Rep. Brian Garcia

Maddy summaryHB 2780 amends Arizona's landlord-tenant law to clarify eviction rules for "cause," directly affecting tenants and landlords. It specifies that landlords can terminate leases for material breaches (like rent nonpayment or falsified application info) with 10 days' notice, or for health/safety issues with 5 days. For irreparable breaches (e.g., violence, drug activity, or criminal behavior), immediate termination is allowed. Crucially, landlords must provide one month's rent or relocation assistance to tenants with 12+ months of tenancy if evicting for reasons like the landlord moving in or removing the property from the rental market. The bill also prohibits tenants from withholding rent except as permitted by law and outlines procedures for utility disconnection after court orders.

Maddy summaryHB 2715 prohibits charter schools from suspending students for unexcused absences and amends school discipline rules for all Arizona school districts. The bill specifically states that penalties for excessive absenteeism (including failure to pass a course or expulsion) cannot include suspension, with an exception for absences due to illness certified by a licensed medical professional. School districts must also annually report suspension/expulsion data related to illegal substances to the state education department, with aggregated data posted online. This directly affects students facing discipline for absenteeism, school staff implementing discipline policies, and school boards managing disciplinary procedures.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal would repeal Arizona's current constitutional restriction on marriage and add a new provision guaranteeing that marriage cannot be denied based on sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. If approved by voters, it would enshrine same-sex marriage rights in Arizona's constitution by explicitly prohibiting discrimination in marriage based on those factors. The measure requires voter approval at the next general election, as outlined in the bill's text.

Maddy summarySB 1451 establishes Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts to provide funding for eligible students' education. Parents must agree to use funds only for specific education-related expenses - including tuition at qualifying schools, textbooks, tutoring, vocational training, college tuition, and approved assistive technologies - while agreeing not to enroll in public schools or accept concurrent scholarships. The bill explicitly allows funds to cover postsecondary education costs at eligible colleges and universities, expanding previous uses beyond K-12. It requires parental agreements outlining permitted expenses and prohibits homeschooling filings while ensuring funds cannot cover non-educational items like entertainment devices.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SCR 1016) renames the "Corporation Commission" to the "Arizona Public Utility and Corporation Commission" and adds term limits for commissioners (capping service at two consecutive terms). It clarifies the commission's authority to regulate utility rates, inspect corporations, issue business licenses (excluding insurers), and require annual registration fees from all corporations operating in Arizona. The amendment specifies that insurers will continue to be regulated by the Department of Insurance instead of this commission. These changes directly affect all businesses seeking to operate in Arizona and the commission members governing their oversight.

Maddy summarySCR 1017 proposes adding a constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment for all Arizonans, including future generations. It declares natural resources like air, water, and ecosystems as common property belonging to all people. The state would be required to act as a trustee, conserving these resources for current and future residents. If approved by voters, this right would be enforceable under Arizona's Constitution without needing new laws.

Maddy summarySB 1419 creates a statewide recycling program for large electronic devices in Arizona, requiring manufacturers to establish and fund collection and recycling systems. It directly affects manufacturers of covered devices (like computer monitors over 4 inches, desktops, laptops, and TVs over 4 inches), retailers selling these devices, and households/businesses that use them. Key provisions include mandatory manufacturer registration with the state by 2026, annual fees, labeling requirements for products, and plans for statewide collection sites (including at least one per city over 50,000 residents). The law prohibits sales of covered devices without compliance and mandates environmentally sound recycling, excluding appliances, industrial equipment, and small devices.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1410 creates a state-run family and medical leave insurance program, effective January 2028, for eligible workers who meet specific wage requirements. It provides up to 26 weeks of paid leave for childbirth, recovery from serious health conditions, or 24 weeks for caring for a family member with a serious health condition, pregnancy, or qualifying military exigencies. Benefits equal 90% of a worker's average weekly wage (capped at half the state average) and include "safe leave" for domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, covering medical care, legal services, or relocation. The program applies to most private-sector employees and self-employed individuals who elect coverage, administered by the Arizona Industrial Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1414) is a procedural amendment to Arizona's court fee schedule, not a substantive law about firearm transfers as its title suggests. It updates specific filing fees for domestic relations cases (e.g., $149 for divorce petitions, $74 for responses) but does not change domestic violence protections or firearm transfer rules. The bill only affects court clerks and individuals filing domestic relations cases, altering fee amounts for processes like divorce, custody, or protective orders. It has no provisions related to firearm restrictions or domestic violence interventions, and its current status is pending Senate review (2025-02-03/04 readings).

Maddy summarySB 1422 repeals two Arizona laws (ARS 9-500.38 and 11-269.16) and amends ARS 44-1648 to clarify that statewide registration of scrap metal dealers is a "matter of statewide concern," preempting local registration requirements. However, cities, towns, and counties retain authority to enforce business licensing rules for scrap metal dealers, including systems requiring background checks or fingerprinting of owners. Existing licenses held by scrap metal dealers in good standing before September 13, 2013, remain valid and cannot be revoked solely for needing reapplication. This bill directly affects scrap metal dealers and local governments managing business licensing systems.