Rep. Matt Gress

Maddy summarySB 1306 allocates $2,594,840 from Arizona's general fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to the existing Law Enforcement Crime Victim Notification Fund. This fund, established under Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-2414, directly supports crime victim notification services provided by law enforcement. The bill provides dedicated funding to ensure consistent support for notifying victims of criminal cases, without creating new programs or altering eligibility. The appropriation is exempt from standard state budget lapse rules, guaranteeing the funds remain available for the specified purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 2435 requires Arizona's criminal justice agencies, first responders, and medical examiners to collect and submit specific data about homelessness to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. It mandates reporting on drug overdoses and deaths among homeless individuals, as well as crimes committed by or against homeless people. The Commission must then compile this data into an annual report for state leadership, including the governor, senate president, and house speaker. This bill does not create new programs or funding but establishes a data collection system to better understand homelessness-related issues within the criminal justice system. The primary effect is on data collection practices for agencies serving homeless populations.

Maddy summaryHB 2609 requires Arizona school districts and charter schools to enroll sixth- through eighth-grade students who meet specific math proficiency criteria - such as scoring highest on statewide assessments, earning an A in their last math course, or requesting advancement - in advanced math courses, unless parents object. It directly affects middle school students and mandates schools to notify parents if a child is not proficient in grade-level math. The bill also requires annual reporting on enrollment data disaggregated by race, income, and gender, including how many students met proficiency criteria and whether they were enrolled in advanced courses. Schools must report on math course offerings and support resources, with the state compiling this data for public posting.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Arizona government entities and election vendors from using money or services from foreign governments or non-citizens for election administration. It also bans foreign entities from funding efforts to influence ballot measure outcomes. Vendors must provide annual written statements confirming they don’t receive foreign funds, with penalties for false statements (up to three times the contract value). The law explicitly excludes federally recognized tribal nations from the definition of "foreign government."

Maddy summaryHB 2739 requires manufacturers, packagers, or retailers of food products made from cultivated cells (like lab-grown meat) to label the product packaging with "This food product is derived from cultivated cells." The bill directly affects food companies producing such products sold in Arizona. Its key provision mandates this specific labeling language on all packaging, ensuring consumers can identify these products. The law does not restrict the sale of cultivated cell products but requires clear disclosure of their origin.

Maddy summaryHB 2018 creates the Arizona Teachers Academy to support future educators at eligible public and private universities. It provides tuition and fee scholarships covering up to four years for undergraduates, two years for graduates/community college students, and certification costs, after other financial aid is applied. Students must agree to teach one year in an Arizona public school for each year of scholarship received, with specific commitments for high-demand areas like special education and rural schools. The program is funded through state appropriations and existing education funds, with reimbursement required if the teaching commitment isn't fulfilled.

Maddy summaryHB 2635 amends Arizona's tax code to add new sales tax exemptions for specific items. It exempts sales of "cash equivalents" (like gift cards, stored-value cards, and prepaid digital payment tools) and "precious metal bullion" (refined gold, silver, etc.) from retail sales tax. The bill defines "cash equivalents" as pre-paid items denominated in money redeemable for goods/services, excluding telecom prepaids, and clarifies that "monetized bullion" (coins used as currency) is exempt. This directly affects retailers selling these items, removing tax liability on such transactions. The bill focuses solely on tax policy, with no provisions related to firearm storage devices as inaccurately suggested in the title.

Maddy summaryHB 2065 requires county medical examiners to formally approve cremation or alkaline hydrolysis for deceased persons after a death investigation and to document that approval directly on the death certificate. This change specifically affects indigent deceased persons (those without funds for burial) by standardizing the cremation authorization process, which previously lacked clear documentation requirements. The key mechanism ensures medical examiners must provide written approval before cremation can proceed, preventing delays and confusion in handling remains for this population. The bill does not alter eligibility for cremation but establishes a consistent, recorded procedure for all such cases.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 2003) would temporarily allow Arizona school districts to spend more than the constitutional spending limit for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It directly affects all public school districts in Arizona by permitting them to exceed the current spending cap set by the state constitution. The authorization would only take effect if passed by a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, as noted in the resolution's requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2881 creates a state grant program to fund ninth-grade support programs in Arizona public high schools. It provides $150 per ninth-grade student (adjusted for inflation after 2025-2026) to help schools implement data-driven interventions, such as real-time student progress tracking and teacher collaboration, to keep students on track for graduation. Schools must use funds to establish programs focused on academic credit completion and reducing failing grades, with priority given to schools serving economically eligible students. A student is deemed "on track" if they earn at least 25% of required graduation credits by year-end and have no more than one F grade in ninth grade.