Sen. Mark Finchem

Maddy summarySCR 1007, if approved by voters, would amend Arizona law to prohibit employees or appointees of the Racing Commission from engaging in specific activities related to horse and dog racing. The key provisions ban commission staff from having business dealings with race track owners or permittees, working for a race track, or participating as a trainer, jockey, or owner-trainer in racing events. These changes directly affect current and future commission employees by restricting their outside involvement in the racing industry. The bill requires voter approval at the next general election to become law.

Maddy summarySB 1084 repeals Arizona's existing regulations governing online home-sharing platforms (like Airbnb) by removing specific legal provisions related to short-term rentals. It directly affects hosts and platforms operating in Arizona by eliminating prior requirements for registration, taxation, and reporting under sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The bill removes sections that previously defined "online lodging" and established regulatory frameworks for home-sharing businesses. Key mechanisms include repealing sections 42-5042, 42-5076, and others while amending related tax disclosure rules (like 42-2003). This action simplifies the legal landscape for home-sharing by removing state-level regulatory barriers.

Maddy summarySB 1087 amends Arizona law to expand exemptions from aquifer protection permits, specifically adding 23 new categories of facilities that no longer require these permits. It directly affects businesses and operations like household gardening, livestock watering ponds, mining overburden storage, certain water storage systems (including Central Arizona Project projects), and some agricultural irrigation. The key mechanism is updating Section 49-250 to exempt activities where groundwater protection is already ensured through other regulations or where no aquifer degradation risk exists. This bill does not create new requirements but simplifies permitting for qualifying operations. (Note: The bill's title mentions "helium exploration," but the text contains no reference to helium or related activities.)

Maddy summarySB 1090 is a technical correction to Arizona Revised Statutes Section 6-403, which governs prohibitions for savings and loan associations. The bill corrects a minor error in the statutory language without changing any policy or creating new requirements. It directly affects the legal text that prohibits unauthorized operations by savings and loan associations in Arizona. This routine administrative update ensures the existing law is accurately stated, with no substantive changes to how the law functions.

Maddy summarySB 1085 protects most job applicants' hiring documents from public disclosure during the hiring process. It prevents public employers from sharing resumes, applications, background checks, or interview materials while a position is being filled. However, once a candidate is hired, their name, job title, and salary must be disclosed per public records laws, with exceptions for senior officials like elected leaders or cabinet members. This bill directly affects public employers and job applicants in Arizona state government hiring.

Maddy summarySB 1089 is a technical correction bill that amends Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-208 regarding juvenile court record access. It clarifies existing rules about when juvenile court records may be released to specific entities, including adult probation departments, prosecutors, superior court programs, and jail authorities for purposes like determining custody, bond, or inmate classification. The bill does not change who can access records but corrects wording in provisions related to public inspection exceptions, victim confidentiality, and record handling for transferred juveniles. It directly affects juvenile courts, law enforcement, and correctional facilities managing juvenile records.

Maddy summarySB 1091 is a technical correction to Arizona Revised Statutes § 1-302, which governs holiday closures for public offices and courts. The bill fixes a typographical error in the current law that incorrectly stated: "To give upon ON its request, instructions to a jury deliberating on its THE JURY'S verdict." The correction clarifies that certain judicial business - such as jury instructions, verdicts, or magistrate actions in criminal cases - may occur on legal holidays. This change does not alter existing holiday closure rules but ensures the law is accurately worded for clarity and implementation.

Maddy summarySB 1076 prohibits Arizona cities and towns from banning vacation rentals or short-term rentals. It restricts local regulations to specific areas like public health/safety, zoning, and nuisance issues, requiring cities to apply these rules uniformly. The bill mandates that owners provide emergency contact information, obtain a simple local permit (with basic details like address and contact info, capped at $250 fee), notify adjacent properties before renting, and maintain $500,000 in liability insurance. It also requires displaying permit or tax license numbers in advertisements, overriding conflicting local rules.

Maddy summarySB 1600, titled "Patient Rights; Health Care Services," defines core patient rights for anyone receiving healthcare in Arizona. It establishes that patients have the right to care prioritizing their best interest, avoiding harm, and requiring informed consent for medical decisions (except emergencies). The bill directly affects all patients receiving care from licensed health professionals in Arizona. However, the bill was passed by the legislature on May 7, 2025, but was vetoed by the governor on May 13, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 1322 establishes a State Broadband Office within Arizona's Department of Administration to coordinate statewide broadband efforts. The office, led by a director appointed by the department head, directly affects local governments, telecom providers, and residents by managing federal grant applications, guiding infrastructure projects, and developing policy priorities. Key provisions require the office to coordinate local/state/federal broadband programs, provide regulatory support, and publish a comprehensive state broadband plan outlining connectivity strategies. The bill aims to improve internet access and resilience through structured coordination and planning, without specifying funding or timelines.