Sen. Wendy Rogers

Maddy summarySB 1629 allows Arizona prison directors to release inmates with terminal illnesses or conditions requiring end-of-life care to state-contracted nursing care facilities. It applies only to inmates who are so debilitated they pose no danger to themselves or others, excluding those convicted of first-degree murder. The bill requires prison officials to periodically review medical records to confirm ongoing eligibility, and if an inmate no longer meets criteria, they must be returned to custody. This policy change directly affects terminally ill inmates in Arizona prisons who qualify under these specific medical and safety conditions.

Maddy summarySB 1341 requires commercial websites publishing a "substantial portion" (over 33%) of material harmful to minors to verify users are 18+ using a "reasonable age verification method" before access. It directly affects commercial websites (like social media or adult content platforms) that host such material, imposing civil liability for failing to verify age or retaining user data after access. Key provisions include banning retention of identifying information post-access, exempting bona fide news organizations, and defining "material harmful to minors" as content designed to appeal to sexual interests, depicting explicit acts, or lacking value for minors. The bill focuses on civil penalties (damages, attorney fees) for noncompliance, not criminal enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 1055 amends Arizona law to allow municipalities, contractors, or political subdivisions to use volunteer retired police officers to maintain a visible police presence at construction sites on roads, streets, or highways. The bill adds this provision to existing requirements for warning signs and barriers during roadwork. It directly affects local governments, construction companies, and retired police officers who might volunteer for this role. The bill was introduced in the Senate but failed on January 29, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1267 would create a free lifetime state park pass for Arizona veterans. It directly affects Arizona residents who served in the U.S. military and have lived in the state for at least one year. The pass grants lifelong free entrance to all Arizona state parks: for the veteran’s vehicle (if parks charge per vehicle) or for the veteran plus up to three additional people (if parks charge per person). The Arizona State Parks Board would issue the pass without cost upon verification of residency and military service.

Maddy summaryHB 2276 requires Arizona state agencies to submit proposed rules expected to increase regulatory costs for businesses by more than $100,000 within five years for review by the Office of Economic Opportunity. If the cost exceeds $500,000, the rule cannot take effect until the legislature passes separate legislation approving it. Agencies cannot finalize such rules without this legislative approval, and if the legislature doesn't act during the session, the proposed rule must be terminated. This directly affects state agencies creating new rules and businesses subject to those rules, adding a legislative review step for high-cost regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1018, titled "False Allegations; Child Abuse; Parents," creates civil liability for individuals who intentionally make false claims of domestic violence or child abuse (including neglect or molestation) against a spouse or a child's parent or legal guardian. If a court finds such an allegation false beyond a reasonable doubt, the falsely accused parent or guardian can sue for actual damages, emotional distress, reputation harm, attorney fees, and court costs. The law extends the statute of limitations for filing such lawsuits until the child turns 18, and allows for retroactive damages if new evidence later proves the original claim false. It directly affects parents/guardians falsely accused and individuals making unsubstantiated allegations to authorities like child safety agencies.

Maddy summarySB 1016 limits where wind farms can be built in Arizona by prohibiting them from being located within six miles of property owned by a different entity, unless the adjacent property owner provides written consent. This directly affects wind farm developers and adjacent landowners, requiring developer consent for projects near other properties. The bill defines a "wind farm" as installations with at least five megawatts of capacity connected to the grid (excluding smaller single-customer projects under 20 megawatts). Key provisions establish a mandatory buffer zone and written consent requirement for site selection. The law applies to most commercial wind energy projects but exempts smaller, dedicated installations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the sale of four specific private property parcels in Phoenix to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It grants the state's consent for the transfer of these lands, which are located on Devonshire Avenue and North 7th Street, for use by the federal government. The legislation includes the precise legal descriptions of the properties and is designated as an emergency measure to take effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to declare drug cartels as terrorist organizations within Arizona state law. It directs the Department of Homeland Security to take all actions within its authority to address the threat posed by these groups. The legislation defines a drug cartel as an association involved in human smuggling, drug trafficking for profit, or acts of terrorism, and defines a threat as anything harming individual rights or public safety. If approved by voters, this change would formally categorize drug cartels alongside terrorist organizations for legal and enforcement purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public universities in Arizona to post specific details for every course before classes start. Affected institutions must display the course title, a comprehensive list of required materials, and the instructor's resume along with their published works on course websites and directories. The law mandates that syllabi include publication details or links for all resources, such as books, articles, and videos, that students will review. If a university fails to meet these posting requirements, it is prohibited from listing the course online or allowing students to enroll in it. The Arizona Board of Regents is tasked with creating policies to enforce these new transparency rules.