Sen. Wendy Rogers

Maddy summarySB 1123, titled "watermark; paper ballots," requires ballot paper vendors in Arizona to hold specific ISO certifications (27001, 17025, or 9001:2015) and include at least three of ten specified security features - such as unique watermarks, holographic foils, specialized inks, or voter-tracked barcodes - in paper ballots. The bill directly affects ballot vendors and election officials responsible for ballot procurement, aiming to enhance ballot security through standardized anti-fraud measures. It repeals an existing statute and adds new requirements to Arizona Revised Statutes § 16-504. The bill passed the legislature in April 2025 but was vetoed by the Governor on April 18, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 2733 grants legal immunity to Arizona government agencies and employees (like law enforcement) who intercept, disable, or destroy unmanned aircraft (drones) within 30 miles of the state's international border. It protects them from liability for injuries caused during these actions unless they intentionally harmed someone or were grossly negligent. The law specifically applies to drone operators (defined as anyone controlling a drone, including owners or groups acting together) and covers contractors working for government entities. This bill directly affects border enforcement practices and drone operators operating near Arizona's international border.

Maddy summarySB 1027, the "Secure Telecommunications Act of 2025," prohibits Arizona telecommunications providers from using or installing equipment from "federally banned corporations" or countries designated as "foreign adversaries" (including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others) in critical broadband infrastructure. It requires providers to remove existing prohibited equipment by 2025 and replace it with compliant equipment, while mandating annual registration with Arizona's Corporation Commission and certification of compliance. Providers violating these rules face daily civil penalties of $10,000-$100,000 and are barred from receiving state or federal funding for telecom infrastructure. The law directly affects all telecom companies operating in Arizona, aiming to secure the state’s network by eliminating equipment linked to national security concerns.

Maddy summarySB 1269 allows public school districts and charter schools in Arizona to authorize volunteer chaplains to provide student support, services, or programs. It requires schools to create written policies detailing chaplain activities, maintain a public website list of chaplains (including their religious affiliation), and obtain written parental consent before any student participates. Parents must also be offered the chance to select a specific chaplain from the posted list when granting consent. Volunteer chaplains must meet the same background check requirements as unpaid school personnel under existing law. The bill directly affects students, parents, and school staff through its consent and transparency rules.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1726 strengthens property owners' rights by addressing false claims on real estate and unlawful occupancy. It increases penalties for recording forged or false liens (minimum $5,000 or triple damages plus attorney fees) and requires individuals who knowingly sign invalid documents to correct them within 20 days or face $1,000 minimum penalties. The bill also creates a streamlined process for property owners to request police removal of unlawful occupants in residential properties by submitting an affidavit meeting specific conditions (e.g., no tenant relationship, no pending litigation). It limits legal claims against officers for wrongful removal unless bad faith is proven and prohibits unauthorized occupants from claiming additional rights. The legislation aims to quickly restore possession to owners and reduce property-related crime.

Maddy summaryArizona's SB 1495 requires the state's National Guard to stay within Arizona unless Congress formally declares war or takes specific action under the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 15) to call the Guard for specific purposes like enforcing federal law or repelling invasion. The bill defines "active duty combat" as participating in armed conflict, performing hazardous duties related to conflict abroad, or using "instrumentality of war." It mandates the governor to ensure compliance with these requirements before deploying the Guard. This bill directly affects Arizona's National Guard deployment decisions and the governor's authority to release troops. The measure is procedural, focusing on constitutional requirements for Guard mobilization.

Maddy summarySB 1142 prohibits foreign corporations, persons, or foreign nongovernmental entities from contributing money or in-kind goods/services to influence Arizona ballot measure elections. It directly affects campaign committees, entities, and individuals filing campaign finance reports under Arizona law. The bill requires these filers to certify under penalty of perjury that they haven't accepted such foreign contributions. Tribal nations are explicitly exempt from these provisions, as stated in Section C of the bill.

Maddy summarySB 1063 allows Arizona counties to appoint prospective jurors as temporary election workers (such as inspectors or clerks) instead of requiring them for jury duty. It also creates a new exemption from jury service for individuals who served as election board workers within 180 days before receiving a jury summons. County election officers determine eligibility for this role, may offer online training, and must notify the jury commissioner after the election. This directly affects prospective jurors summoned for jury duty in Arizona who may opt for election work or qualify for automatic exemption.

Maddy summarySB 1062 defines cryptocurrency as legal tender in Arizona, meaning it can be used to pay debts, taxes, and public charges. The bill amends Arizona law to include digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP in the definition of "legal tender," alongside traditional forms such as cash and precious metal coins. This change specifically applies to video service providers, who must now pay local government license fees for highway use in legal tender (including cryptocurrency), though they may still use other accepted forms like cash. The bill does not require cryptocurrency use but expands payment options for these fees without mandating its adoption.

Maddy summarySB 1026 exempts virtual currency (digital money that functions as cash, a unit of account, and a store of value) from property tax in Arizona. It directly affects residents and businesses using digital currencies like Bitcoin by removing property tax obligations on these assets. The bill defines "virtual currency" to exclude representations of U.S. or foreign dollars. However, it requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment via Arizona’s next general election before taking effect, as specified in Section 2.