Rep. Lorena Austin

Maddy summaryHB 2576 amends Arizona's charter school funding statute to establish an annual inflation adjustment for charter school per-student payments. It sets fixed base rates ($2,131.90 for K-8 and $2,484.69 for 9-12) and requires the legislature to increase charter additional assistance by at least 2% or the GDP price deflator change (whichever is lower) starting in 2026-2027, while ensuring funding never drops below the 2026 base level. This directly affects Arizona charter schools receiving state funding, ensuring their per-student payments rise with inflation. The bill focuses on concrete funding mechanics rather than enrollment or operational rules. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House First/Second Reading, 2026).

Maddy summaryHB 2701 requires Arizona's legislative council to display the official flags of all 22 federally recognized tribes in Wesley Bolin Plaza. This bill directly affects the state government (specifically the legislative council) and the tribes whose flags are displayed. It mandates a new, specific location for tribal flag display as part of public space management, without altering funding or other provisions in the existing monument law. The bill focuses on a procedural requirement for flag placement, not broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would establish annual spending limits for Arizona school districts based on adjusted 1979-1980 spending levels, adjusted for student population growth and inflation. The limit is calculated as 1.10 times the adjusted baseline amount, prohibiting districts from exceeding this cap using local revenues (excluding specific exempted funds like federal grants, bond proceeds, and self-supporting school services). Districts could exceed the limit only if the legislature passes a two-thirds vote concurrent resolution. The measure directly affects all public school districts and community college districts in Arizona by constraining their local budget flexibility.

Maddy summaryHB 2630 allows eligible individuals - including election officers, law enforcement personnel, public officials, and those under protection orders - to request hiding their personal details (like home addresses and full names) from public property records maintained by county recorders. To qualify, they must file an affidavit with a judge explaining safety risks, and if approved, the county recorder will restrict public access to their identifying information for five years. This applies to documents such as property deeds and recorded instruments, aiming to protect individuals facing safety threats by limiting how easily their personal data can be found online. The bill does not create new records but modifies access to existing county property records.

Maddy summaryHB 2821, titled the "Pregnant Workers Protection Act," requires Arizona employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers without imposing undue hardship. It mandates specific accommodations like modified equipment, more frequent breaks, schedule changes, assistance with manual labor, private breastfeeding areas, and flexibility for prenatal appointments. Employers cannot force pregnant employees to use vacation or sick leave when accommodations are possible and must post notices about the policy in employee handbooks and provide written notice to new hires, current employees, and pregnant employees within 10 days of pregnancy disclosure. The bill directly affects pregnant employees and their employers in qualifying businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 2823 prohibits Arizona's Department of Corrections from renewing or creating new contracts with private prison operators that include a "minimum occupancy clause." This means the state cannot require private prisons to maintain a specific occupancy rate, and will only pay for the actual number of inmates physically housed at the facility. The bill directly affects the state department and private prison operators by changing how contracts are structured and paid. It applies to all new contracts or renewals after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2703 defines eligibility for Arizona's Education Savings Account (ESA) program, primarily affecting students with disabilities, those from low-performing schools, military families, and children in foster care. The bill establishes specific criteria for "qualified students" (e.g., those identified under federal disability law, attending schools with D/F grades, or military-connected children) and defines "micro-schools" as tuition-charging entities providing instruction without public school status. It requires schools receiving ESA funds to meet reporting standards and ensures students must have attended a public school for minimum hours or meet other specified enrollment requirements. This bill updates the legal framework governing the existing ESA program without creating new funding.

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2628 amends election laws to clarify ballot handling rules and delivery requirements for mail-in ballots. It requires election officials to include specific instructions (in voter guides and mail ballot envelopes) stating that only voters, family members, household members, or caregivers may handle or return ballots, with violations classified as a class 5 felony under Section 16-1005. The bill mandates that mail ballots must include a signed affidavit and be returned by 7:00 p.m. on election day to a county recorder’s office, polling place, or via in-person drop-off with ID (starting 2026), with explicit warnings about felony penalties for improper handling. These changes directly affect voters, election officials, and ballot returners by standardizing delivery procedures and reinforcing penalties for unauthorized ballot collection.

Maddy summaryHCR 2034 is a proposed resolution (requiring voter approval) that would replace Arizona's current rules for English language learners (ELLs) in public schools. It mandates schools to identify students' primary languages, assess their English proficiency, and enroll non-proficient students in structured English immersion programs requiring 120 minutes daily for K-5 and 100 minutes daily for grades 6-12. The bill also creates a budget framework for schools to cover additional costs of these programs using state funds, while requiring the state board to approve research-based instructional models. This directly affects all Arizona public schools and English language learners.

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.