Sen. John Kavanagh

Maddy summarySB 1034 requires Arizona courts to create and maintain a database of adults convicted of specific animal cruelty offenses, including severe cruelty under A.R.S. §13-2910(A)(8,9,11,14,15,16,19), animal fighting, or bestiality. The database includes conviction details (date, level, jurisdiction), personal identifiers (birth date, race, physical description, photo/fingerprint if available), and known aliases. Individuals listed can petition for removal after five years if they completed court-ordered treatment, met probation terms, and prove they no longer pose a risk to animals. The database relies solely on court records and may use federal or private funds for maintenance.

Maddy summarySB 1033 amends Arizona's tax code to add new exemptions from local transaction privilege taxes (TPT). It exempts specific services including internet access providers (defined as enabling users to access the internet), nonprofit events tied to major sports teams (with restrictions), machinery maintenance contracts, and leasing between affiliated businesses. The bill directly affects businesses providing these services by removing local TPT liability on qualifying transactions. It does not address residential property exemptions, as suggested in the title, and focuses solely on expanding existing tax exemption categories for commercial activities. The changes are purely procedural within Arizona's tax framework, with no new funding or regulatory impacts.

Maddy summarySB 1073 sets speed limits for bicycles and electric mobility devices (including e-bikes, scooters, and motorized skateboards) on sidewalks and multiuse paths in Arizona. It prohibits bicycle riders from exceeding 15 mph on sidewalks, 5 mph over the speed of a person being passed, and requires an audible warning when passing others. The bill also prevents these violations from being used to suspend driver's licenses, impact auto insurance rates, or be reported to the Department of Transportation. Local authorities may establish lower speed limits for these devices on paths, with specific rules for class 3 e-bikes (which cannot use paths unless adjacent to roads).

Maddy summarySB 1079 requires the destruction of firearms used in homicides instead of allowing their sale. It amends Arizona Revised Statutes §12-945 (regarding unclaimed property) and §13-3105 (regarding weapon forfeiture) to mandate that courts order the destruction of firearms involved in homicide convictions, rather than selling them. The law applies specifically to firearms used in homicide cases, requiring destruction after all appeals and postconviction relief proceedings are completed. This policy change directly affects courts, law enforcement, and any firearm linked to a homicide conviction.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona law to allow school districts to sell or lease school properties without voter approval under specific conditions. It removes the requirement for elector approval when selling property valued under $50,000, as part of renewable energy agreements, or when proceeds fund state school facilities programs. School districts may also exchange property for more suitable sites or use sale proceeds for bonded debt or tax reductions within two years, with strict conditions. The policy directly affects school district governing boards managing real estate assets, streamlining property transactions for facilities needs.

Maddy summarySB 1743 creates an extended foster care service model for young adults aged 17.5 to 21 in Arizona’s foster care system. It requires weekly coaching with life skills training, housing assistance, education support, and health services through a new "success coaching" program, with coaches limited to 20 clients each. The Department of Child Safety must establish quality review committees, report annually on program outcomes (including housing, education, and health), and use dedicated funding for these services. The bill directly affects young adults aging out of foster care, aiming to improve their transition to independence through structured support.

Maddy summarySB 1750 creates three new transportation funds: a statewide infrastructure trust fund for highway projects, an advanced air mobility fund for testing new air vehicles and vertiports, and a transportation innovation fund. It revises state fleet operations by requiring most state agencies to use the central vehicle fleet (with exceptions for public safety, corrections, universities, and other specified agencies) and sets rules for cost recovery, vehicle replacement, and public service announcements on state vehicles. Revenue from public service announcements is deposited into the general fund. The bill establishes clear funding mechanisms for transportation infrastructure and innovation while updating fleet management procedures.

Maddy summarySB 1741 updates Arizona's newborn screening program under ARS 36-694 to include additional congenital disorders (like Duchenne muscular dystrophy) and require reporting of hearing tests for infants. It mandates the Department of Health Services to maintain a central database for screening results, provide follow-up services for positive tests, and adjust fees for insurers to reflect program costs. Simultaneously, the bill creates a nurse education investment pilot program (ARS 36-1802) funded by state and non-state sources to address nursing shortages by expanding faculty hiring and training at community colleges and universities through 2027. These provisions directly affect hospitals, health departments, insurers, nursing schools, and families of newborns. The bill was enacted in June 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1737 allocates $292.3 million in state funds for specific highway and road projects across Arizona during fiscal year 2025-2026. It directly affects the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), local governments (like Buckeye and Phoenix), and regional entities (such as Maricopa Association of Governments), requiring them to contribute matching funds for certain projects. Key provisions include $60.9 million for I-10 lane expansions (requiring Buckeye to contribute $3 million), $20 million for Jackrabbit Trail improvements (with Buckeye contributing $5 million), and funds for bridge replacements, pavement rehabilitation, and traffic studies in multiple counties. The bill mandates ADOT to report project status quarterly and exempts these funds from standard budget review processes.

Maddy summarySB 1742 amends Arizona's higher education governance rules, primarily affecting the Arizona Board of Regents and public universities. It establishes a 145-credit-hour threshold for in-state tuition eligibility (excluding specific cases like veterans or transfer credits), requires public hearings before tuition/fee increases, and mandates annual reporting to the legislature about students exceeding the threshold. The bill also specifies how tuition revenue must be allocated - into separate subaccounts for each university - and requires public disclosure of final tuition decisions. These changes directly impact university financial operations, student fees, and admission policies for Arizona residents and veterans.