Sen. Rosanna Gabaldón

Maddy summaryHB 2472 restricts the sale and use of neonicotinoid pesticides (a class of chemicals including imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) in Arizona. It requires sellers to hold a restricted-use pesticide license and limits use to certified applicators, veterinarians, or wood preservers, with key exceptions for pet care products, personal care items, indoor pest control, and wood preservatives. Violations are classified as class 3 misdemeanors. The law takes effect on December 31, 2026.

Maddy summarySCR 1018 proposes amending Arizona's constitution to protect marriage equality. It would repeal the current constitutional section defining marriage as between one man and one woman and replace it with a new section stating that marriage cannot be prohibited based on sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. This constitutional change would directly affect all Arizona residents by guaranteeing marriage rights regardless of sexual orientation. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election, as specified by the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryHCR 2024 proposes amending Arizona's constitution to explicitly state that voting is a fundamental right, requiring any law restricting voting to be narrowly tailored for a compelling government interest. It would strengthen protections beyond the U.S. Constitution's equal protection clause, ensuring voting rights cannot be denied based on sex and extending equal eligibility to all citizens. The amendment clarifies that voting eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, age 18+, and state residency, while excluding individuals convicted of treason or felony (unless civil rights are restored). This constitutional change must be approved by Arizona voters at the next general election, as directed by the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1300 would adopt the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, requiring the state to award all presidential electors to the candidate winning the national popular vote *if* participating states collectively hold 270+ electoral votes. The bill amends Arizona law to align with the compact's rules: when in effect, Arizona's electors would cast votes for the national popular vote winner, not the state's winner. This directly affects Arizona's electoral process and presidential election outcomes, shifting from winner-takes-all state results to a national vote tally. The change would take effect only after enough states join the compact to control a majority of electoral votes (270+), as specified in the compact's Article I.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5 million in state funds for 2026-2027 to Arizona's Department of Economic Security to provide grants to eligible emergency shelters. It directly affects shelters serving seniors (55+) and families with children under 18, requiring them to offer low-barrier access (no appointment needed), maintain 100+ beds in separate sleeping areas, and provide 30+ individual units. The grants aim to support shelters meeting these specific criteria to address immediate housing needs. The bill is still in early legislative stages, having only received Senate first and second readings.

Maddy summarySB 1301 requires large Arizona employers (50+ full-time equivalent employees) that receive state subsidies to notify the state 120 days before relocating out of state or abroad. Employers violating this notice requirement face daily civil penalties up to $10,000. Relocating businesses lose eligibility for state subsidies for five years and must repay unamortized subsidies received, though the Commerce Authority may grant exceptions to prevent job losses or economic harm. The bill also mandates that state contractors must perform all state-related work within Arizona, with a transition deadline of November 2027 for existing contractors. It directly affects businesses receiving state subsidies who relocate, ensuring accountability for public funds.

Maddy summarySB 1298 requires well drillers in Arizona to submit a detailed notice of intention to drill before constructing certain wells, including GPS coordinates for the exact well location. This notice must include the well's depth, diameter, proposed water use, driller's license number, and, for domestic use on five-acre parcels or smaller, a site plan showing septic system locations and county health approval. The state water resources director must review the notice within 15 days and issue a drilling card if all requirements are met, or deny it if missing information is found. The bill directly affects well drillers, landowners, and water users by adding specific location and planning requirements before drilling begins.

Maddy summarySB 1297 amends Arizona's unemployment benefits law to clarify the one-week waiting period requirement for eligibility. It specifies that an individual must be unemployed for one full week (with specific conditions about benefit year timing and prior eligibility) before qualifying for benefits. This change directly affects unemployed Arizonans filing for unemployment compensation, as it defines when the waiting period begins and counts toward their eligibility under Section 23-771.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1299 establishes a "Stop the Bleed" pilot program requiring school districts to implement bleeding control measures. It mandates each school to have at least one specialized first aid kit (containing tourniquets, bandages, and gloves) in an accessible location, include kits in safety plans, and conduct annual inspections. The state will provide $180,000 in FY 2026-27 to fund initial kits for participating districts that complete training, with the program set to expire after December 31, 2029. This directly affects all Arizona public school districts, requiring them to integrate bleeding control resources into school safety protocols.

Maddy summarySB 1304 requires Arizona county sheriffs and state correctional facilities to assess prisoners showing signs of mental illness within 24 hours. It mandates immediate continuation of prescribed medications upon jail intake and requires sheriffs to request serious mental illness designation within seven days for diagnosed prisoners. The bill also establishes court procedures for transferring prisoners to treatment facilities when mental health needs require it, including notice and hearing requirements. These provisions apply to all prisoners in county jails or state facilities with diagnosed or suspected mental health conditions. The law focuses on ensuring consistent mental health treatment during incarceration, without altering criminal proceedings.