Sen. J.D. Mesnard

Maddy summarySB 1106 clarifies how Arizona aligns its income tax calculations with the federal Internal Revenue Code. It defines "internal revenue code" for tax years starting in specific periods (e.g., 2023-2024, 2024-2025) as the federal tax code as it existed on a fixed date (e.g., January 1, 2024), including retroactive provisions from certain federal laws enacted in prior years. This directly affects Arizona taxpayers and the Department of Revenue when calculating income tax liability. The bill establishes a consistent reference point for Arizona’s tax code each year, avoiding constant updates to match federal changes.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1001 amends election procedures to clarify how counties establish polling places and voting centers. It requires county election boards to designate polling places at least 20 days before general elections, with specific rules for combining precincts, using voting centers (where voters present ID), and establishing emergency centers during elections. The bill mandates that public schools serving grades 7-12 must provide space for polling places if requested, and starting in 2026, requires state-owned facilities to be available as voting locations. This directly affects county election officials and voters by changing how voting locations are set up and managed.

Maddy summarySB 1496 creates two separate state tax credits for Arizona taxpayers who donate to qualifying charitable organizations. It allows credits of up to $400 ($800 for married couples) for donations to general charitable groups, and up to $500 ($1,000 for married couples) for donations specifically to foster care organizations. To qualify, organizations must certify they serve low-income residents, foster care recipients, or individuals with chronic illnesses/disabilities, and must confirm they do not support abortion services. The credit amounts automatically adjust annually based on Phoenix area inflation starting in 2023. Taxpayers must submit donation details to the state, and the Department of Revenue will maintain a public list of certified organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 2724 allows public school principals to permit patriotic youth groups (defined as organizations serving under-21s with educational patriotism goals, like state affiliates of groups listed in specific U.S. Code sections) to address students during the first quarter of each school year. Principals must approve requests submitted within the first two weeks, and schools may accept materials from these groups for direct student distribution on school property. The bill prohibits schools from denying equal access or discriminating against such groups based on membership criteria or oaths of allegiance to God and country. It specifically applies to schools and eligible patriotic youth groups, creating a new requirement for school access during designated times.

Maddy summarySB 1383 requires Arizona public school districts and charter schools to provide parents or guardians with two specific pieces of information upon request: (1) the health care credentials (like licenses or certifications) of staff providing routine health care services, and (2) details about required emergency response training (such as CPR) for school employees. The law directly affects parents seeking transparency about school health staff qualifications and the schools that must comply with these disclosure requests. It explicitly excludes sharing personal employee details like addresses, salaries, or social security numbers. This bill, signed into law on May 13, 2025, aims to increase parental awareness of school health services without compromising employee privacy.

Maddy summarySB 1274, the "Tax Corrections Act of 2025," prohibits state revenue department employees, agents, and contractors from preparing tax returns for compensation. This law directly affects state tax workers and their contractors, banning them from providing paid tax return preparation services to the public. Violations result in immediate dismissal or removal from duties under the law. The bill focuses solely on restricting tax return preparation by state-affiliated personnel, not on changes to taxpayer obligations or tax rates. It was enacted after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the governor’s signature in May 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1463 amends Arizona's initiative petition rules to require two specific descriptions on all initiative petitions: a 200-word summary of the measure's main provisions, and a list of conflicting statutes with brief explanations of how they might be impacted. It also mandates that circulators declare whether they are paid or volunteers on the petition form, making signatures invalid if this declaration is omitted. The bill directly affects initiative sponsors, circulators, and voters who review petitions before signing. The measure passed the Arizona legislature in May 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on May 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1221 requires all state-managed investment funds (like pension or retirement funds) to divest from investments in companies connected to the Chinese government, military, or Communist Party. Specifically, funds must sell holdings in any company based in China, owned by China, controlled by Chinese entities, or majority-owned by Chinese-controlled entities. Funds have one year to complete divestment, but may delay if less than 1% of their value is in such investments or if divesting would cost more than 1% of that value over five years. The law exempts funds from fiduciary duties when following these divestment rules and defines key terms like "divestment" and "publicly managed fund."

Maddy summarySB 1586 creates strict liability for healthcare providers who perform gender transition procedures on minors in Arizona. It requires providers to cover all costs of subsequent detransition procedures (reversing gender transition care) for 25 years after treatment begins, and allows minors to sue for medical expenses, damages, and attorney fees up to age 26. The bill prohibits providers from using contracts to waive this liability, stating such waivers violate public policy. The legislation was passed by the Arizona legislature in May 2025 but was vetoed by the governor on May 12, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 1377 establishes rules for Arizona healthcare facilities (authorized recipients) to accept and distribute donated medicine from donors like pharmacies or manufacturers. It requires donated medicine to be unopened, properly stored, and meet safety standards (e.g., no adulteration, temperature control), with strict recordkeeping for inventory and disposal. The bill prohibits reselling donated medicine but allows limited handling fees, while protecting good-faith participants from liability. It directly affects healthcare providers receiving donations, donors, and patients who may receive the medicine under specific conditions. The law was signed by the governor in May 2025.