Rep. Lorena Austin

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2685 allocates $5 million from a consumer restitution fund to provide three-year grants for up to three telehealth mental health providers serving Arizona K-12 schools. The grants fund providers who offer free, evidence-based mental health services (like therapy for anxiety and depression) via telehealth during school hours, coordinate with school staff, and serve all students regardless of insurance or payment ability. Providers must meet specific criteria, including not having received prior state funding for similar services and demonstrating capacity to serve diverse communities from urban to tribal schools. The funding is exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules until June 2029. This bill directly affects Arizona public school students by expanding access to in-school mental health support through telehealth.

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2464 repeals the specific "RIGHT TO WORK" article heading in the state's labor code (Section 23-1302) and reclassifies it under "GENERAL PROVISIONS." The bill maintains existing liability protections for employees who face retaliation for refusing union membership (Section 23-1306) and preserves the right to non-union membership as protected employment policy under Section 23-1501(vi). It does not change the substance of Arizona's right-to-work law but alters its legal classification within the statutes. The bill's implementation depends on a future voter-approved constitutional amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 2709 limits landlord fees and requires clearer rental disclosures in Arizona. Landlords cannot charge for background checks if renters provide their own credit reports, may not charge more than the actual screening cost, and cannot charge multiple application fees within a year. Landlords must provide written disclosures before tenancy, including all mandatory fees, rent amounts, due dates, and optional costs (like trash valet or smart device upgrades), and include these details in all rental ads and websites. This directly affects Arizona landlords and renters by reducing unexpected costs and increasing transparency in rental agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 2297, the "Arizona Ban on Scholarship Displacement Act of 2026," prevents Arizona public colleges and universities from reducing a student's free financial aid (like grants or scholarships not requiring repayment) if the student receives a private scholarship. Specifically, institutions cannot lower gift aid because of a private scholarship, except when the gift aid exceeds the student's actual cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, living expenses, etc.). The bill also prohibits schools from factoring private scholarships into financial aid decisions. It directly affects Arizona public universities and community colleges (under the Arizona Board of Regents or community college system) and students receiving private scholarships from non-governmental sources.

Maddy summaryHB 2316 allows Arizona middle schools (grades 6-8) to offer career technical education (CTE) courses that count toward both 8th-grade promotion and high school graduation. Schools must partner with approved CTE providers like community colleges or state-approved programs, and students must pass courses to earn credit. The bill requires schools to report course offerings and completions annually, with a final report due by 2029, and expires in 2037. It permits CTE districts to fund middle school CTE courses without raising property taxes but prohibits counting middle school students in district enrollment totals.

Maddy summaryHB 2558 requires Arizona health insurers to cover scalp cooling systems for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, starting January 1, 2027. The bill mandates that hospital service corporations, health care services organizations, disability insurers, and group disability insurers must provide coverage for these systems when used alongside cancer-related chemotherapy treatment. A "scalp cooling system" is defined as a medical device designed to prevent or reduce hair loss during chemo, intended for repeated use and primarily for medical purposes. This policy directly affects cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in Arizona and insurers offering related coverage. The law creates a new coverage requirement without altering existing treatment standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2711 modifies how Arizona allocates unclaimed property funds, such as abandoned bank accounts and stocks, that would otherwise go to the state general fund. It directs 55% of these funds to the housing trust fund, with 40% of that portion (22% of total funds) specifically reserved for rural housing development. The bill also specifies that $2 million goes to a trust fund for housing the seriously mentally ill, $2.5 million to the general housing trust fund, and $24.5 million to the department of revenue's administrative fund. This policy change affects state fund distribution without directly altering individual rights or services.

Maddy summaryHB 2295 raises Arizona's minimum wage to $18 per hour by January 1, 2027, with scheduled increases from $10 in 2017 up to $12 in 2020. After 2020, the wage will automatically adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index (measuring cost-of-living changes) to maintain its value. The bill also allows employers to pay tipped workers a base wage up to $3 less per hour, provided total tips plus wages meet the minimum wage requirement. This applies to most hourly workers in Arizona covered by state minimum wage law, including those in restaurants and service industries. The bill requires a three-fourths legislative vote to take effect.