Rep. Sarah Liguori

Maddy summaryHB 4091 creates a grant program to provide funding to tribal governments on reservations located in Arizona counties with fewer than 500,000 residents. The grants can be used for hiring or retaining law enforcement officers, purchasing communication equipment, funding IT upgrades, or covering costs related to investigating turquoise alerts. The bill appropriates $10 million from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish the Tribal Government Rural Law Enforcement Enhancement Fund, with no more than $100,000 annually allowed for administrative costs. The department administering the program must submit annual reports to the legislature by December 1st starting in 2027, detailing the program's effectiveness and improvement recommendations.

Maddy summaryHB 4126 establishes Arizona's state-run retirement savings program, targeting private-sector employees without access to employer-sponsored retirement plans (excluding government workers, railroad employees, and those in existing tax-qualified plans). The bill creates an Arizona Retirement Savings Board to manage the program, allowing workers to contribute to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) through automatic payroll deductions. Key provisions include requiring the Board to develop investment policies, partner with private administrators, and ensure federal tax compliance for the program. The title references "appropriation" as future funding would be authorized separately, but the bill itself only sets up the program framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4095 establishes the Classroom Site Fund to provide additional resources for Arizona public schools, using existing state transfers (not an additional tax). It requires school districts and charter schools to use these funds for specific purposes like class size reduction, teacher compensation (with a performance component), and student support services. School districts must adopt a performance-based teacher compensation system that includes metrics such as academic progress, attendance, and graduation rates, and obtain approval from at least 70% of eligible teachers. Annual reporting on fund usage and program outcomes is also mandated for all recipients.

Maddy summaryHB 4122 amends Arizona landlord-tenant laws to clarify tenant rights and landlord obligations. It requires landlords to provide tenants with at least nine months' notice before rent increases for year-long leases or long-term tenants, and prohibits charging fees for background checks if tenants provide their own credit reports. The bill also mandates upfront written disclosure of all rent amounts, mandatory fees, and property management details before tenancy begins. Additionally, it establishes procedures for authorized persons to retrieve tenant property or animals if a tenant dies or becomes incapacitated, with specific timelines for property removal.

Maddy summaryHB 4121 updates Arizona's property tax appeal process for owners challenging valuation or classification decisions. It requires property owners to submit a copy of their appeal petition to the county assessor via certified mail within 25 days (or 20 days for certain denied petitions) and specifies standardized notice formats for tax corrections. The bill also clarifies procedures for appealing to either county boards (where established) or the state board of equalization, including deadlines and required documentation. These changes primarily affect property owners who dispute their tax assessments and ensure consistent administrative processes across counties.

Maddy summaryHB 4065 formally ends the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) on July 1, 2034, despite its title suggesting continuation. The bill repeals existing DES-related statutes and sets a specific termination date, while making these changes retroactive from July 1, 2026. It directly affects DES operations, requiring the department to cease providing social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disability services by 2034. The legislation does not create new programs but outlines a structured phaseout of the department’s current functions.

Maddy summaryHB 4104 allocates a specific sum from the state general fund to the Arizona Arts Trust Fund for fiscal year 2026-2027. This appropriation directly provides funding to the trust fund, which supports arts organizations and cultural programming across Arizona. The bill establishes no new policies but ensures ongoing financial support for existing arts initiatives through the trust fund's mechanisms. As a procedural funding measure, it does not alter eligibility or program requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4120 requires Arizona's Department of Education to create a system for verifying high school graduation status, directly affecting individuals needing proof of graduation (e.g., for college, jobs, or licenses). The bill mandates the department to develop policies compliant with privacy laws (FERPA), allow fees for verification services after 100 free annual requests, and annually report request volumes, verification rates, costs, and revenues to state leaders. Key provisions include limiting free verifications to 100 per year, establishing fee collection, and requiring transparency through annual reports starting in 2027. It does not change graduation requirements but creates a formal verification process. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First Reading).

Maddy summaryHB 4089 requires contractors working on Arizona state service contracts (covering retail, food, hotel, janitorial, and healthcare services) to offer jobs to employees of the previous contractor within 10 days of taking over. It mandates a 90-day transition period during which contractors must retain eligible workers based on seniority, provide written job offers with a 10-day response window, and maintain a hiring list for remaining positions. The bill bars contractors from retaliating against employees who report violations or help investigate compliance. It directly affects workers in covered service sectors who performed at least 12 months of qualifying work under the previous contract, excluding managers and airline staff.

Maddy summaryHB 2824 allows Arizona cities, towns, and counties to establish a financing program for property owners to fund energy efficiency and structural improvements on qualifying commercial, industrial, agricultural, or multi-family residential properties (with five or more units). The bill creates a legal framework for local governments to partner with private lenders to provide long-term financing for "critical capital expenditure improvements" (like energy upgrades with 10+ year lifespans) through a special assessment program. Property owners repay the financing via annual property taxes, not through direct loans, and the program cannot be used for residential properties with four or fewer units. This enables local governments to support property upgrades that improve energy efficiency and building functionality without direct public funding.