Rep. Myron Tsosie

Maddy summaryHB 2853 establishes the Tribal Community College Operations Fund to provide dedicated state funding for tribal community colleges in Arizona. It appropriates $13.3 million annually from the state general fund for fiscal years 2025-2026 through 2027-2028, directly supporting operational costs like instructional programs and daily expenses for these institutions. The fund, managed by the Department of Administration, is exempt from standard appropriation lapse rules and can use investment earnings. This bill specifically targets tribal community colleges to strengthen their ongoing operations through guaranteed state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2890 requires Arizona employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, such as modified equipment, more frequent breaks, schedule changes for prenatal visits, or assistance with manual labor, unless it causes significant difficulty for the business. Employers cannot force pregnant employees to use vacation or sick leave when accommodations are possible and must post clear notices about these requirements in employee handbooks and provide written notice to new hires, current employees, and pregnant employees within 10 days of pregnancy notification. The bill directly affects pregnant employees and their employers across Arizona, ensuring they receive specific workplace adjustments without penalty. It takes effect after the law is enacted, with written notices required within 180 days of the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2854 creates a new Hopi Tribe special license plate program. It requires a one-time $32,000 payment to the Arizona Department of Transportation for implementation, after which the payer designs the plate (subject to department approval). The program includes a $25 annual fee per plate, with $17 designated as an annual donation to the Hopi Tribe. This special plate option can be combined with personalized plate requests, but only applies to vehicles registered under the Hopi Tribe's specific arrangement. The bill directly affects Hopi Tribe members and anyone funding the plate design.

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 summaryHB 2770 requires all Arizona school district governing board members to complete either eight hours of professional development training or attend a training workshop related to school governance. This new requirement (Section 15-349) directly affects all current and future school board members statewide, replacing the previous option of meeting education or experience standards as a qualification path. The bill amends qualification rules (Section 15-421) to allow the training to satisfy the "two years of experience" requirement in areas like school finance, student safety, or governance. It does not change existing residency, voter registration, or conflict-of-interest rules but adds training as a concrete, accessible pathway for candidates.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2816 appropriates $122,300,300 from Arizona's state general fund and $402,981,400 in Medicaid funding for the Department of Economic Security's developmental disabilities program during fiscal year 2024-2025. This bill provides specific supplemental funding to cover program expenses without altering eligibility or service requirements. The funding directly supports the state's developmental disabilities services, which assist individuals with disabilities and their families. As a funding measure, it does not change program rules or create new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2768 appropriates $7 million from Arizona's state general fund for the University of Arizona during fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund campus safety infrastructure and vehicle upgrades. This funding directly affects the University of Arizona by enabling specific safety improvements on its campus. The bill also exempts this appropriation from standard state rules requiring annual re-approval, ensuring the funds remain available for the designated purpose without needing renewal each year.

Maddy summaryHB 2773 amends Arizona's liquor license laws (ARS § 4-203) to clarify how licenses are issued, transferred, and handled during ownership changes. It creates a rebuttable presumption that public convenience was met when an existing license location applies for a new license of the same type, unless the location has been unused for over 180 days. The bill requires businesses to notify authorities within 30 days of ownership changes and mandates local governments to review new owners' qualifications before approval. These changes directly affect bars, liquor stores, and beer/wine bars seeking new licenses, transfers, or ownership transitions in Arizona.

Maddy summaryHB 2499 restricts the sale and use of neonicotinoid pesticides (a class including chemicals like imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) in Arizona. It requires sellers to hold a restricted-use pesticide license and limits user eligibility to certified applicators, veterinarians, or wood preservers. Exceptions cover pet care products, personal care items, indoor insect control, and wood preservatives. Violations are classified as class 3 misdemeanors, and the law takes effect January 1, 2026.