Rep. Mae Peshlakai

Maddy summaryHB 2643 links landlord-tenant violations to consumer fraud enforcement in Arizona. It states that when a landlord breaks Chapter 10 of Arizona's landlord-tenant law (covering issues like security deposits or habitability), that violation is automatically considered a consumer fraud under state law. This means tenants could pursue remedies through Arizona's consumer fraud statutes (Title 44, Chapter 10, Article 7), which offer stronger enforcement tools like civil penalties and attorney fees. The bill directly affects landlords who violate tenant protections and tenants seeking legal recourse. (Note: The bill is in early stages, having received its first House reading on January 20, 2026.)

Maddy summaryHB 2646 establishes three fundamental rights for Arizona children: the right to maintain relationships with parents (including visitation during parental incarceration), access to confidential health care services (such as contraception, STI treatment, and mental health care without parental consent), and enrollment in public schools with in-person instruction. The bill requires any law affecting these rights to prioritize the child's best interest and be narrowly tailored to a compelling government interest. It specifically allows children to consent to certain health services independently and overrides parental direction regarding public school enrollment. The law applies directly to Arizona children and their parents or legal guardians.

Maddy summaryHB 2678 adds a new exemption to Arizona's retail sales tax code, removing sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products. This directly affects consumers who purchase these essential items and retailers selling them. The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes § 42-5061 to explicitly exempt "diapers and feminine hygiene products" from the state's retail sales tax, aligning with similar exemptions for items like food and medical supplies. The change applies to all qualifying products sold within Arizona, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2739 would limit annual rent increases for Arizona tenants aged 65 or older to a maximum of 3%. Landlords renting to seniors would be prohibited from raising rents by more than this percentage each year. The bill directly affects senior renters in Arizona and their landlords, aiming to provide housing cost stability for fixed-income residents. Currently pending in the Arizona legislature (after House first and second readings in January 2026), it has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2636 proposes to increase Arizona's individual income tax rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021. The bill would amend tax brackets to raise rates across all income levels for both residents and nonresidents earning income within Arizona. Key provisions include adjusting the percentage rates applied to different income ranges, such as increasing the top marginal rate for single filers and married couples filing jointly. This legislation directly affects all Arizona taxpayers subject to individual income tax, with changes applying to future tax years. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First/Second Reading in 2026).

Maddy summaryHB 2715 repeals Section 9-461.16 of Arizona's zoning code, which previously addressed specific municipal planning procedures. This bill does not alter the main zoning regulations found in Section 9-462.01 (which governs land use, building standards, and special districts like historical or age-restricted zones). Municipalities will continue to operate under the existing zoning framework, as this repeal only removes one specific section from the statutes. The bill directly affects local governments that implement zoning ordinances but does not change how communities regulate housing or land use.

Maddy summaryHB 2474 updates Arizona's legal terminology by replacing the terms "legal resident alien" and "alien" with "noncitizen" in two sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Specifically, it amends Section 4-202 (liquor license qualifications) and Section 5-301 (watercraft regulations definitions) to use "noncitizen" consistently. The bill does not change eligibility requirements for liquor licenses or watercraft permits; it only revises the language to modernize and clarify statutory references. This is a procedural change focused solely on terminology, not policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2719 creates a new "Community College Access and Success Special Plate" program for Arizona vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, individuals must pay a one-time $32,000 fee to the Department of Transportation (with plate design approval), plus a $25 annual fee. Of the $25 fee, $17 annually funds a dedicated "Community College Access and Success Special Plate Fund" supporting community college programs, while $8 covers administration. This directly affects vehicle owners who choose to purchase these plates, with the funds benefiting Arizona's community college system through the new dedicated fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2597 appropriates $15 million from Arizona's general fund to the Department of Health Services for tribal assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The funds must be distributed to tribal governments to open or reopen facilities, with at least $1.5 million allocated to the Hopi Tribe and $1.5 million to the Navajo Nation. Remaining funds are distributed proportionally across northern, central, and southern regions of Arizona. This bill directly affects tribal governments and their ability to operate senior care facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 2710 updates Arizona's eviction rules by clarifying when landlords can legally terminate leases. It requires landlords to give tenants 10 days to fix most lease violations (like unpaid rent) or 5 days for health/safety issues, but allows immediate eviction for serious, irreparable breaches like violent crimes, drug activity, or property destruction. Crucially, for tenants who have lived in a unit 12+ months, landlords must either waive one month’s rent or provide relocation assistance when terminating for reasons like nonpayment, lease breaches, or the landlord moving in. The bill also specifies that tenants are responsible for guests’ lease violations they could reasonably prevent.