers, and industry representatives, will conduct public hearings, research barriers like high treatment costs and insurance coverage gaps, and develop policy recommendations. It must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature by December 1st, detailing its work and suggesting improvements to healthcare access, diagnostics, and coverage for rare disease patients. This council directly serves Arizona residents living with rare diseases, their caregivers, and healthcare providers seeking better treatment options and system support.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1438 establishes a central registry for child abuse and neglect reports, requiring background checks for individuals working with children or vulnerable adults. It directly affects foster homes, adoptive parents, child care providers, behavioral health facilities, and residential care staff by mandating registry checks as a factor in licensing, employment, or certification decisions. Key provisions include limiting registry entries to 25 years, requiring monthly purges of outdated records, and creating an exception process for disqualified applicants. Employees must certify under penalty of perjury whether abuse allegations exist, and agencies must publish disqualifying acts while protecting privacy in shared data.

Maddy summaryHB 2611 expands Arizona's definition of aggravated assault by adding 12 new circumstances that elevate assault to aggravated assault. It specifically targets attacks against certain public safety and service workers, including first responders, teachers on school grounds, healthcare workers, prosecutors, park rangers, and public transit employees, when the assault occurs during their official duties. The bill also includes provisions for assaults involving taking weapons from first responders and for assaults committed by individuals in custody against officials. This law directly affects anyone committing assault against these protected groups, increasing potential penalties for such offenses. The changes apply until January 1, 2033.

Maddy summaryHB 2880 prohibits unauthorized encampments on Arizona university and community college campuses, requiring immediate dismantling if established without prior authorization. It mandates that campus officials direct occupants to leave, warn of criminal trespass charges (pursuant to Arizona law), and pursue legal action for removal if refused. Students who refuse to vacate face disciplinary action under their institution's code of conduct, while individuals establishing encampments are liable for all property damage costs and may face criminal prosecution for property damage. The law directly affects students, campus administrators, and anyone attempting to establish protest or temporary housing on campus grounds without approval.

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 2074 requires Arizona school districts and charter schools to train all school safety officers (including resource officers, probation officers, and safety officers) on recognizing and interacting with children with disabilities, as defined by law. The bill amends school safety program rules to mandate that proposals for funding must include detailed safety assessments, building blueprints, and plans for training officers on civil rights, mental health, and family privacy laws. It also requires schools to share safety plans with local law enforcement and emergency services. These changes directly affect school safety personnel and school districts applying for state safety program funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2019 requires Arizona school districts and charter schools to provide parents and students aged 18+ with information about water safety education and a list of local providers offering certified swimming lessons starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Schools must share this information electronically or in print, including free or low-cost options. The bill defines "water safety course" as age-appropriate education aimed at reducing drowning risks in and around water. It directly affects all Arizona public and charter schools, their students, and local water safety providers. The law was signed by the governor on May 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2368 expands the Arizona Auditor General's authority to access financial records from banks and financial institutions that work with state agencies. The bill requires these institutions to provide certified, detailed financial information upon request - including accounts, transactions, and reports - related to state contracts, with the state covering any associated costs. This directly affects financial institutions doing business with Arizona government entities, such as state departments or school districts. The law also specifies penalties for obstruction, making refusal to comply a class 2 misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryHB 2099 requires Arizona cities, towns, and counties to enforce, administer, and cooperate with federal immigration enforcement actions. It also adds a similar duty for the governor to work with federal immigration authorities. The law would expire on January 19, 2029, and does not create new immigration enforcement powers but mandates state/local coordination with federal programs. The bill was passed by the legislature in April 2025 but vetoed by the governor on May 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2001 creates a temporary 90-day licensure pathway for graduates of behavioral health programs (social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or addiction counseling) from accredited schools. It allows these new graduates - who have a valid fingerprint clearance card and are applying for an associate license - to provide services under qualified supervision during this period. Crucially, work experience gained during these 90 days counts toward their future full licensure requirements. The bill directly affects new graduates entering the behavioral health field who are awaiting their full license.