Sen. Shawnna Bolick

Maddy summarySB 1168 requires Arizona county election officials to track and publicly post detailed counts of specific ballot categories (early, regular, provisional, federal-only, and electronic ballots) on their websites. It mandates random hand counts for countywide elections, selecting at least 2% of precincts (or two precincts) to verify results for up to five contested races per election, including statewide, federal, and legislative races. The bill specifies that provisional ballots and early ballots are excluded from hand counts but must be grouped separately for a distinct manual audit. These provisions aim to increase transparency and verification in election tabulation processes for voters and officials.

Maddy summaryHB 2720 requires courts to collect a $200 mandatory assessment from individuals convicted of paying for sex (a specific violation under Arizona law), which cannot be waived. The funds from these assessments flow directly into Arizona’s Anti-Human Trafficking Grant Fund, established under Section 41-1736. This fund provides money to support programs that assist trafficking victims, aid law enforcement in combating trafficking, and offer public training on identifying trafficking. The bill does not change prostitution penalties but links fines from specific prostitution-related convictions to anti-trafficking initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis Arizona bill (SB 1684) allows students or their parents to sue public schools for failing to address bullying after receiving prior reports, if the student suffers serious physical injury. It requires three conditions: the school must have received at least one prior report (written, verbal, or staff observation) of bullying, the school negligently failed to act on that report, and the injury resulted directly from the bullying. The law also permits courts to award attorney fees and damages to successful claimants. It directly affects public schools, students injured by bullying, and families seeking recourse when schools ignore documented bullying concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona's liquor laws by defining key terms used in licensing and enforcement. It clarifies terms like "act of violence" (including weapon use or officer intervention), "aggrieved party" (neighbors opposing licenses), "biometric verification devices" (for age checks), and detailed requirements for "clubs" (e.g., veterans' groups, social clubs needing 100+ dues-paying members). These definitions directly affect liquor license applicants, clubs seeking to sell alcohol, and law enforcement handling violations. The bill does not change existing policies but standardizes terminology for consistent application.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Arizona Legislature's sincere regret and deepest condolences regarding the death of former Senate Majority Leader Alfredo Gutierrez. It formally acknowledges his life of public service, highlighting his advocacy for civil rights, education, and immigrant communities, as well as his significant legislative achievements such as establishing the Arizona Department of Transportation and expanding Medicaid. The bill does not enact new laws or policies but serves as a commemorative gesture to honor his legacy and offer support to his surviving family members.

Maddy summarySB 1413 amends Arizona law to clarify and update the existing veterans' tuition deferment program. It allows eligible veterans to defer payment for tuition, fees, and required books/materials for up to 120 days while awaiting federal VA education benefits, requiring only a no-interest promissory note. If VA benefits haven't arrived by the 120-day deadline, the deferment may be extended until benefits are received. Colleges may withhold grades or transfer credits until the deferred amount is paid. This bill directly affects veterans enrolled in Arizona state colleges or universities who are waiting for VA benefit disbursements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Arizona to participate in a federal tax credit program, enabling individuals to claim a credit for contributions to qualified scholarship organizations. Starting in 2027, certified Arizona scholarship groups can provide funds for elementary and secondary education expenses, such as tuition or materials, under federal law. The state’s Department of Education must certify these organizations, maintain a public list of them, and submit annual reports to the federal government to maintain eligibility. The bill does not create new scholarships but aligns Arizona with existing federal tax incentives for education-related donations.

Maddy summarySB 1586 requires all Arizona state agencies to post federal guidance they receive or create on their websites within 30 days. Agencies must include the full text, date, and a summary of how the guidance affects their operations, especially when it influences state law interpretation or federal compliance. Confidential federal guidance must be noted with reasons for non-disclosure, while personally identifiable information remains excluded. Agencies must submit annual compliance reports to the legislature starting December 31, 2026. This bill directly affects all state agencies handling federal funds or regulations by increasing transparency around external guidance.

Maddy summarySB 1415 allows salaried insurance adjusters already licensed in another state to obtain an Arizona license without taking Arizona's adjuster exam, provided they meet specific conditions. To qualify, they must be Arizona residents who held an active license in another state before January 1, 2026, be in good standing in that state, submit required paperwork and fees by June 30, 2027, and have qualified for their original license through another state's exam. The license is temporary and only valid while the person remains a salaried employee of an insurer or managing general agent in Arizona. It expires if they stop working as a salaried adjuster, requiring them to apply for a standard license if they continue in the role.

Maddy summarySB 1211 requires Arizona courts to issue lifetime injunctions prohibiting contact between defendants convicted of specific serious felonies and their victims. It applies to offenses including violent felonies, certain domestic violence cases (per A.R.S. §13-2921.01), and other felony categories listed in the bill. The injunctions take effect immediately at sentencing, must be registered with crime databases, and remain valid for the defendant's lifetime unless the victim dies, the conviction is overturned, or the victim requests early termination. Victims can also petition for an injunction after sentencing without court fees. This law directly affects victims of qualifying violent or domestic violence felonies and their convicted offenders.