Maddy summarySB 1491 amends Arizona's definitions for temporary assistance programs by formally defining a "child only case" as a situation where a dependent child lives with either (a) an unrelated adult or nonparent relative in foster care (not receiving cash assistance), or (b) an unrelated adult or nonparent relative responsible for the child's basic needs (who also isn't receiving cash assistance). This definition directly affects children in these specific living arrangements who may qualify for temporary cash assistance under Arizona's program. The bill clarifies eligibility criteria for the "child only case" category within the state's cash assistance system, ensuring these children are recognized as distinct from "needy families" under existing rules. It does not change benefit amounts or create new programs, only refining how eligibility is determined for this specific group.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1478 prohibits Arizona schools from using corporal punishment (such as hitting or spanking) as student discipline. It directly affects all public and private schools, including charter schools and special education facilities, by banning intentional infliction of physical pain for discipline. The bill clarifies that restraint or seclusion techniques (like physical holding for safety) remain permitted if they follow new safety rules, including continuous monitoring, training requirements, and written documentation for parents. Schools must now report all restraint/seclusion incidents to parents within 24 hours and review repeated incidents to prevent future use.
Maddy summarySB 1483 allocates $1.5 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Economic Security. This funding will be distributed to area agencies on aging (as defined under the federal Older Americans Act) to support home and community-based services for seniors. The bill specifies this appropriation is intended as ongoing funding for future years and exempts it from standard appropriation lapsing rules under Arizona law. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting senior service providers through state financial support.
Maddy summarySB 1429, the Arizona Right to Contraception Act, establishes legal rights for individuals to access contraceptives and engage in contraception, and for healthcare providers to offer these services. It prohibits state or local restrictions that single out contraceptive services, such as requiring special permits for clinics or limiting access to specific methods. The law explicitly prevents interference with providers’ ability to prescribe contraceptives or patients’ ability to obtain them, while maintaining existing requirements for informed consent before sterilization procedures. This bill directly affects Arizonans seeking reproductive healthcare and licensed healthcare providers who prescribe or discuss contraception.
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 1416 allows blind or visually impaired voters (and voters with print disabilities) in Arizona to request early ballots using a federal postcard application form. It requires counties to send ballots via the voter’s chosen method - electronic (internet/fax) or mail - within 45 days of an election for registered voters, eliminating the need for paper ballots if delivered electronically. Voters can also designate their preferred delivery method when applying, and counties must verify ballot receipt at no cost to the voter. This bill directly affects eligible voters with visual impairments or print disabilities by expanding accessible ballot delivery options under Arizona law.
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 1419 creates a statewide recycling program for large electronic devices in Arizona, requiring manufacturers to establish and fund collection and recycling systems. It directly affects manufacturers of covered devices (like computer monitors over 4 inches, desktops, laptops, and TVs over 4 inches), retailers selling these devices, and households/businesses that use them. Key provisions include mandatory manufacturer registration with the state by 2026, annual fees, labeling requirements for products, and plans for statewide collection sites (including at least one per city over 50,000 residents). The law prohibits sales of covered devices without compliance and mandates environmentally sound recycling, excluding appliances, industrial equipment, and small devices.
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 summaryThis bill (SB 1414) is a procedural amendment to Arizona's court fee schedule, not a substantive law about firearm transfers as its title suggests. It updates specific filing fees for domestic relations cases (e.g., $149 for divorce petitions, $74 for responses) but does not change domestic violence protections or firearm transfer rules. The bill only affects court clerks and individuals filing domestic relations cases, altering fee amounts for processes like divorce, custody, or protective orders. It has no provisions related to firearm restrictions or domestic violence interventions, and its current status is pending Senate review (2025-02-03/04 readings).