Sen. David Gowan

Maddy summaryHB 2084 amends Arizona law to allow domestic water improvement districts in unincorporated areas to deliver water through "water hauling" as part of their water systems. It specifically authorizes districts to construct and operate waterworks, including systems for water delivery via hauling, and permits contracting for transportation services within districts. The bill defines key terms like "waterworks" and clarifies that large agricultural lands (20+ acres for commercial farming) may be excluded if owners object. This change directly affects unincorporated communities seeking to establish or expand water infrastructure, particularly where traditional pipelines are impractical.

Maddy summarySB 1081 requires Arizona's Department of Health Services to create a task force by 2026 to develop recommendations for maintaining pregnancy and women's health care services in rural areas with limited access. The bill directs the department to submit a final report to state leaders by December 2026, focusing on solutions for "low-volume, high-risk" rural communities. It expires automatically on December 31, 2027, meaning the recommendations would only guide future action, not mandate immediate changes. This bill directly affects rural residents who currently face challenges accessing essential reproductive health services.

Maddy summaryHB 2660 extends Arizona's affordable housing tax credit program, allowing developers and investors in qualifying low-income housing projects to claim a state tax credit equal to at least 50% of the federal low-income housing tax credit they receive. The bill requires the Arizona Department of Housing to issue eligibility statements for projects meeting federal criteria, with annual funding limits of $4 million (2022-2025) and $10 million (2026-2030). Taxpayers can apply the credit against insurance premium tax liability, carry forward unused credits for up to five years, and avoid retaliatory taxes under Section 20-230. The program directly affects developers and investors in affordable housing projects that qualify for federal low-income housing tax credits.

Maddy summarySB 1160 establishes the Arizona Office of Defense Innovation within the governor's office to boost the state's defense technology sector. It creates a director and advisory board (including military, industry, academic, and economic development representatives) to develop strategic plans, connect Arizona companies with federal defense agencies, and support firms pursuing defense contracts. The bill appropriates state funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 to operate the office, with the money exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules. The office must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing its activities and recommendations. This legislation directly affects Arizona's defense industry, military installations, and companies seeking federal defense contracts by creating a dedicated state resource to foster growth and partnerships.

Maddy summarySB 1349 prevents Arizona public agencies from being forced to use specific hardware when purchasing software licenses. It prohibits vendors from including contract terms that restrict agencies from installing or running software on their own chosen hardware. This applies to all state entities, universities (like the Arizona Board of Regents), cities, counties, and other public agencies. The law takes effect for new contracts signed after its implementation date.

Maddy summarySB 1228 imposes a temporary moratorium on new housing regulations in Arizona, preventing municipalities from adopting or enforcing new rules for single-family homes, subdivisions, or planned developments from its effective date through June 30, 2028. The law only allows new regulations that protect public health/safety or reduce construction costs. It directly affects local governments (cities and towns) by restricting their ability to create new housing development standards during this period. The bill expires on June 30, 2028, and stems from legislative findings that non-essential regulations are worsening Arizona's housing shortage and affordability crisis.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have amended Arizona election law to change how counties establish polling places and manage voting locations. It required counties to set precinct boundaries by October 1 before elections, with specific rules for combining precincts or using voting centers where any voter can cast a ballot with ID. The bill also mandated that public schools provide space for polling places unless a principal denies it for safety or space reasons, and created procedures for emergency voting centers during elections. It directly affected county election officials, public schools, and voters across Arizona.

Maddy summarySB 1288 requires all police vehicles used in patrol by Arizona law enforcement agencies to pass annual safety inspections. At the time of inspection, vehicles must either be no more than 10 years old from the inspection date or have fewer than 115,000 miles on the odometer. The bill directly affects municipal and county police departments operating patrol vehicles. This sets clear, measurable standards for vehicle maintenance but does not change broader policing policies.

Maddy summarySB 1708 bans state agencies, their contractors, and individuals in Arizona from using drones made by "covered foreign entities" (as defined by federal law) to collect data on restricted critical infrastructure after December 31, 2028. Exceptions allow drone use if equipped with U.S. security software compliant with federal standards or approved secure firewall technology. The law applies to infrastructure like oil/gas systems, water facilities, power grids, telecom networks, and transportation systems, which the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety will designate as "restricted." Annual third-party security verification is required for the exception technology. The ban does not apply to state homeland security, public safety, or law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summarySB 1630 establishes a study committee to examine issues affecting Arizona inmates aged 55+ who are aging within the state correctional system. The committee, composed of legislative members, corrections and healthcare officials, and community representatives (including a former inmate or family member), will research release programs, healthcare access, and transitions to long-term care. It must develop recommendations for a step-by-step release plan and a healthcare roadmap, submitting a final report to state leaders by December 31, 2025. This is a procedural bill creating a study body - not a policy change - and directly affects aging incarcerated individuals in Arizona.