Rep. Janeen Connolly

Maddy summaryHB 2577 requires Arizona's state board of education to implement statewide assessments in reading, writing, and math for students in at least four grades, ensuring tests are uniform, objective, and free from partisan viewpoints. It mandates the collection and public posting of specific nontest data (such as graduation and dropout rates by ethnicity) and sets strict deadlines for schools to receive test scores (May 15 for 3rd grade reading, May 25 for other subjects). The bill also allows students to use scores from nationally recognized assessments to opt out of the state test, with those scores then recorded for school records, and requires the state board to provide intervention strategies for underperforming schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 allows Arizona county boards of supervisors to establish voting centers - physical locations where any voter in the county can cast a ballot on election day - instead of or in addition to traditional precinct-specific polling places. The bill requires county boards to approve these centers via a specific resolution before each election, ensuring they comply with election district boundaries. Voters benefit from greater location flexibility, as voting centers can also serve as early voting drop-off points and ballot replacement sites. This change directly affects county election officials, who gain authority to adjust polling place structures while maintaining voter access.

Maddy summaryHB 2511 modifies Arizona's election laws to restrict ballot handling and strengthen signature requirements for early voting. It amends Section 16-513 to clarify that only voters, family members, household members, or caregivers may handle ballots, and Section 16-547 requires early ballots to include a signed mail affidavit with specific return instructions. Starting in 2026, voters must return ballots with their signature to a county recorder’s office, polling place, or by presenting ID at a polling place by 7:00 p.m. on election day. The bill also amends Section 16-1005 to increase penalties for improper ballot collection, making it a class 5 felony to collect ballots unlawfully or fail to turn them over to election officials. These changes directly affect voters, election officials, and anyone involved in ballot handling.

Maddy summaryHB 2635 sets standards for Arizona online schools and course providers, focusing on curriculum quality, student safety, and teacher qualifications - not full-day kindergarten as the title suggests. It requires online schools to meet specific criteria (like filtered internet access, virtual learning tools, and partnerships with educational institutions) and mandates probationary status for new programs until academic improvements are proven. The bill also establishes rules for calculating average daily membership (ADM) and funding: full-time online students receive 95% of standard funding, while part-time students receive 85%, with strict limits on how attendance hours can be counted across traditional and online programs. These provisions directly affect Arizona public schools, charter schools, and online education providers participating in the state’s virtual learning programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2803 repeals Arizona Revised Statute 15-911 and amends ARS 15-1285 to exempt school districts and career technical education districts from state budgetary spending limits. Specifically, funds received by these districts under the relevant chapter are not counted as local revenue for constitutional budget calculations and cannot be restricted by existing expenditure caps. This allows school districts to use state-provided funds without being constrained by the usual spending limits that apply to local revenue. The bill also includes related adjustments to expenditure limitation calculations for counties but focuses primarily on increasing school district financial flexibility.

Maddy summaryHB 2644 creates a new tax credit for Arizona taxpayers investing in affordable housing projects that qualify for federal low-income housing tax credits. It allows investors to claim credits against their insurance premium tax liability (not income tax), with a $10 million annual cap for projects meeting federal standards, administered by the Arizona Department of Housing. The credit is allocated based on project eligibility statements, can be shared among investors regardless of ownership stake, and expires after 2031. Taxpayers must submit documentation with their tax returns, and unused credits may be carried forward for up to five years. The bill requires annual reporting on housing impacts but does not change income tax rates or directly affect renters.

Maddy summaryHB 2638 creates the Arizona School Mental Health Professionals Academy to address staffing shortages in public schools. It provides graduate students pursuing school psychology, social work, or counseling degrees with scholarships covering tuition and fees (up to three years) at eligible Arizona institutions, in exchange for a one-year service commitment in public schools after graduation. The program prioritizes critical need areas like rural schools, Indian reservation schools, and schools serving students with disabilities. The Arizona Board of Regents manages a dedicated fund for administering the academy, tracking participants, and ensuring graduates fulfill their service obligations in public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2714 amends Arizona's tax deed sale process to prioritize affordable housing development. It allows counties to sell property held by the state due to unpaid taxes directly to cities, counties, or housing authorities for low-income housing without requiring a public auction, provided a recorded agreement ensures affordability for at least 30 years. The bill also includes streamlined sales to contiguous property owners (for commercial, agricultural, or residential use) and homeowners' associations for common areas. These changes aim to facilitate affordable housing projects by removing auction barriers for eligible properties while maintaining standard procedures for other sales.

Maddy summaryHB 2392 repeals Section 15-120.02 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which previously addressed team designations related to biological sex. The bill does not create new policy but removes an existing statutory provision. It is currently in early legislative stages, having passed its first two readings in the House on January 20-21, 2026. This is a procedural repeal without direct impact on current laws or individuals, as it eliminates a prior statute rather than altering current regulations. The bill’s specific content prior to repeal is not detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 2653 is a technical legislative bill that repeals specific Arizona statutes related to health care institution leasing (Sections 1-219, 13-3603.01, 13-3603.02, 13-3605, 15-115, 15-115.01, and 15-1630) and amends Section 15-1637. The bill directly affects nonprofit health care institutions operating under lease agreements with the Arizona Board of Regents, modifying provisions about property leasing, tax exemptions, bond issuance, and reporting requirements for these facilities. It does not address abortion access or policy; the title "abortion; repeals" appears to be an error, as the bill text contains no abortion-related provisions. The amendments clarify lease terms, financial reporting, and restrictions on acquiring additional health care properties.