Sen. Brian Fernandez

Maddy summaryArizona's SCR 1021 formally ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a 1972 congressional proposal that would prohibit sex-based discrimination in the U.S. Constitution. The bill directs Arizona's legislature to approve the ERA and transmit its resolution to federal officials, joining other states that have ratified the amendment. This action does not create new laws but advances Arizona's role in the national ratification process required for the ERA to become part of the Constitution. The measure directly affects Arizona's standing in the constitutional amendment process, as state ratifications are necessary for the ERA's adoption.

Maddy summarySB 1387 amends Arizona law to clarify and expand who can access confidential tax information held by the state department. It specifies that information may be disclosed to taxpayers, their authorized representatives (like corporate officers or partners), and certain government agencies (including the attorney general, other state tax officials, and federal agencies like the IRS) for tax administration purposes. The bill also outlines strict conditions for disclosure, such as requiring written authorization from taxpayers or limiting sharing to specific tax-related investigations. This change affects how the tax department handles sensitive data but does not alter tax rates, create new credits, or modify tax expenditure rules.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1404 allows terminally ill adult residents with decision-making capacity to obtain a physician-prescribed medication for self-administration to end their life peacefully. The bill requires two physicians (an attending physician and a consulting physician) to confirm the terminal illness diagnosis, assess capacity, and ensure the individual understands all treatment options, including palliative care and hospice. It mandates counseling by a mental health professional to rule out depression, a written request witnessed by two non-related individuals, and a 15-day waiting period before the prescription is issued. The law strictly prohibits coercion, requires the medication to be self-administered (not injected), and emphasizes informed decision-making about all available alternatives.

Maddy summarySB 1398 amends the Arizona Board of Nursing's regulatory authority, specifically adding that the board cannot decide scope of practice for abortion as defined in section 36-2151. The bill primarily focuses on the board's powers regarding nursing practice, including rules for nurse practitioners, midwives, and medication assistants, but does not establish an abortion waiting period or define authorized providers. The provided bill text contains no provisions about waiting periods, authorized providers, or abortion access, contradicting the bill's title. This summary is based solely on the amended statute text provided, which addresses nursing board regulations, not abortion policy.

Maddy summarySB 1399 protects individuals from arrest or prosecution for drug possession or use when seeking or providing medical help for a drug overdose. It applies to people calling 911 for themselves or others experiencing an overdose, or contacting hospitals/poison control. The law prevents charges related to the overdose incident itself, though it does not block arrests for other crimes or seizure of contraband. It also allows seeking medical assistance to be considered a mitigating factor in related criminal cases. The bill specifically covers controlled substances and drug paraphernalia, not other offenses.

Maddy summarySB 1382, the "State Investment Accountability Act," requires employers with 50+ full-time equivalent employees (or those receiving state subsidies) to notify Arizona's Department of Economic Security 120 days before relocating outside the state or country. Employers who fail to comply face daily civil penalties of up to $10,000. The state will publish a semiannual list of relocating employers, making those businesses ineligible for state subsidies for five years and requiring them to repay unamortized subsidy value. The bill also prohibits state contractors from performing work related to state business outside Arizona, with a phased compliance deadline by November 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1385 requires Arizona public schools serving grades 6-12 to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins in all women's and gender-neutral restrooms. This directly affects students in those grades and school districts, which must distribute the products without charging students or families. The bill appropriates $2.5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Education for distribution to schools. The law ensures access to feminine hygiene products without cost to students while specifying the types of products covered.

Maddy summarySB 1402 prohibits excessive price increases for "essential off-patent or generic drugs" in Arizona, targeting manufacturers and distributors when price hikes exceed 50% within a year or cost over $80 for a 30-day supply. It requires manufacturers to justify price increases by documenting production costs and public health benefits, with the attorney general investigating potential violations. If a price increase is deemed unjustified, the law allows fines up to $10,000 per violation, refunds to consumers, or mandated lower pricing for state Medicaid program participants. The bill directly affects drug manufacturers and distributors selling these medications and impacts Arizona's Medicaid recipients.

Maddy summarySB 1403 sets Arizona's maximum allowable price for certain prescription drugs at the federal "maximum fair price" established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It directly affects pharmacies, insurers, and drug sellers in Arizona by prohibiting them from charging or seeking reimbursement above this federal benchmark for covered drugs during the applicable price period. The bill creates enforcement through the Attorney General for violations, treating them as consumer fraud under state law, and allows affected individuals to file private lawsuits. This aligns Arizona drug pricing with federal standards without creating new state price-setting authority.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1384 requires pediatric healthcare providers (doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants) to discuss gun safety measures with parents or guardians during well-baby and pediatric visits. The bill mandates the Department of Health Services to create and post a gun safety pamphlet on its website by January 2026, covering proper storage and child safety risks. This information may be shared verbally by providers or directed to the pamphlet. The bill directly affects parents and guardians of children receiving routine pediatric care in Arizona. It focuses on providing educational resources, not restricting gun ownership or access.