Rep. Aaron Marquez

Maddy summaryHB 2938 creates Arizona's Public Service Home Buyer Assistance Program, providing zero-down mortgage loans and closing cost assistance specifically for eligible law enforcement officers, firefighters, and teachers who have worked continuously in those roles for five years. The program funds loans for purchasing primary residences (new or existing, including condos), prohibits borrowers from owning other homes, and requires the home to be occupied as a principal residence. Funding comes from state appropriations and loan repayments, with annual reports to lawmakers. This policy directly affects public service workers in these professions who meet the employment and residency requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2839 establishes a maximum annual rent increase limit for landlords in Arizona, directly affecting both landlords and tenants. It caps rent increases at the annual consumer price index (CPI) plus 3% of the current rent, but not exceeding a total 7% increase per year. The bill also clarifies procedures for landlords to handle tenant property or animals if a tenant dies or becomes incapacitated, requiring authorized persons to retrieve items within 20 days. These provisions aim to limit arbitrary rent hikes while standardizing property retrieval processes under Arizona law.

Maddy summaryHB 2802 bans retail stores from providing free single-use checkout bags to customers. Instead, stores must charge at least $0.05 per bag for reusable fabric, recycled paper, or reusable plastic bags (defined as durable, multi-use bags). Stores must report total fees collected and bag types distributed to the Department of Environmental Quality, and face civil penalties of up to $250 per day for violations. The law exempts certain bags (like those for bulk items, frozen food, or WIC/EBT customers) and requires a state impact report by 2032. It takes effect in 2029 and expires in 2033.

Maddy summaryHB 2848 requires corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), or their affiliates purchasing single-family homes in Arizona to register with the Corporation Commission before buying. County recorders cannot record deeds unless the buyer provides proof of registration and the deed states the property is not the owner’s primary residence. The bill limits corporate buyers to owning no more than 5% of a county’s single-family homes (or 100 units annually in counties with over 400,000 residents), with exceptions for entities owning fewer than ten homes statewide. These rules apply to commercial investors buying homes, aiming to limit large-scale corporate ownership in residential neighborhoods.

Maddy summaryHB 2841 allocates Arizona state funds for the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to support National Guard reserve members. It provides funding for wireless networking at training centers, reimburses service members using personal computers for official work, creates a lodging program for members attending drills over 50 miles from home without barracks, and upgrades HVAC systems at training facilities. The bill, titled the "Arizona National Guard Service Member Morale and Readiness Act," aims to improve conditions and readiness for reserve members. All funding is exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules and is intended for ongoing use.

Maddy summaryHB 2834 requires Arizona municipalities with over 30,000 residents to allow "starter homes" in at least 10% of new single-family developments larger than 10 acres, starting January 1, 2027. It removes specific zoning rules like minimum lot sizes (4,000 sq ft), front/rear yard setbacks, and requirements for rear patios or landscaping, while preserving building codes and safety standards. A "starter home" must have income restrictions limiting initial sales or occupancy for 15 years to households earning ≤120% of the area median income (based on HUD data). The law exempts historic districts, airport zones, and existing planned communities, and expires December 31, 2035.

Maddy summaryArizona's HCR 2054 formally ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a constitutional proposal originally adopted by Congress in 1972. The bill directs Arizona's Secretary of State to transmit the state's approval to federal officials, supporting the ERA's goal of guaranteeing equality under the law regardless of sex. This resolution does not create new state laws but affirms Arizona's position in the process of achieving the required ratifications for the ERA to become part of the U.S. Constitution. The measure directly affects Arizona's role in the federal constitutional amendment process, not Arizona residents' rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2811 appropriates $2 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund student success coaches in public schools. The Department of Education will award a grant to a nonprofit organization with at least 30 years of youth development experience to provide these coaches. The coaches will deliver academic, workforce, and interpersonal skills education directly to students in public schools. This funding is exempt from standard appropriation lapse rules under Arizona law.

Maddy summaryHB 2812 modifies Arizona law to expand in-state tuition eligibility for certain students. It allows individuals who attended Arizona high school (public, private, or homeschool) for at least two years and graduated in-state - regardless of immigration status - to qualify for in-state tuition at Arizona universities or community colleges. The bill specifically clarifies that people without lawful immigration status meet the residency requirements under this provision. It does not change requirements for nonimmigrant visa holders (e.g., students on F-1 visas). The amendment requires a three-fourths legislative vote for implementation.

Maddy summaryHCR 2052 proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal a provision requiring Arizona school districts and community college districts to follow annual spending limits. Currently, these limits are calculated by the Economic Estimates Commission based on 1979-1980 spending levels adjusted for student population and cost of living. The repeal would eliminate this requirement, removing the need for annual calculations and the spending cap for districts. This change would require voter approval and a governor's proclamation to take effect.