Sen. Analise Ortiz

Maddy summaryArizona's HCR 2054 formally ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a constitutional proposal originally adopted by Congress in 1972. The bill directs Arizona's Secretary of State to transmit the state's approval to federal officials, supporting the ERA's goal of guaranteeing equality under the law regardless of sex. This resolution does not create new state laws but affirms Arizona's position in the process of achieving the required ratifications for the ERA to become part of the U.S. Constitution. The measure directly affects Arizona's role in the federal constitutional amendment process, not Arizona residents' rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2812 modifies Arizona law to expand in-state tuition eligibility for certain students. It allows individuals who attended Arizona high school (public, private, or homeschool) for at least two years and graduated in-state - regardless of immigration status - to qualify for in-state tuition at Arizona universities or community colleges. The bill specifically clarifies that people without lawful immigration status meet the residency requirements under this provision. It does not change requirements for nonimmigrant visa holders (e.g., students on F-1 visas). The amendment requires a three-fourths legislative vote for implementation.

Maddy summarySB 1646 allocates $112.45 million from Arizona's general fund and $78.65 million in federal child care funds for the Department of Economic Security to provide child care assistance. The funding supports low-income families who qualify for state child care assistance programs. It directly affects eligible families by ensuring continued access to subsidized child care services. The bill specifies the exact funding amounts and sources for the 2025-2026 fiscal year without changing eligibility rules or program structure.

Maddy summaryHB 2499 restricts the sale and use of neonicotinoid pesticides (a class including chemicals like imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) in Arizona. It requires sellers to hold a restricted-use pesticide license and limits user eligibility to certified applicators, veterinarians, or wood preservers. Exceptions cover pet care products, personal care items, indoor insect control, and wood preservatives. Violations are classified as class 3 misdemeanors, and the law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2790 requires employers in agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil/gas extraction, airport work, mail/delivery, and heavy-material transportation to implement heat illness prevention measures. It mandates free access to cool water with ice (at least one cup every 15-20 minutes above 80°F), shade or climate-controlled areas within 400 feet of workspaces, and paid rest periods based on temperature. Employers must monitor workers for heat symptoms, establish emergency response protocols, and gradually acclimate new hires to hot conditions. The law directly affects outdoor and indoor workers in these high-risk industries during heat events.

Maddy summarySB 1545 restricts Arizona pet stores and dealers from selling dogs or cats obtained from unlicensed breeders or those with recent USDA violations under the Animal Welfare Act. It requires stores to verify breeder compliance using the USDA’s online inspection tool before purchasing and to display the breeder’s name, USDA license number, and website on all animal listings. Violations trigger escalating civil penalties ($1,000 to $5,000 per violation) and potential three-year sales bans for repeat offenders. The law permits sales only from USDA-licensed breeders, public shelters, or nonprofit humane societies, with stores required to maintain records for two years.

Maddy summarySB 1580 requires Arizona landlords to provide tenants with clear, written disclosures before a tenancy begins, including the exact rent amount, due date, all additional fees (like smart device charges, trash valet, or online payment fees), and whether personal data is collected. It also prohibits landlords from charging more than reasonable administrative costs for background checks, limits application fees to one per applicant, and mandates disclosure of screening criteria upfront. Landlords must allow tenants to opt out of nonessential services (e.g., trash valet) and accept all legal payment methods (cash, checks, cards, online systems), without charging extra for online payments through the landlord’s platform. These provisions directly affect Arizona landlords and tenants by increasing transparency around fees and payment terms under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Maddy summarySB 1544 requires landlords in Arizona to maintain air conditioning at or below 82°F during cooling seasons and prohibits them from setting temperatures higher. It also bans evictions during any week with two or more days exceeding 90°F outdoors. The bill directly affects landlords and tenants in rental housing across Arizona by setting concrete temperature standards and protecting tenants from eviction in extreme heat. These provisions amend Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1324 (landlord maintenance duties) and add § 33-1379.01 (eviction prohibition during heatwaves).

Maddy summaryHB 2510 creates a program to fund curbside composting in Arizona cities by establishing a dedicated "municipal composting program fund." This fund will receive money from fees on imported hazardous waste (waste classified as hazardous where generated but not in Arizona) and use it to award grants to eligible municipalities for composting programs. The bill requires the state to adopt rules setting eligibility for grants and managing the waste fees. It also establishes new rules for handling imported hazardous waste, including its transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal.

Maddy summarySB 1682 requires Arizona's Department of Corrections (ADOC) to create a dedicated budget for prisoner education programs in all state prisons. This budget must fund literacy, GED preparation, vocational training, and postsecondary education in key industries like healthcare, technology, and construction. The bill prohibits using these funds for death row, life imprisonment, or maximum custody inmates, except for those under 18 or with disabilities under 22. It also mandates ADOC to provide these educational programs to all inmates and submit an annual report detailing prison conditions, staff data, and inmate activities.