Rep. Walt Blackman

Maddy summaryHB 2859 appropriates $2,457,100 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Transportation. This funding is specifically designated for the city of Williams to complete pavement replacement and a trail connector project on Rodeo Road. The bill directly affects Williams residents and infrastructure by providing state funds for this local transportation improvement. As a funding measure, it does not create new policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2609 allocates $5,016,000 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). This funding is specifically for the city of Sedona to construct and improve a roundabout at the intersection of State Route 89A, Forest Road, and Ranger Road. The bill directly affects Sedona residents and travelers at this intersection by providing dedicated state funding for the infrastructure project. As a funding appropriation, it does not create new laws but enables a specific transportation improvement.

Maddy summaryHB 2067 allocates $27.4 million in state funds for specific transportation projects in Apache Junction during fiscal year 2026-2027. The bill directly affects Apache Junction residents and commuters by funding road widening (Tomahawk Road), safety/drainage improvements (Delaware Drive, Idaho Road/US-60 intersection), pavement preservation, and broader street/drainage projects. Key provisions include $12 million for general street and drainage work and $5 million for Ironwood Drive corridor upgrades. This is a funding bill with no policy changes, solely directing state money to pre-identified infrastructure needs in Apache Junction.

Maddy summaryHB 2068 appropriates $6.5 million from Arizona's state general fund for the city of Show Low to extend Woolford Road. This funding directly supports the city's infrastructure project for the Woolford Road extension, with the money allocated specifically for that transportation improvement.

Maddy summaryHB 2757 allows La Paz County to withdraw groundwater from state or local land within the Butler Valley groundwater basin for transportation outside the basin under two specific conditions: (1) for the county, a local political subdivision, or municipal provider's own use, or (2) for sale/lease to a multi-county water conservation district to fulfill its replenishment obligations. The bill also restricts the sale or transfer of land in the basin used for this groundwater transportation to only the state or another political subdivision of La Paz County. This bill directly affects La Paz County, local water providers, and the multi-county water conservation district, focusing on groundwater management within the Butler Valley basin. It is a procedural water rights bill with no current voting record, as it is in early legislative stages (first and second readings).

Maddy summaryHB 2292 adjusts Arizona's fire insurance tax rates, charging 0.66% for properties in cities/towns certified by the state fire marshal as using private fire companies (down from 2.2% for other areas). It directs 85% of the fire insurance tax revenue to local fire districts based on their firefighter composition (volunteer vs. paid), with the funds allocated to public safety retirement systems. Starting in fiscal year 2026-2027, $20 million annually from the total fire insurance tax will be distributed to a dedicated wildfire prevention authority fund. The bill affects insurers through revised tax reporting and payment schedules, and directly supports fire districts and wildfire prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryHCR 2061 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit individuals holding dual citizenship from serving in Arizona state office. It would amend the state constitution to require all state legislators and other elected officials (as listed in Article V, Section 1) to be U.S. citizens at the time of election, explicitly barring those with dual citizenship from eligibility. This change would directly affect candidates running for state legislative seats and other state offices requiring U.S. citizenship. The amendment must be approved by voters in the next general election after being submitted by the Secretary of State, as it is currently in early legislative stages (House first and second readings in February 2026).

Maddy summaryThis Arizona state memorial (HCM 2017) requests Congress pass the Major Richard Star Act to address a policy that denies combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before 20 years of service their full military retirement pay. The bill seeks to end the "wounded veteran tax," where retirement pay is offset dollar-for-dollar by VA disability compensation, affecting approximately 1,172 Arizona veterans who lose about $1,200 monthly ($16.9 million annually in lost income). The legislation would allow these veterans to receive both their earned retirement pay and disability compensation simultaneously, aligning with existing policy for other disabled retirees. It is supported by bipartisan Arizona congressional members and aims to improve financial stability for affected veterans and their families.

Maddy summaryHB 4129 creates a statewide mental health and wellness program for all Arizona law enforcement officers, prioritizing small agencies with 200 or fewer sworn officers. The program provides free, confidential access to counseling services - including crisis support, peer counseling, suicide prevention training, and telehealth for rural officers - while protecting all communications as private. It is funded with $15 million from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027, with $5 million specifically allocated for small agencies. The Department of Public Safety must submit annual reports to the legislature by 2027, tracking participation and suggesting improvements, to reduce officer burnout, suicide, and improve recruitment and retention.

Maddy summaryHB 2237 allocates $4.5 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the city of Apache Junction. The funds are specifically designated for developing and constructing enhancements to Superstition trails and building a visitor gateway to support tourism and recreation. This bill directly affects Apache Junction by providing state funding for local infrastructure projects aimed at improving visitor experiences. As a funding measure, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.