Rep. Pamela Carter

Maddy summaryArizona's HCM 2015 is a memorial resolution (not a bill) passed by the Arizona legislature requesting Congress to amend the federal voter registration form. It asks the Election Assistance Commission to add state-specific instructions, including requirements for proof of citizenship, to comply with Arizona's state laws. The resolution claims that current federal rules prevent Arizona from verifying citizenship for voters, resulting in approximately 50,000 unverified registrations in the state. This memorial does not change law but urges Congress to address the conflict between federal voter registration rules and Arizona's proof-of-citizenship requirements.

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 2375 sets clear deadlines for evaluating children with suspected disabilities in Arizona schools. It requires school districts to complete initial evaluations within 60 days of parental consent and to respond to evaluation requests submitted between May 1 and September 1 within 15 days. The bill also clarifies that parents must provide written consent before a child is placed in special education, and it outlines due process procedures for disputes about evaluations or placements. This directly affects school districts, parents, and students with disabilities by standardizing timelines and consent requirements. The law amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 15-766 to align with federal special education standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2551 requires individuals with existing groundwater rights ("grandfathered rights") in Arizona's Willcox Active Management Area to apply for a certificate of right with the Department of Water Resources within 21 months of the area's designation. It directly affects current groundwater users in this region who rely on pre-existing rights. The bill sets a deadline for these applications and specifies that the requirement expires on December 31, 2026. The bill was passed by the legislature in April 2025 but was vetoed by the Governor on April 18, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2009 exempts Arizona residents who are deployed U.S. military members (including National Guard/reserve personnel) from paying vehicle registration fees and license taxes for one year during active deployment on a contingency operation. The exemption applies to the service member, their spouse, or a legally designated representative, covering up to two vehicles from deployment start until one year after discharge. It also allows those who paid fees during deployment to apply those payments toward future registration instead of requesting a refund. The law applies retroactively to fees paid six months before its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2169 clarifies school board meeting locations and financial procedures in Arizona. It allows school boards to meet at public facilities outside their district if convenient, requires monthly meetings during the school year, and specifies that leftover grant funds can reduce local school taxes. These changes directly affect school district boards, administrators, and county treasurers managing district finances. The bill passed the legislature in April 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on April 18.

Maddy summaryHB 2733 grants legal immunity to Arizona government agencies and employees (like law enforcement) who intercept, disable, or destroy unmanned aircraft (drones) within 30 miles of the state's international border. It protects them from liability for injuries caused during these actions unless they intentionally harmed someone or were grossly negligent. The law specifically applies to drone operators (defined as anyone controlling a drone, including owners or groups acting together) and covers contractors working for government entities. This bill directly affects border enforcement practices and drone operators operating near Arizona's international border.

Maddy summarySB 1106, titled "Ava's Law," modifies Arizona's public entity liability rules regarding sexual offenses. It clarifies that public entities (like schools or government agencies) generally cannot be held liable for sexual offenses committed by employees against minors or children with disabilities, **unless** the entity violated a duty to check employee backgrounds or failed to report known risks. The law applies only to offenses occurring on or after December 31, 2027, and does not affect liability for vehicle-related incidents or emergency care. This bill focuses on defining specific circumstances where public entities may face liability, not broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by Arizona lawmakers expressing support for the Palo Verde Generating Station nuclear power plant and nuclear energy. It highlights Palo Verde's role as Arizona's largest clean energy source, economic contributor ($2.3 billion impact), and employer (3,000+ jobs), while noting public support for nuclear power. The resolution has no legal effect but formally endorses continued nuclear energy use and directs the Secretary of State to send copies to federal officials. It does not create new policies, funding, or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2234 requires Arizona's Department of Transportation to complete a detailed environmental and engineering study (specifically a "Tier 2" assessment) for the proposed Interstate 11 corridor. This bill directly affects the state transportation department, mandating them to finalize this study as a prerequisite for any future I-11 construction. The key provision is the binding requirement for the department to conduct and complete this specific assessment, which evaluates environmental impacts and engineering feasibility. The bill does not fund construction or alter existing plans, only setting a procedural step for the study. (Note: This is a procedural bill, so a concise summary is appropriate.)