Rep. Brian Garcia

Maddy summaryHB 2381 allows Arizona employees to file written claims with the Department of Economic Security for unpaid wages up to $15,000 within one year of when the wages were due. It gives the department authority to collect these wages through legal remedies like garnishment and deposit collected funds into a special state fund for direct payment to affected workers. The bill directly affects employees owed small amounts of unpaid wages by their employers, streamlining the process for recovery without requiring a court lawsuit. Key changes include setting a clear $15,000 cap on claims, shortening the filing deadline to one year, and establishing the department as the primary collector and distributor of unpaid wages.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona's child neglect definitions in Section 8-201 of the Revised Statutes. It adds specific criteria for "abandoned" (e.g., minimal parental effort after six months) and expands "abuse" to explicitly include sexual offenses against minors and certain hazardous situations. The changes clarify how child neglect and abuse are legally defined, affecting cases handled by the Department of Child Safety (DCS) and juvenile courts. It does not create new financial assistance or policy changes - it only refines existing legal terminology for consistency. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First Reading).

Maddy summaryHB 2789 requires construction projects designed to reach at least 60 feet above ground level or 48 feet below ground level to include a functional elevator for employee use. The elevator must be installed and operational once the structure reaches 36 feet in height, measured from ground level to the highest point of the structure (excluding antennas, smokestacks, and similar attachments). This bill directly affects construction companies building large-scale projects in Arizona, mandating elevator access for workers before significant height is achieved. The law specifies exact height measurements and what structures count toward those measurements to clarify compliance.

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 summaryHB 2213 allocates $3.8 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to provide free school lunches to children meeting federal income eligibility requirements under the National School Lunch Program. The funding is directed to the Arizona Department of Education to cover existing federal program standards, directly benefiting low-income students in public schools. The bill specifies this appropriation should be treated as ongoing funding for future years, building on current federal guidelines. It does not change eligibility rules but provides state financial support for meals already covered under federal law.

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 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 2364 expands Arizona's anti-discrimination law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It directly affects businesses, landlords, and public facilities that serve the general public, including restaurants, hotels, and recreational venues. Key provisions require all new public restrooms or major renovations of existing restrooms in public buildings to be designated as gender-neutral, include accessible changing stations for all users, and provide clear signage. The law also defines "gender identity and gender expression" and clarifies that discrimination in public spaces based on protected characteristics is unlawful, with limited exceptions for safety or legal compliance.

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.