Rep. Myron Tsosie

Maddy summaryHB 2685 creates a $350 state earned income tax credit for Arizona residents who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It directly affects low-income individuals and families by providing a refundable tax credit that can be claimed on state income tax returns, with one credit allowed per household annually. The bill requires claimants to file the credit with their tax return (except for those with no tax liability who meet specific filing exceptions) and allows excess credit amounts to be paid as refunds. This credit applies retroactively to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 2586 creates a mobile communications platform for Arizona election workers, including poll workers, drivers, warehouse staff, and voter registration personnel. The bill requires the Secretary of State to establish this platform and deploy it in a pilot program across one or more counties, with counties potentially using it at reduced or no cost. It appropriates $200,000 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the pilot, which expires on December 31, 2026. The legislation directly affects election workers and local election offices participating in the pilot.

Maddy summaryThis Arizona bill (HB 2533) protects workers during public health emergencies by prohibiting employers from retaliating against workers who report safety concerns, wear recommended personal protective equipment (like masks), or oppose violations of the law. It bans employers from forcing non-disclosure agreements about workplace hazards and requires posting of worker rights notices. Violations can result in civil penalties of $100 per day, reinstatement, or back pay for affected workers. The law applies broadly to most workers, including those employed by large contracting entities and migrant laborers, during declared emergencies like pandemics.

Maddy summaryHB 2383 allocates $8 million from Arizona’s state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support applied research centers specializing in specific technology fields. It directs $3 million for medical technology centers, $2 million for clean energy/water sustainability tech, $2 million for semiconductors, and $1 million for other beneficial technologies, with centers required to match funds from non-state sources. Centers must collaborate with universities and businesses, report annual expenditures to the legislature, and use funds for workforce training in relevant fields. The funding is exempt from standard budget lapsing rules but requires unspent funds to revert to the state by June 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 2593 requires Arizona school districts to offer preschool educational programs for children with specific disabilities (including hearing, visual, developmental delays, or speech impairments) who reside within the district. Charter schools may choose to provide these programs. The bill mandates that districts evaluate children before admission and specifies that these preschoolers count as half a full-time student for funding purposes. It also directs the state board to distribute 10% of federal funds for preschool disability programs to school districts and charters that choose to participate. This bill directly affects preschool children with disabilities and school districts managing their educational services.

Maddy summaryHB 2504 amends Arizona statutes to standardize terminology and restrict immigration-related activities. It changes "legal resident alien" to "legal resident alien immigrant" in liquor licensing (Section 1), prohibits adoption of undocumented immigrants under age 21 (Section 2), and bans cities/counties from building work centers facilitating employment of undocumented immigrants (Sections 3-4). The bill also mandates state agencies to enforce federal immigration laws "to the full extent permitted" (Section 5). These changes directly affect liquor license applicants, adoption petitioners, and local governments constructing work centers.

Maddy summaryHB 2494 establishes an advisory task force to study employee misclassification and payroll tax fraud specifically in Arizona's construction industry. The task force, composed of agency directors (industrial commission, insurance, contractor registrar) and advisory members, will examine issues like revenue losses, enforcement effectiveness, and public awareness. It must submit annual reports to legislative committees by February 1, starting in 2027, detailing findings on misclassification frequency, economic impacts, and potential policy improvements. The bill does not change existing laws but creates a process to evaluate whether new regulations or enforcement strategies are needed.

Maddy summaryHB 2260 increases penalties for employers who fail to pay owed wages. If an employer doesn't pay after a court or department order, they must pay five times the unpaid wages plus interest. This directly affects employees who haven't received wages and employers who ignore payment orders. The bill amends Arizona law to raise recovery amounts from three times (treble) to five times the unpaid wages.

Maddy summaryHB 2379 allocates $5 million from Arizona's state general fund for home and community-based services and an additional $5 million for senior housing assistance, to be distributed by the Department of Economic Security to area agencies on aging during fiscal year 2025-2026. These funds directly support programs helping seniors age in place and access housing resources through local agencies. The bill establishes specific funding amounts for two distinct senior services categories without changing eligibility rules or creating new requirements. It is currently in early legislative stages, having passed House first and second readings on January 23 and 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2497 establishes a study committee to examine health insurance costs for Arizona school district employees and their dependents. The committee, composed of appointed members including health insurance representatives, school district officials, teachers, and school board members, will analyze current insurance plans and costs. It must recommend affordable ways to maintain high-quality health coverage for educators and their families. The committee must submit its findings and recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2026, and will be dissolved after October 31, 2027.