Rep. Lorena Austin

Maddy summaryHB 2649 repeals Section 1-219 of Arizona Revised Statutes, which previously defined certain rights and privileges related to unborn children. The bill removes this specific statutory language from Arizona law but does not create new rights or alter existing legal protections for individuals. This is a procedural change to the state code, directly affecting the legal text of the repealed statute. The bill does not impose new requirements or change how laws apply to people.

Maddy summaryHB 2684 requires Arizona employers to implement heat and cold safety programs for workers. For heat (80°F+), it mandates written plans covering hydration (1 quart of water per hour), 10-minute cool-down breaks every 2 hours (more frequently during extreme heat), thermometer monitoring, shade access, and acclimatization for new workers. For cold (60°F-), it requires similar written programs with warm areas, cold-prevention training, and reduced exposure schedules. The bill directly affects all Arizona employers with indoor or outdoor workplaces, including construction, agriculture, and vehicle-based jobs (requiring vehicle AC below 80°F).

Maddy summaryHB 2299 requires Arizona businesses to include all mandatory fees in advertised prices and clearly explain refund processes on receipts. It prohibits digital shelf labels (like remote-updating price tags) and limits price increases to 10% during a governor-declared state of emergency. Businesses violating these rules face civil penalties up to $5,000, with the Attorney General empowered to enforce compliance. The law directly affects retailers and service providers selling goods or services in Arizona, focusing on transparent pricing and preventing sudden cost hikes during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 2475 prohibits Arizona law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings that conceal their face while on duty, directly affecting all police departments, sheriff's offices, and state law enforcement agencies. It requires each agency to create and publicly post a policy restricting face coverings to specific exceptions: active undercover work (with authorization), tactical operations requiring protective gear, or special weapons teams during active duties. The bill explicitly excludes clear masks, medical masks, safety gear for hazardous conditions, and motorcycle helmets from the prohibition. This law aims to increase officer visibility and public trust during routine interactions.

Maddy summaryHB 2645 prohibits price gouging on "essential off-patent or generic drugs" in Arizona, which are defined as common, non-patented medications meeting specific criteria (e.g., expired patents, listed by WHO or HHS as essential for serious conditions). It directly affects drug manufacturers and distributors, requiring them to justify price increases of 50% or more within a year - triggered if costs exceed $80 for a 30-day supply or full treatment - by submitting detailed cost breakdowns to the Attorney General. The law allows the Attorney General to investigate, demand corrective actions (like refunding consumers), and impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. It specifically targets drugs used in Arizona’s state medical assistance program (Medicaid), aiming to prevent unjustified price hikes that limit patient access.

Maddy summaryHB 2712 requires Arizona courts to create public reports for every eviction case where a landlord wins. The reports must include the location (city/county), the reason for the eviction, and be made publicly accessible. This bill directly affects courts (which must compile the reports) and the public (which gains access to this data). It does not change eviction laws or tenant/landlord rights, only adding a reporting requirement for eviction judgments.

Maddy summaryHB 2718 establishes a new annual rent increase cap for most Arizona rental properties, limiting increases to the annual consumer price index (CPI) plus 3% (capped at a maximum 7% total increase per year). This applies to landlords after the first 36 months of a newly built property’s occupancy. The law requires the Arizona Department of Housing to calculate permissible increases, accept tenant complaints about violations, and refer cases to the attorney general for enforcement. It also includes provisions for landlords to handle tenant property or animals if a tenant dies or becomes incapacitated, requiring updated contact information for authorized retrieval.

Maddy summaryHB 2578 amends Arizona law to add a new provision (Section 13-3102, subsection 17) making it a crime for an adult to fail to take reasonable measures to prevent a minor from accessing a firearm. This directly affects parents, guardians, or anyone responsible for minors who have firearms in their care. The key mechanism requires adults to secure weapons so minors cannot access them, with penalties for negligence in this duty. The law does not prohibit firearm ownership but targets preventable access by children through specific safety measures. (This summary focuses solely on the policy change described in the bill text.)

Maddy summaryHB 2648 allocates $160 million from Arizona's general fund for child care assistance through the Department of Economic Security during fiscal year 2026-2027. This funding directly supports families using state child care assistance programs by ensuring consistent financial resources for providers. The bill also specifies that these funds are exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules, meaning the money won't expire if not fully spent by the end of the fiscal year. As a funding measure, it does not change eligibility rules or program structure but secures dedicated resources for existing child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Arizona's child care assistance program rules to expand eligibility and clarify income thresholds. It directly affects low-income families transitioning from cash aid, foster care children, families facing crises (like domestic violence or homelessness), and parents pursuing education or job training. Key changes include setting income limits (assistance ends if income exceeds 165% of the federal poverty level or 85% of state median income), prioritizing families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, and allowing child care support while parents complete education programs related to employment. The department manages funding through waiting lists and priority categories based on income levels.