Rep. David Marshall

Maddy summaryHB 2453 establishes fees for defensive driving courses used to avoid traffic fines in Arizona. It requires courts to charge a $45 surcharge for attending such courses (replacing traffic fines), with $10.4 million annually directed to the public safety forensics fund and remaining funds to the state general fund. A separate $15 fee, set by the Supreme Court, funds a new defensive driving school fund managed by the Supreme Court. This directly affects drivers who choose defensive driving to resolve traffic violations instead of paying penalties.

Maddy summaryHCR 2012 is a proposed voter referendum that would amend Arizona's income tax code to reduce tax rates for most taxpayers. If approved by voters, it would adjust the tax brackets and rates for both single filers and joint filers, lowering the percentage rates applied to taxable income across multiple income tiers. The bill directly affects Arizona residents who file state income tax returns, potentially reducing their tax burden for taxable years beginning after 2021. It is not yet law but requires voter approval to take effect, as indicated by its referendum language and current status in the legislative process (House first/second reading). The bill focuses on modifying existing tax rate structures rather than creating new tax policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2053 creates a tax credit for Arizona private landowners who allow the federal government to use their land for international boundary wall construction. Landowners can claim a credit equal to the fair market value of the specific land portion used, as determined by an appraisal. Co-owners may claim pro-rata shares, and unused credit can be carried forward for up to five years. This bill directly affects private landowners near the U.S.-Mexico border whose property is utilized for border wall projects.

Maddy summaryHB 2002 amends Arizona law to establish rules for counties that voters approve to levy a transportation excise tax. The tax rate cannot exceed 20% of existing business transaction tax rates, and collected funds must be deposited into specific transportation funds based on county population size: counties over 400,000 residents send revenue to the regional transportation fund, while smaller counties can choose between funds or split allocations. All tax revenue must be used for transportation projects within the county, with no reduction in tax rates if underlying business taxes change. The bill requires voter approval for the tax to take effect and specifies it would be effective starting April 9, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Arizona bill updates state laws against bestiality by explicitly criminalizing sexual contact with animals and the possession or distribution of visual depictions involving real people and real animals. The legislation establishes specific penalties, classifying direct acts as felonies and the creation or sharing of related images as a misdemeanor, while also allowing courts to order psychological counseling and reimbursement for animal care costs. Importantly, the law includes exemptions for standard veterinary procedures and legitimate animal husbandry practices, and it clarifies that artificial intelligence-generated images do not fall under the visual depiction restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for creating theme park districts in Arizona cities and counties with specific population thresholds. It allows these local governments to form districts that own and operate theme park properties, granting them the power to levy taxes, enter contracts, and manage real estate without using eminent domain. The legislation creates a board of directors composed of elected officials from participating cities or counties and public appointees to oversee district operations. Additionally, the bill provides tax exemptions for district-owned property and includes provisions to prevent lessees from relocating or significantly reducing their operations after signing agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a housing trust fund in Arizona to support affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households, with a specific requirement that a portion of the money be used exclusively for rural areas. The fund is financed through unclaimed property, transfers from other state accounts, and investment earnings, which the state treasurer will manage. Money from the fund can be used to build or renovate housing facilities and provide assistance for individuals with serious mental illness, while the director must prioritize projects that help families with children. The bill also mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing how the funds were spent and requires the department to consult with local governments before starting construction projects. Finally, the legislation exempts these funds from certain state appropriation rules and allows up to 10% of the fund to be used for administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a referendum to ban foreign governments and non-governmental sources from donating money or services to Arizona election administration or ballot measure campaigns. It requires vendors and service providers to submit sworn certifications confirming they have not accepted such foreign contributions, with annual updates and quarterly reporting to the Secretary of State. Violations of these rules could result in the invalidation of contracts, misdemeanor charges, and civil lawsuits allowing private citizens to seek damages and injunctions. The legislation explicitly excludes federally recognized sovereign tribal nations from the definition of foreign sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to declare drug cartels as terrorist organizations within Arizona state law. It directs the Department of Homeland Security to take all actions within its authority to address the threat posed by these groups. The legislation defines a drug cartel as an association involved in human smuggling, drug trafficking for profit, or acts of terrorism, and defines a threat as anything harming individual rights or public safety. If approved by voters, this change would formally categorize drug cartels alongside terrorist organizations for legal and enforcement purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects a technical error in the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding open pit mining operations. It clarifies that tracks and roadways used for hauling materials must be built and kept in good condition to match the speed and type of equipment being used. The update specifically addresses safety requirements for truck haulage roads, ensuring they are maintained appropriately for the vehicles operating on them. This change affects mining companies and regulators by providing clearer standards for infrastructure maintenance without altering existing operational rules.