Sen. Analise Ortiz

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1464 creates a state-run family and medical leave insurance program starting in 2029. It provides eligible workers with up to 26 weeks of paid benefits for pregnancy, serious health conditions requiring hospitalization, or 24 weeks for caring for a newborn, family member with a serious health condition, military family leave, or "safe leave" related to domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, or stalking. To qualify, workers must meet specific wage requirements during their base period (e.g., earning at least $390 per week in a qualifying quarter). Employers must provide at least 12 weeks of leave, with benefits paid biweekly after a claim is filed.

Maddy summarySB 1467 repeals a provision (Section 41-1519) that previously provided tax relief for data centers in Arizona. This bill directly affects data centers that previously qualified for these tax incentives. The repeal removes the specific tax break program, ending eligibility for this form of tax relief for qualifying data center facilities. The bill does not create new rules but eliminates an existing tax incentive.

Maddy summarySB 1486 allocates $750,000 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Navajo Nation. This funding covers surveying, design, planning, restoration, and equipment for the Coalmine Canyon youth and community recreation center, which must include a full-size basketball court, an outdoor multiuse facility, and security lights. The bill specifies this appropriation is exempt from standard state rules about unused funds lapsing. This is a procedural funding bill directly affecting the Navajo Nation's recreation center development.

Maddy summaryArizona's SCR 1035 proposes repealing Article XXV of the state constitution, which currently establishes a "right to work" provision. If approved by voters, this repeal would remove the constitutional ban on requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment. The bill directly affects workers and unions by potentially allowing mandatory union security agreements in workplaces. It is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval at the next general election, not a new law.

Maddy summarySB 1465 requires employers in high-risk industries - like agriculture, construction, landscaping, delivery work, and oil/gas extraction - to implement heat illness prevention measures. It mandates free drinkable water (one cup every 15-20 minutes above 90°F), accessible shade or climate-controlled areas within 400 feet, and mandatory rest periods based on temperature. Employers must also train staff, acclimate new workers to heat over 7-14 days, and follow specific high-heat procedures like supervisor monitoring and emergency response plans. The law directly affects workers in these industries and their employers across Arizona.

Maddy summarySB 1484 allocates $1 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Navajo Nation for the Sawmill Intergenerational Learning Center. The funds cover the center's design, construction, maintenance, and operations, directly supporting the Navajo Nation's community development efforts. The bill exempts this funding from standard lapsing rules, ensuring the money remains available for the project regardless of fiscal year deadlines. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no policy changes beyond the financial commitment.

Maddy summarySB 1480 prohibits landlords from including in lease agreements any clause that would evict a tenant based on the criminal conviction of the tenant or a guest, specifically targeting "crime-free" lease addendums. This law directly affects landlords who use such addendums and tenants who might have faced eviction under these terms. The key provision makes any eviction clause related to criminal convictions in a "crime-free" lease addendum unenforceable. The bill does not change other eviction reasons but removes this specific practice from lease agreements.

Maddy summarySB 1508 requires Arizona utilities to annually report detailed expenses to the Corporation Commission starting in 2027, including political spending, executive travel, charitable giving, and lobbying costs. Utilities must disclose all expenses related to political influence activities, institutional advertising, and executive compensation, with reports made publicly available. Non-compliance can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. This bill directly affects all electric, water, and gas utilities operating in Arizona.

Maddy summarySB 1485 appropriates $6,000,000 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Administration for the Navajo Nation. This funding covers the design, planning, construction, maintenance, and operation of the Tuba City Diné Youth Multipurpose Complex project. The bill exempts this appropriation from standard rules requiring funds to lapse if unused. It directly affects the Navajo Nation by providing state funding for a community facility in Tuba City. The key provision is the dedicated state funding allocation for the complex's development and ongoing operations.

Maddy summarySB 1510 prohibits Arizona cities, counties, and the state from including specific environmental data in nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) with private companies. The bill explicitly bans requiring secrecy around a company's water, gas, or electricity usage; air or water emissions; and waste generation (including hazardous waste). This directly affects private businesses that might otherwise be forced to sign NDAs hiding this environmental information. The law aims to ensure transparency about environmental impacts by preventing government entities from legally compelling companies to keep such data confidential.