Rep. Lorena Austin

Maddy summaryHB 2293 repeals Section 34-321 of Arizona law and amends Section 40-360.06 to eliminate a requirement that project labor agreements be included in environmental approval for facilities like power plants or transmission lines. This affects developers and contractors seeking environmental compatibility certificates, as they will no longer need to negotiate or sign such agreements to obtain approval. The key provision explicitly prohibits committees from conditioning approval on project labor agreements, neutrality agreements, or related labor terms, while preserving private collective bargaining and federal labor protections. The bill streamlines the approval process by removing this specific labor-related condition from environmental reviews.

Maddy summaryHB 2469 establishes a temporary committee to study how to train retail and lodging employees to identify and respond to human trafficking victims in both urban and rural areas. The committee, composed of 16 members including legislators, state agency representatives, chamber of commerce leaders, academic experts, healthcare providers, and tribal community members, must evaluate training methods and submit a report to state leaders by June 30, 2028. The committee expires December 31, 2028, with no immediate policy changes enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 2463 creates a task force to study employee misclassification and payroll tax fraud specifically in Arizona's construction industry. The task force, composed of state agency representatives (including the Industrial Commission, Department of Insurance, and Contractor Registrar), will examine revenue losses, enforcement gaps, and prevention strategies. It must report annually to state lawmakers starting in 2028, including recommendations on improving investigations, public awareness, and interagency cooperation. The bill does not change current laws but aims to inform future policy based on the task force's findings.

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes repealing Arizona's constitutional "right to work" provision (Article XXV), which currently prohibits requiring union membership as a condition of employment. If approved by voters, it would remove this constitutional protection, altering Arizona's labor law framework. The measure will be submitted to voters at the next general election as required by state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2652 repeals Arizona's requirement for notarized parental consent for minors seeking abortions. It removes the current law that mandated either a minor's parent or guardian provide notarized written consent or a judge authorize the procedure through a confidential court process. This bill directly affects unemancipated minors in Arizona who would no longer need parental consent or judicial bypass to access abortion care. The repeal eliminates all associated provisions, including confidentiality rules, time limits for court hearings, and civil liability for providers who follow the old consent requirements. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First/Second Reading).

Maddy summaryThis bill, if approved by Arizona voters, would increase the state's minimum wage to $12 per hour starting January 1, 2020, with annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2028 based on the consumer price index. It would allow employers to pay tipped workers a base wage up to $3 less per hour than the minimum wage if tips make up the difference, but this exception would end on January 1, 2030, requiring full minimum wage payment for all workers thereafter. The measure directly affects Arizona workers, particularly low-wage and tipped employees, and aims to provide a wage floor that rises with living costs.

Maddy summaryHB 2643 links landlord-tenant violations to consumer fraud enforcement in Arizona. It states that when a landlord breaks Chapter 10 of Arizona's landlord-tenant law (covering issues like security deposits or habitability), that violation is automatically considered a consumer fraud under state law. This means tenants could pursue remedies through Arizona's consumer fraud statutes (Title 44, Chapter 10, Article 7), which offer stronger enforcement tools like civil penalties and attorney fees. The bill directly affects landlords who violate tenant protections and tenants seeking legal recourse. (Note: The bill is in early stages, having received its first House reading on January 20, 2026.)

Maddy summaryHB 2294 requires Arizona's occupational licensing agencies to establish clear pathways for obtaining licenses, certificates, or registrations through approved apprenticeship programs. It mandates that apprenticeships must be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or Arizona's Department of Economic Security, and that any required examination cannot discriminate against apprenticeship completers versus vocational school graduates. This directly affects individuals seeking occupational licenses (e.g., in construction, healthcare, or trades) and the state agencies that oversee licensing. The law aims to standardize and expand accessible licensing routes while ensuring fair evaluation for all training paths.

Maddy summaryHB 2646 establishes three fundamental rights for Arizona children: the right to maintain relationships with parents (including visitation during parental incarceration), access to confidential health care services (such as contraception, STI treatment, and mental health care without parental consent), and enrollment in public schools with in-person instruction. The bill requires any law affecting these rights to prioritize the child's best interest and be narrowly tailored to a compelling government interest. It specifically allows children to consent to certain health services independently and overrides parental direction regarding public school enrollment. The law applies directly to Arizona children and their parents or legal guardians.

Maddy summaryHB 2678 adds a new exemption to Arizona's retail sales tax code, removing sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products. This directly affects consumers who purchase these essential items and retailers selling them. The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes § 42-5061 to explicitly exempt "diapers and feminine hygiene products" from the state's retail sales tax, aligning with similar exemptions for items like food and medical supplies. The change applies to all qualifying products sold within Arizona, effective upon enactment.