Sen. Theresa Hatathlie

Maddy summarySB 1357 requires manufacturers of large electronics (like desktops, laptops, monitors, and TVs over 4 inches) to create statewide recycling programs by 2027. It mandates that these manufacturers register with Arizona’s department, pay annual fees, and label products with their brand. The bill also requires manufacturers to establish convenient collection sites in every county and major city, provide public recycling information, and ensure environmentally sound recycling processes. Retailers cannot sell covered devices without proper labeling and manufacturer registration starting January 1, 2027. This affects manufacturers, retailers, and consumers who purchase these electronics.

Maddy summarySB 1344 modifies Arizona election procedures to exclude voters on the "active permanent early voting list" from receiving mailed sample ballots. Registered voters who have opted into permanent early voting (as established under Section 16-544) will no longer receive these mailed voting materials, while all other registered voters continue to receive them. The bill amends Sections 16-245(D) and 16-411(B)(3) of Arizona Revised Statutes to implement this change in ballot distribution. This affects only voters who have chosen permanent early voting status, altering how election officials provide voting information. The policy change is administrative, focusing on mail distribution rather than altering voting rights or election mechanics.

Maddy summarySB 1351 repeals two Arizona statutes (ARS § 9-500.36 and § 11-269.14) that previously prohibited certain energy measuring and reporting requirements. The bill removes existing legal restrictions on how energy usage data could be measured and reported by relevant entities. This repeal directly affects businesses, utilities, or organizations previously subject to those specific reporting rules under Arizona law. The change simplifies compliance by eliminating the repealed prohibitions, though it does not create new reporting obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1382 requires most groundwater users in Arizona’s designated management areas to install approved measuring devices and submit annual reports on their water withdrawals. It primarily affects agricultural users, landowners, and water districts withdrawing groundwater for irrigation or non-irrigation uses in active management zones or the Santa Cruz area. Key exemptions include small users (10 or fewer acre-feet yearly), farms using water on ≤10 contiguous irrigated acres without integrated operations, and certain grandfathered rights. The bill mandates the director to set device specifications and reporting rules, while clarifying which users are exempt from these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1378) amends Arizona's court fee schedule under Section 12-284 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. It updates specific filing fees for court cases, including domestic relations matters (e.g., dissolution petitions at $149.00), but does not address domestic violence or firearm transfers. The bill solely modifies fee classifications for court filings and administrative actions, with no substantive policy changes related to firearm restrictions or domestic violence protections. The title appears misleading, as the actual text contains only fee adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals two Arizona statutes (ARS 9-500.38 and 11-269.16) and amends ARS 44-1648 to clarify that while the state preempts statewide registration of scrap metal dealers, local governments (cities, towns, counties) may still enforce business licensing requirements for these dealers - provided their systems include background checks or fingerprinting. It also ensures that scrap metal dealers with valid licenses from local authorities before September 13, 2013, remain compliant without needing to reapply, unless new circumstances require updates. The bill directly affects scrap metal dealers and local licensing authorities in Arizona.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1355 expands anti-discrimination protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations by explicitly adding "gender identity and gender expression" to the list of protected characteristics. The bill requires businesses open to the public (like restaurants, hotels, and recreation facilities) to avoid discrimination based on these categories and mandates that new or fully renovated public restrooms in government buildings be designated as gender-neutral. It clarifies that public accommodations may exclude individuals for reasons like disruptive behavior but cannot deny service based on protected traits. This law directly affects businesses serving the public and individuals facing discrimination in these areas across Arizona.

Maddy summarySB 1361 creates Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, providing state-funded scholarships for students to use at approved educational providers. It directly affects Arizona students and their parents, who must sign agreements to use funds only for specific educational expenses like tuition at qualified schools, textbooks, tutoring, special education services (for eligible students), and postsecondary education costs. Key provisions include restrictions on concurrent use with school tuition organizations, requirements for approved providers (e.g., fingerprinted staff), and annual eligibility reviews for students nearing age 22. The bill expands educational options beyond traditional public schools while specifying allowable uses of funds through detailed expense categories.

Maddy summarySB 1322 prohibits businesses from raising prices on essential goods and services by 15% or more during market disruptions caused by emergencies like natural disasters, power shortages, or declared states of emergency. It directly affects retailers, distributors, and manufacturers selling items such as food, water, diapers, prescription drugs, utilities, and gasoline, with a rebuttable presumption that prices exceeding the 15% threshold are unfair unless sellers prove costs rose by at least 10%. Enforcement is handled by the Arizona Attorney General, with violations carrying misdemeanor penalties and allowing affected buyers to seek up to $25,000 in damages per violation.

Maddy summarySB 1360 amends Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program to clarify eligible uses of funds and renewal requirements. It specifies that ESA funds can cover tuition at qualified schools, textbooks, educational therapies, tutoring, online programs, transportation, and certain postsecondary expenses. Parents must agree not to use other scholarships concurrently and must complete annual education plans for students nearing age 22 to maintain eligibility. The bill directly affects Arizona parents enrolled in the ESA program who receive state-funded scholarship accounts for their children's education.