Sen. Shawnna Bolick

Maddy summarySB 1285 modifies Arizona's sentencing laws for prisoners. It requires new prison sentences to run consecutively (one after another) if a person commits a felony offense while under correctional supervision (e.g., in state, private, or federal custody). For murder convictions, it clarifies that life sentences with "natural life" (no parole eligibility) apply in specific cases, and sets minimum service periods (25 or 35 years) before release for life sentences involving minors or vulnerable victims. The bill also adjusts sentencing procedures by requiring prosecutors to prove aggravating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt and defendants to prove mitigating circumstances by a preponderance of evidence.

Maddy summaryArizona's SCR 1011 is a state resolution applying under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to request Congress call a convention for proposing a constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms. It joins 22 other states that previously sought term limits but were overruled by the Supreme Court. The resolution formally asks Congress to draft such an amendment or allow states to convene a convention themselves, aggregating Arizona's application with similar efforts from other states to reach the required two-thirds threshold. This is procedural - it does not impose term limits but seeks to initiate the constitutional process for doing so.

Maddy summarySB 1667 (Arizona Senate Bill 1667) allows eligible individuals to petition for the destruction of their juvenile court and juvenile corrections records under specific conditions. It applies to people aged 18+ who have completed all court-ordered terms (including probation, restitution, and fines), have no pending charges or felony convictions, and are not subject to a lifetime injunction under Section 13-719. A separate pathway for those aged 25+ requires similar conditions plus proof that record destruction would aid rehabilitation. The bill explicitly excludes individuals under lifetime injunctions, and the court must verify all requirements before authorizing record destruction. This change aims to provide a clear, objective process for sealing juvenile records when eligibility criteria are met.

Maddy summarySB 1719 requires nonprofits receiving over $250,000 annually in state funding to submit audited financial statements every five years (ending in 0 or 5), following either federal audit standards or generally accepted accounting principles. This directly affects larger nonprofits receiving significant state assistance, mandating independent audits at their own expense. Smaller nonprofits receiving $250,000 or less in annual state funds must follow audit terms specified in their individual contracts instead. The bill aims to ensure financial accountability for state funds distributed to nonprofit organizations.

Maddy summarySB 1749 allows existing raffle organizers in Arizona to include real property they own as prizes in their raffles. This bill amends Arizona law to permit raffle operators - already authorized under current regulations - to raffle their own real estate, removing a prior restriction. The key provision simply expands the types of prizes permissible under existing raffle statutes, applying only to property owned by the raffle sponsor. It directly affects licensed raffle operators seeking to use real estate as a prize. The bill does not change raffle licensing requirements or apply to raffles involving third-party property.

Maddy summarySCR 1050 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require Arizona legislative candidates to disclose specific personal information on election ballots, including a three-word employment description, education level (from predefined options), military service status, and voting history in the last three general elections. It would also mandate that sitting legislators maintain their primary residence within their legislative district, with limited exceptions for those living far from the state capitol. If approved by voters, these changes would take effect for the 2030 elections. The amendment is currently in the early legislative stages (Senate first and second readings).

Maddy summarySB 1414 requires Arizona insurers to review and respond to settlement demands from third-party injury claims within 30 days. This directly affects insurers and claimants (such as people injured by others) who submit or receive such demands. The bill specifies that the 30-day clock starts on the postmark date for mailed demands or the email/fax transmission date. If a dispute arises about compliance, insurers can prove the date with evidence. The bill is currently pending in the Arizona Senate after its first two readings.

Maddy summarySB 1587 establishes rules for handling pet custody during Arizona divorce proceedings. It allows divorcing couples to create legally binding agreements about pet care, including visitation schedules and financial responsibilities. If no agreement exists, courts must consider specific factors like who provided veterinary care, who met the pet’s daily needs, and financial ability to care for the animal. The bill also creates a presumption favoring the party who relies on a service animal for disability support. This directly affects anyone divorcing with a pet in Arizona, shifting pet custody from "property" to a consideration based on the animal’s well-being.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1588) establishes procedures for filling vacancies in Arizona's state legislature. For districts with at least 30 precinct committeemen from the relevant political party, the state party chairman convenes a meeting where precinct committeemen nominate three qualified candidates from their party, who must reside in the same district and county. The county board of supervisors then appoints from these nominees within 10-21 days (depending on legislative session status), or the party chairman appoints if the board fails to act. For districts with fewer than 30 committeemen or unaffiliated seats, the county board appoints a citizens panel to submit three nominees within seven days. The bill directly affects legislative districts and county boards of supervisors when a seat becomes vacant.

Maddy summarySB 1513 requires Arizona's temporary vehicle registration plates to have a uniform design that clearly displays the issuance/expiry date and vehicle details (make, VIN) on the plate's face. It mandates that plates must be easily readable from 100 feet during daylight, use contrasting colors and sufficient font size, maintain legibility through weather exposure, and be securely affixed for visibility. This bill directly affects the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division and vehicle dealers who issue temporary plates. The law sets specific technical standards for plate construction and visibility, replacing current inconsistent practices with standardized requirements.