Sen. Priya Sundareshan

Maddy summarySB 1388 amends Arizona's water management law to expand the director's authority for groundwater conservation. It explicitly authorizes the director to develop conservation programs, acquire water rights and property, and coordinate with agencies like the Department of Environmental Quality on water planning and data sharing. The bill directly affects groundwater users, water management authorities, and state agencies responsible for implementing Arizona's water policies. Key provisions include formalizing the director's role in managing water quantity and quality, acquiring water rights through contracts, and maintaining public water data repositories.

Maddy summarySB 1387 establishes a system for crediting water stored in designated facilities toward long-term water accounts in Arizona. It directly affects water storers (like farmers or companies) who store water in specific locations, such as groundwater savings facilities or managed underground storage sites. The bill sets varying credit percentages (50% to 100%) based on storage conditions, such as whether the water is effluent, stored for park benefits, or used in mineral extraction areas. Key provisions include a 15,000 acre-foot annual limit for some storage and higher credits (up to 95%) for water stored in facilities benefiting parks or aquifers.

Maddy summaryHCR 2045 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), who died on March 13, 2025. The resolution expresses the Arizona Legislature’s "profound sorrow" at his passing and recognizes his 50+ years of public service, including 12 terms in the U.S. House representing Southern Arizona. It highlights his work on environmental protection, tribal sovereignty (notably the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition), and advocacy for public education and social justice. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it is purely a symbolic tribute. The Arizona House and Senate approved it in January 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1384 prohibits Arizona utility companies and public power entities (like electric providers) from using customer ratepayer money for political contributions, lobbying, charitable giving, or advertising. It bans spending on political action committees, trade association memberships, and legislative lobbying, while allowing employee contributions to separate political funds. The bill requires these entities to report any lobbying expenses and prohibits using ratepayer funds for activities like political influence or non-regulated business costs. This directly affects major utilities regulated by the Corporation Commission, including Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona law to allow the groundwater director to designate new "subsequent active management areas" beyond the initial areas established under existing law. It requires the director to consider three specific conditions before designating such areas: the need to preserve groundwater supply, threats from land subsidence, or groundwater quality degradation. Designated areas must cover entire groundwater basins (not partial sections) and may include multiple basins, except for northern Arizona's regional aquifers. The bill also mandates periodic reviews of non-designated areas to determine if they meet the criteria for future designation.

Maddy summarySCR 1017 proposes adding a new constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment in Arizona's Constitution. It states that every person has an inherent right to clean water, clean air, healthy ecosystems, a safe climate, and preserved natural qualities, belonging to both current and future generations. The amendment requires Arizona and its local governments to act as trustees of natural resources (including water, air, and climate), conserve them for all people, and prioritize securing a safe climate and clean energy as a "compelling state interest." This proposal must be approved by voters in the next general election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 1397, the "Pregnant Workers Protection Act," requires Arizona employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, such as modified equipment, more frequent breaks, schedule changes, or flexibility for prenatal appointments, unless it causes undue hardship. It prohibits employers from forcing pregnant employees to use vacation or sick time when accommodations are possible and mandates clear written notices to all employees about these requirements. Employers must post the policy visibly and provide written notices at hire, within 180 days of the law’s effective date, and within 10 days of an employee disclosing pregnancy. The law directly affects pregnant employees and their employers across Arizona.

Maddy summarySB 1394 establishes legal rights for individuals to access fertility treatments without unreasonable barriers, including preserving reproductive materials, artificial insemination, IVF, and related services. It directly affects patients seeking fertility care, healthcare providers offering these services, and health insurers required to cover them. Key provisions guarantee individuals’ rights to continue ongoing treatments, retain control over their reproductive materials, and ensure providers can offer evidence-based care within their scope. The bill also exempts the Department of Health Services and health boards from standard rulemaking requirements for one year to implement these provisions. This legislation aims to clarify access and rights but is pending final passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2844 establishes rules for Arizona's contracts with private companies operating adult correctional facilities, requiring them to provide services at equal or better quality and lower cost than state-run facilities. The bill mandates biennial reviews comparing contractor performance to state operations across 10 areas (like security, inmate programs, and facility safety) and requires cost comparisons every five years to ensure value. It limits annual cost adjustments to inflation, prohibits contractors from making decisions about inmate release dates or disciplinary actions, and requires contractors to provide financial statements, civil rights insurance, and reimburse the state for emergency services. These provisions apply directly to private prison contractors and the Arizona Department of Corrections.

Maddy summarySB 1381 requires farmers or ranchers leasing state agricultural land (outside specific groundwater management areas) to pay an annual fee based on their groundwater use. They must report well locations, water volume, and usage annually by March 31. Fees collected go to the state land trust fund, with the legislature stating fees should reflect groundwater's fair market value. This bill directly affects agricultural lessees on state land in areas not covered by active groundwater management zones.