Rep. Brian Garcia

Maddy summaryHB 2735 establishes a 75-foot buffer zone around all polling places and designated ballot receptacles during voting hours. It prohibits electioneering (campaigning, promoting candidates, or expressing political views) within this zone and restricts who may be present, allowing only voters, election officials, appointed party representatives, and authorized challengers. Clear signage must be posted, and photography or video recording within the zone is banned. Violating these rules is classified as a class 2 misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryHB 2745 establishes legal rights for individuals seeking fertility treatments in Arizona, defining key terms like "fertility treatment" (including IVF, embryo storage, and genetic testing) and "health care provider." It guarantees individuals the right to access these treatments without unreasonable restrictions, retain control over their reproductive materials, and continue ongoing care per written agreements. Health care providers gain explicit rights to perform or counsel on fertility treatments within their scope, while insurers retain the right to cover such services. The bill also exempts the Department of Health Services and health boards from standard rulemaking requirements for one year to implement these provisions, as outlined in Section 36-1305.01.

Maddy summaryHB 2782 creates a state-run health insurance consumer assistance program to help Arizonans navigate claim denials, appeals, and enrollment issues. It requires health insurers to prominently display information about this program on all benefit explanations and denials, while mandating insurers to report data on denied claims to the state. Insurers that wrongfully deny or underpay valid claims face civil penalties (up to $25,000 per violation), double damages for consumers, and potential license suspension. The program also tracks claim issues, compiles annual public reports on denial rates, and requires insurers to disclose denial data upon request.

Maddy summaryHB 2799 requires Arizona-based businesses selling online subscriptions to make cancellation simple and transparent for customers. Specifically, it mandates that businesses: (1) let customers cancel using the same method they enrolled with, without extra steps; (2) clearly explain renewal terms and cancellation instructions at signup; (3) send renewal reminders allowing customers to opt out; and (4) only offer retention incentives *after* a customer expresses intent to cancel. This directly affects online subscription services operating in Arizona, aiming to prevent "bait-and-switch" tactics and ensure fair cancellation processes. The law focuses on concrete business practices rather than broader policy outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 1547 establishes a mail-in ballot system as an alternative voting method for elections in Arizona's agricultural improvement districts. It requires election officials to mail ballots, return envelopes, and instructions to all eligible voters 90 days before an election, with ballots due by 7:00 p.m. on election day. Voters may also request ballots in person or vote at designated early voting locations until 7:00 p.m. on election day. This bill directly affects voters in agricultural improvement districts by providing a mail-based voting option alongside traditional in-person voting, streamlining the process for these specific districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2646 prohibits the sale and use of fertilizers and pesticides containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or fluorinated chemicals with two or more fully fluorinated carbon atoms after December 31, 2026. It directly affects fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, and pesticide producers who use these chemicals. The bill amends Arizona statutes to ban such substances in all fertilizers (including biosolids) and pesticides, with enforcement through director authority to issue penalties, pursue criminal charges (class 2 misdemeanor for violations), or seek injunctions. The prohibition takes effect on January 1, 2027, providing a transition period for industry compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2751 creates a 1% surcharge on payroll taxes for Arizona businesses employing 50 or more people, starting in 2026. This surcharge applies to all business types (including corporations, partnerships, and LLCs), with co-owners paying based on their ownership share. The collected funds will be deposited into a new Community College Apprenticeship and Workforce Development Program Fund. The money will specifically support community colleges in developing apprenticeship and workforce training programs, directly benefiting workers seeking job skills and businesses needing trained employees.

Maddy summaryHB 2734 requires Arizona's state department to partner with healthcare providers (like OB/GYNs) and community health centers to educate women about perimenopause and menopause. The department must create accessible informational materials covering symptoms, treatments, biological processes, and communication strategies for family/friends. These materials will be distributed to women identified by their healthcare providers as experiencing or approaching these transitions. The bill directly affects women in Arizona navigating perimenopause or menopause by providing structured, medically informed resources.

Maddy summaryHB 2716 would exempt school building blueprints and floor plans from being considered public records under Arizona law. This means these documents would no longer be subject to public record requests made under Title 39, Chapter 1. The bill directly affects anyone seeking access to school facility design documents, including journalists, researchers, or members of the public. It changes the current requirement that such records be disclosed by stating they are not public records by law. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First and Second Readings).

Maddy summaryHB 2752 imposes a $300 annual surcharge on tuition paid by out-of-state students attending Arizona public universities. The collected funds will be deposited into a new Arizona Higher Education Financial Aid Program Fund. Starting in 2026, this fund will provide full tuition and fee coverage to eligible Arizona residents enrolled at state universities or community colleges who maintain a 2.0 GPA. To qualify, students must be Arizona residents, enrolled at a qualifying institution, and meet the GPA requirement. The bill also includes an initial $500,000 appropriation for the fund in fiscal year 2025-2026.