Rep. Myron Tsosie

Maddy summaryHB 2378 allows individuals previously convicted of juvenile offenses to apply for restored firearm rights after completing probation or juvenile corrections. It specifically requires a 25-year wait for those convicted of dangerous offenses (like arson or burglary), and a 2-year wait for other felonies after discharge. The bill streamlines the process by eliminating court filing fees and directing applications to juvenile or superior courts. This directly affects Arizona residents with past juvenile felony convictions seeking to regain firearm possession rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2585 amends Arizona law to clarify open enrollment options for tribal students living on federally recognized tribal land. It defines "resident transfer pupil" to include tribal students who can enroll in one of the three closest school districts (based on shortest distance to district boundaries), rather than only their home district. This specifically affects tribal students residing on reservation lands who seek enrollment outside their home school district. The bill establishes a clear, distance-based mechanism for selecting eligible districts, without changing general open enrollment rules for other students.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Arizona's constitution to remove the current ban on same-sex marriage and guarantee marriage equality. It would repeal the existing constitutional provision defining marriage as between one man and one woman, replacing it with a new section stating marriage cannot be prohibited based on sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. If approved by voters, this change would directly affect all Arizona residents seeking marriage licenses by ensuring same-sex couples have the same constitutional right to marry as opposite-sex couples. The proposal requires voter approval at the next general election before taking effect.

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.

Maddy summaryHCR 2030 requires Arizona public schools to identify the primary language of all new students and assess English proficiency using state-approved tests. It mandates that students not proficient in English be enrolled in structured English immersion programs with specific daily instructional time (120 minutes for K-5, 100 minutes for grades 6-12). The bill repeals older language education rules and creates a framework for the state board to approve research-based English instruction models, including annual reviews and budget procedures for schools. This directly affects English language learners (ELLs) and their schools, focusing on standardized assessment, program enrollment, and funding mechanisms. The bill establishes the Arizona English Language Learner Fund to support these programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2764 proposes to make "Howdy" the official state greeting of Arizona by adding it to the Arizona Revised Statutes. This symbolic bill would require state government communications, documents, or interactions to use "Howdy" as the designated greeting. It directly affects state agencies and official state communications but has no practical policy impact on residents or services. The bill is purely ceremonial and does not alter any laws, taxes, or regulations. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 2 sentences as requested.)

Maddy summaryHB 2506 adds two new official state holidays to Arizona's calendar: "Cesar Chavez Day" on March 31 and "Dolores Huerta Day" on April 1. The bill amends Arizona's statutes to include these dates in the list of recognized holidays for state employees and institutions. It directly affects state operations by designating these specific dates as days when state offices and schools would typically close. The key provision is the formal inclusion of these observances into the state's holiday schedule, honoring these civil rights leaders through official recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 2705 amends Arizona election laws to require strict compliance with nomination petition rules for candidates. It specifies exact wording for partisan and nonpartisan petitions, clarifies that signatures from multiple counties are acceptable for district offices, and allows post office box addresses for candidates with protected residences. The bill directly affects candidates seeking public office who must gather signatures through these standardized petitions. It failed to advance in the legislature on February 19, 2025, so these changes did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2262 would limit the maximum length of trains operated by railroads on Arizona's main and branch rail lines to 8,500 feet. This bill directly affects railroad companies operating within Arizona, restricting their ability to run longer trains on specified tracks. The key provision establishes a clear, enforceable length limit without exceptions, requiring railroads to adjust their operations if trains exceed this measurement. The bill is a substantive safety and operational regulation, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryHB 2882 establishes Arizona's Rental Assistance Program, providing up to three months of rental support to eligible tenants in low- and moderate-income households. The program covers upcoming or past rent payments (without requiring prior delinquency), with funds paid directly to landlords or tenants if landlords refuse, and includes eviction protection for covered months. Funding comes from 50% of designated monies in the Housing Trust Fund, administered by the state department, which must also offer free financial literacy classes to applicants. The bill requires landlords to verify rent balances for delinquent tenants and mandates annual reporting on program usage and housing fund expenditures.