Sen. David Gowan

Maddy summarySB 1155 amends Arizona's tax code to allow taxpayers to subtract compensation received for active service in the reserves, National Guard, or uniformed services (including combat zone pay) from their Arizona taxable income. This change directly affects Arizona residents who serve in these military roles, providing a tax deduction for their active-duty compensation. The key provision adds a new subtraction under Arizona Revised Statutes §43-1022, paragraph 11, aligning with federal tax treatment for such income. The bill was passed by the Arizona Legislature on February 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1703 prohibits veterans' benefit advisors from charging upfront or nonrefundable fees for helping veterans navigate benefits claims. It requires written agreements with clear disclosures stating the service is not affiliated with the Arizona or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and limits compensation to five times any actual increase in benefits. Advisors cannot guarantee specific benefits, charge during the one-year military service period without written acknowledgment, or use medical providers for secondary exams. Violations may result in civil penalties deposited into Arizona’s veterans’ homes trust fund. The bill passed the Senate but failed in the House on March 26, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1297 allocates $6.5 million from Arizona's state general fund to create a grant program for municipal fire departments and fire districts. The grants fund hardware and software to establish a secure, statewide incident management platform meeting federal (FEMA) standards, enabling standardized command structures, common terminology, resource tracking, and secure communication during emergencies - including offline functionality and smartphone apps. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, fully covering costs for three years, but unspent funds must be returned within one year if not fully used. The Department of Administration must report grant recipients and amounts to legislative leaders by December 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1355 requires all Arizona public K-12 schools to create standardized, accurate digital maps of their campuses, including floor plans, utility locations, and hazard sites, to improve emergency response coordination. Schools must annually update and certify this data, share it with all relevant public safety agencies at no cost, and ensure it remains accessible without requiring additional software purchases. The bill establishes a $10.36 million fund to provide grants for schools to develop this mapping data, with funds distributed on a first-come basis. School mapping data created under this law is exempt from public disclosure requirements. The law directly affects every public school in Arizona and aims to standardize emergency access to campus layout information.

Maddy summarySB 1286 allows Arizona counties to delegate certain land development approvals to administrative staff (like zoning officers) instead of requiring board meetings or public hearings. It creates a self-certification program where architects and engineers can verify compliance with building codes for eligible projects. Counties may also fast-track permits for developers with strong histories of following building regulations. These changes apply to subdivision plats, site plans, and construction permits, streamlining approvals for residential and commercial development.

Maddy summarySB 1102 prevents pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from suddenly removing a prescription drug from coverage for patients already taking it, unless the drug is discontinued. It requires PBMs to provide 60 days' notice before changing drug coverage and establishes a streamlined process for doctors to request continued access to excluded medications. Patients must obtain approval through this exception process to keep using a drug that was previously covered but is now excluded from the formulary. The law applies to all health insurers and PBMs in Arizona, ensuring continuity of care for those on established prescriptions.

Maddy summarySB 1145, titled "community facilities districts; prompt pay," requires Arizona community facilities districts to pay contractors in full for infrastructure projects before the infrastructure can be used. The bill prohibits using bond proceeds or reimbursements to repay landowners or others if contractors remain unpaid and mandates that districts cannot dissolve until all contractor claims are settled. This directly affects contractors working on district infrastructure, the districts themselves, and municipalities that may use the infrastructure. The law aims to prevent payment delays by tying infrastructure access and district dissolution to full contractor payment.

Maddy summarySB 1709 amends Arizona law to clarify that feeding wildlife is generally unlawful, but lists specific exceptions. It allows lawful wildlife taking under state law, public safety/wildlife management activities by employees, normal farming practices, feeding tree squirrels or birds, and holiday decorations not intended to attract wildlife. The law applies only in Arizona counties with over 280,000 residents and classifies violations as petty offenses. This directly affects farmers, wildlife managers, and homeowners who display holiday decor, while prohibiting most other intentional wildlife feeding in designated areas. The bill does not change existing hunting or agricultural rules but explicitly defines permitted activities to reduce confusion.

Maddy summarySB 1285 appropriates $12.5 million from Arizona's general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. This funding will be allocated equally to five designated fire management districts (only to currently recognized "fire cooperators") to purchase specific wildfire response equipment, including Type 3 fire engines, Type 6 fire engines, and tactical water tenders. The bill also appropriates $250,000 to the Arizona Trail Fund with an exemption from standard appropriation lapsing rules. This is a funding measure with no new policy requirements, solely directing state resources for wildfire equipment procurement.

Maddy summarySB 1710 creates Arizona's Mental Health Services for Veterans Grant Program, providing $2 million annually for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund community mental health programs. The program directly supports veterans with mental illness by awarding competitive grants to private community providers offering treatment services. The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services administers the program, setting eligibility rules, funding uses, and reporting requirements for grantees. This bill allocates state funds to expand access to mental health care for veterans through existing community service providers.