Rep. Janeen Connolly

Maddy summaryHB 2445 modifies Arizona's tax deed sale process to prioritize affordable housing. It allows counties, cities, towns, or special districts to purchase tax-deeded properties (land seized for unpaid taxes) for low-income housing projects, provided the housing meets HUD standards and includes a 30-year covenant requiring continued affordability. This directly affects local governments seeking to develop or acquire land for affordable housing, as it permits them to buy such properties without public auction and sell/lease them below market value while maintaining long-term affordability. The bill does not change tax collection or general sale procedures but creates a specific pathway for affordable housing development using tax-foreclosed land.

Maddy summaryHB 2444 repeals a specific outdated provision (Section 9-461.16) from Arizona's zoning code while amending Section 9-462.01 to clarify existing zoning regulations. The bill directly affects Arizona municipalities that use these zoning codes for land use planning, including regulations on residential development, historical districts, and age-restricted communities. It makes no new policy changes but updates the legal text to remove redundant language and streamline the process for municipalities to adopt zoning rules. This is a technical correction to the state's zoning statutes, not a substantive change to housing policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2586 creates a mobile communications platform for Arizona election workers, including poll workers, drivers, warehouse staff, and voter registration personnel. The bill requires the Secretary of State to establish this platform and deploy it in a pilot program across one or more counties, with counties potentially using it at reduced or no cost. It appropriates $200,000 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the pilot, which expires on December 31, 2026. The legislation directly affects election workers and local election offices participating in the pilot.

Maddy summaryHB 2593 requires Arizona school districts to offer preschool educational programs for children with specific disabilities (including hearing, visual, developmental delays, or speech impairments) who reside within the district. Charter schools may choose to provide these programs. The bill mandates that districts evaluate children before admission and specifies that these preschoolers count as half a full-time student for funding purposes. It also directs the state board to distribute 10% of federal funds for preschool disability programs to school districts and charters that choose to participate. This bill directly affects preschool children with disabilities and school districts managing their educational services.

Maddy summaryHB 2292 requires Arizona health insurers (including hospital service corporations, health care services organizations, and disability insurers) to cover specific cancer-related genetic services starting January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for genetic counseling, testing, and risk assessment for individuals with a personal or family history of cancer or inherited genetic mutations, based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. This includes testing for genes linked to breast, ovarian, prostate, and Lynch syndrome cancers, with no deductibles or cost-sharing required. The bill directly affects Arizona residents with health or disability insurance who qualify for these services due to their cancer risk profile.

Maddy summaryHB 2643 allocates $120 million from Arizona's state general fund and $91 million from federal child care development funds for the Department of Economic Security's child care assistance program in fiscal year 2025-2026. The bill directs these funds specifically for child care assistance services, exempting them from standard appropriation expiration rules. This funding supports low-income families seeking child care, ensuring continued program operations without automatic budget lapse. The bill does not change eligibility rules or create new benefits, only securing existing funding streams.

Maddy summaryHB 2648 updates Arizona's child care assistance eligibility rules to support low-income working families and specific vulnerable groups. It expands access for families transitioning off cash assistance (up to 24 months), those with incomes at or below 165% of the federal poverty level (FPL), foster families, and families facing crises like domestic violence or homelessness. Key mechanisms include income thresholds (ceasing aid if income exceeds 85% of state median income), priority for families at or below 100% FPL, and options for education/training support instead of work requirements. The bill aims to align child care assistance with employment goals while managing funding through income-based eligibility and waiting list prioritization.

Maddy summaryHB 2336 creates a new "Native American Veteran special plate" option for Arizona vehicle owners. To implement this, a person must pay $32,000 to the state department by December 31, 2025, after which the department will issue the plates. The payer designs the plates (subject to department approval) and may combine the request with personalized plates. A $25 annual fee applies, with $17 of that amount donated to a dedicated "Native American Veteran special plate fund" established by the bill. This directly affects qualifying Native American veterans seeking this specific plate option.

Maddy summaryHB 2538 prohibits Arizona landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their income source, such as government benefits (e.g., Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, veterans' benefits) or private assistance. It requires landlords to count rent vouchers or subsidies toward income requirements when evaluating tenants and bans them from refusing rentals, evicting, or charging more because of a tenant’s income source. The law also prevents landlords from advertising preferences against tenants using such assistance. Violations are treated as unlawful under existing housing laws, with enforcement by the attorney general. This directly affects renters using public assistance and landlords managing rental properties.

Maddy summaryHB 2337 repeals Arizona laws that prevented cities and counties from enacting their own rent control regulations. This bill removes state-level restrictions on local rent regulation, specifically repealing Sections 33-1329 and 33-1416 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. By eliminating this preemption, the bill would allow municipalities to establish their own tenant protection policies without state interference. The change directly affects local governments and renters in communities that may choose to implement new rent control measures.