Sen. Analise Ortiz

Maddy summaryThis bill, if approved by Arizona voters, would increase the state's minimum wage to $12 per hour starting January 1, 2020, with annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2028 based on the consumer price index. It would allow employers to pay tipped workers a base wage up to $3 less per hour than the minimum wage if tips make up the difference, but this exception would end on January 1, 2030, requiring full minimum wage payment for all workers thereafter. The measure directly affects Arizona workers, particularly low-wage and tipped employees, and aims to provide a wage floor that rises with living costs.

Maddy summaryHB 2643 links landlord-tenant violations to consumer fraud enforcement in Arizona. It states that when a landlord breaks Chapter 10 of Arizona's landlord-tenant law (covering issues like security deposits or habitability), that violation is automatically considered a consumer fraud under state law. This means tenants could pursue remedies through Arizona's consumer fraud statutes (Title 44, Chapter 10, Article 7), which offer stronger enforcement tools like civil penalties and attorney fees. The bill directly affects landlords who violate tenant protections and tenants seeking legal recourse. (Note: The bill is in early stages, having received its first House reading on January 20, 2026.)

Maddy summarySB 1220 repeals the requirement that physicians obtain a **notarized written consent** from a parent or guardian before performing an abortion on an unemancipated minor in Arizona. This change directly affects minors seeking abortions who would previously have needed this notarized consent, removing that specific step while preserving existing judicial bypass options. The bill eliminates the confidentiality protections previously applied to notarized parental consent documents. It does not alter the existing judicial bypass process (where a minor can seek court approval without parental consent) or the exceptions for medical emergencies or incest.

Maddy summaryHB 2646 establishes three fundamental rights for Arizona children: the right to maintain relationships with parents (including visitation during parental incarceration), access to confidential health care services (such as contraception, STI treatment, and mental health care without parental consent), and enrollment in public schools with in-person instruction. The bill requires any law affecting these rights to prioritize the child's best interest and be narrowly tailored to a compelling government interest. It specifically allows children to consent to certain health services independently and overrides parental direction regarding public school enrollment. The law applies directly to Arizona children and their parents or legal guardians.

Maddy summarySB 1195 appropriates $10 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Economic Security. This funding supports free, statewide civil legal aid services provided by nonprofit organizations, aligning with federal grant terms under 42 U.S.C. §2996f. The bill requires the department to submit annual reports (2027-2032) detailing case statistics, legal areas involved, services delivered, and non-identifying demographic data of recipients. The appropriation is exempt from standard lapsing rules and is designated as ongoing funding for future fiscal years.

Maddy summaryHB 2715 repeals Section 9-461.16 of Arizona's zoning code, which previously addressed specific municipal planning procedures. This bill does not alter the main zoning regulations found in Section 9-462.01 (which governs land use, building standards, and special districts like historical or age-restricted zones). Municipalities will continue to operate under the existing zoning framework, as this repeal only removes one specific section from the statutes. The bill directly affects local governments that implement zoning ordinances but does not change how communities regulate housing or land use.

Maddy summaryHB 2474 updates Arizona's legal terminology by replacing the terms "legal resident alien" and "alien" with "noncitizen" in two sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Specifically, it amends Section 4-202 (liquor license qualifications) and Section 5-301 (watercraft regulations definitions) to use "noncitizen" consistently. The bill does not change eligibility requirements for liquor licenses or watercraft permits; it only revises the language to modernize and clarify statutory references. This is a procedural change focused solely on terminology, not policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2525 repeals existing Arizona law requiring abortion providers to submit specific reports to the state. It directly affects abortion providers who previously had to file these reports under Title 36, Chapter 20, Article 2 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The bill removes this reporting obligation, eliminating a requirement that had been in place for providers. This is a procedural repeal with no new policy changes, simply removing an existing administrative duty.

Maddy summaryHB 2465 modifies Arizona's licensing requirements for professionals like certified public accountants by changing documentation rules. It prohibits state agencies from requiring applicants to provide citizenship or alien status documentation when applying for a license. Instead, agencies must accept a federal tax identification number in place of a Social Security number for licensing applications. This applies to all state agencies, departments, or boards issuing business or service licenses, directly affecting individuals seeking professional licenses in Arizona. The bill does not alter educational or experience requirements for licensure, only the documentation process.

Maddy summaryHB 2699 prohibits Arizona state and local government agencies from requiring contractors on public works projects to pay prevailing wages or enter specific labor agreements. It specifically blocks requirements for project labor agreements, neutrality agreements with unions, and participation in federally registered apprenticeship programs as conditions for public construction contracts. The law applies to contracts involving public building construction, repair, or improvement, affecting both contractors and government agencies awarding such projects. It does not impact private contracts or activities protected under federal labor law.