Sen. Catherine Miranda

Maddy summarySB 1524 appropriates $3.2 million from Arizona's general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Transportation to grade, improve drainage, gravel, and stabilize Navajo Route 8070. This funding directly affects the Navajo Route 8070 road and the communities relying on it, particularly those in the Navajo Nation area. The bill includes a specific exemption preventing these funds from lapsing under standard appropriation rules (Arizona Revised Statutes § 35-190). The bill focuses solely on authorizing this infrastructure funding without altering broader policies.

Maddy summarySB 1459 establishes Arizona's Public Employee Bargaining Act, creating a legal framework for collective bargaining between public employees and public employers (state/local government agencies). The bill defines key terms like "exclusive representative" (a union certified to negotiate on behalf of employees), "appropriate bargaining unit," and "impasse," while outlining rights for both employees (to form unions and bargain) and employers (to manage operations). It creates a Public Employee Labor Relations Board (appointed by the governor) to oversee certification of unions, resolve disputes, and enforce rules for bargaining. This law directly affects all public employees (excluding elected officials and board members) and public employers across Arizona state and local government.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1464 creates a state-run family and medical leave insurance program starting in 2029. It provides eligible workers with up to 26 weeks of paid benefits for pregnancy, serious health conditions requiring hospitalization, or 24 weeks for caring for a newborn, family member with a serious health condition, military family leave, or "safe leave" related to domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, or stalking. To qualify, workers must meet specific wage requirements during their base period (e.g., earning at least $390 per week in a qualifying quarter). Employers must provide at least 12 weeks of leave, with benefits paid biweekly after a claim is filed.

Maddy summarySB 1483 appropriates $8 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to Navajo Technical University (NTU) to survey, design, build, and equip an environmental testing laboratory. This funding directly supports NTU's infrastructure development and will enable the university to provide environmental testing services, primarily benefiting Navajo communities and related environmental initiatives. The bill specifies the funds are exempt from standard appropriation lapse rules under Arizona law. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (Senate First and Second Readings as of February 2026).

Maddy summarySB 1467 repeals a provision (Section 41-1519) that previously provided tax relief for data centers in Arizona. This bill directly affects data centers that previously qualified for these tax incentives. The repeal removes the specific tax break program, ending eligibility for this form of tax relief for qualifying data center facilities. The bill does not create new rules but eliminates an existing tax incentive.

Maddy summarySB 1486 allocates $750,000 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Navajo Nation. This funding covers surveying, design, planning, restoration, and equipment for the Coalmine Canyon youth and community recreation center, which must include a full-size basketball court, an outdoor multiuse facility, and security lights. The bill specifies this appropriation is exempt from standard state rules about unused funds lapsing. This is a procedural funding bill directly affecting the Navajo Nation's recreation center development.

Maddy summarySB 1468 requires Arizona's Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) staff to annually review and report on the state's individual income tax system. Specifically, by November 1 each year, they must submit a report categorizing current tax brackets (based on 2022 rates), adjustments to gross income, and deductions/credits claimed by taxpayers in the prior year. This bill does not change tax rates or policies but mandates a structured review of existing tax structures. The report will inform legislative decision-making by providing data on how Arizona's tax code is applied. It affects all individual income taxpayers in Arizona through the analysis of their tax filings.

Maddy summaryArizona's SCR 1035 proposes repealing Article XXV of the state constitution, which currently establishes a "right to work" provision. If approved by voters, this repeal would remove the constitutional ban on requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment. The bill directly affects workers and unions by potentially allowing mandatory union security agreements in workplaces. It is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval at the next general election, not a new law.

Maddy summarySB 1465 requires employers in high-risk industries - like agriculture, construction, landscaping, delivery work, and oil/gas extraction - to implement heat illness prevention measures. It mandates free drinkable water (one cup every 15-20 minutes above 90°F), accessible shade or climate-controlled areas within 400 feet, and mandatory rest periods based on temperature. Employers must also train staff, acclimate new workers to heat over 7-14 days, and follow specific high-heat procedures like supervisor monitoring and emergency response plans. The law directly affects workers in these industries and their employers across Arizona.

Maddy summarySB 1484 allocates $1 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Navajo Nation for the Sawmill Intergenerational Learning Center. The funds cover the center's design, construction, maintenance, and operations, directly supporting the Navajo Nation's community development efforts. The bill exempts this funding from standard lapsing rules, ensuring the money remains available for the project regardless of fiscal year deadlines. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no policy changes beyond the financial commitment.