Sen. Wendy Rogers

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Arizona State Bar and the Arizona Supreme Court from disciplining or revoking an attorney's license if they bring a good faith, nonfrivolous legal claim to court. It asserts that such litigation is protected political speech and prevents these bodies from using attorney discipline to infringe on these rights. The law also establishes financial penalties for violations, imposing a fine equal to ten percent of the State Bar's licensing fees or the Supreme Court's prior budget if they enforce discipline in violation of the statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes to grant the Arizona Board of Regents expanded authority to set tuition rates and fees for public universities. It establishes a new rule that undergraduate students who complete at least 145 credit hours will face higher tuition rates, while also creating specific exceptions for transfer students, those pursuing multiple degrees, and veterans. The legislation requires the Board to hold public hearings before approving tuition increases and mandates that revenue from these higher fees be kept in separate accounts for each university rather than being used to support alumni associations. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a veteran for admission purposes and ensures that prior failing grades do not disqualify them from guaranteed admission policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes public safety telecommunicators as a vital part of Arizona's first responder teams. It commends these workers for their dedication and acknowledges their critical role in handling emergency calls, providing life-saving instructions, and coordinating resources for first responders. The legislation serves as a symbolic resolution to honor the profession rather than changing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Arizona Revised Statutes to clarify and expand the administrative powers of the Arizona Board of Regents over the state's universities. It allows the board to formally delegate specific governance and operational authority to university presidents, committees, or other designated entities, while retaining the power to rescind these delegations at any time. The legislation also establishes new requirements for setting tuition and fees, including mandatory public hearings, advance notice of proposed increases, and a public roll-call vote on final decisions. Additionally, the bill updates policies regarding student admission, specifically ensuring fair access for veterans and students from public and charter schools, and clarifies how tuition revenue must be managed and reported.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the Arizona Constitution to strictly prohibit the state and its political subdivisions from granting preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, and contracting. It explicitly bans requiring individuals to endorse diversity concepts like equity or inclusion as a condition of hiring or contracting and forbids considering race-based privilege in evaluations. While the measure allows for bona fide qualifications based on sex and actions necessary to maintain eligibility for federal programs, it restricts affirmative action plans to outreach efforts that do not alter application criteria or evaluation standards. The amendment also invalidates existing court orders or consent decrees that mandate racial discrimination and clarifies that remedies for violations apply equally regardless of the injured party's race.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a new law requiring state agencies to submit any rule expected to cost over $100,000 annually to the Office of Economic Opportunity for review. If the office determines the rule will cost more than $500,000, the rule cannot take effect unless the Legislature explicitly approves it through new legislation. The bill also allows regulated individuals and legislators to request these cost reviews and requires agencies to cancel such rules if the Legislature does not act within the current session. This process applies to most rules but excludes emergency rules and those issued by the Corporation Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific dates for holding local elections in Arizona, including those for bond measures, to consolidate voting on a limited number of days. It mandates that most local elections, such as those for schools and special districts, occur on the second Tuesday in March, the third Tuesday in May, or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The legislation also requires that bond election orders be published or posted at least fifteen to thirty days before the vote and sets a threshold of sixty percent voter approval for issuing tax-secured bonds. Additionally, the bill clarifies that bond election expenses must be paid from current operating funds rather than the bond proceeds themselves.

Maddy summaryThis Arizona bill mandates that cities with over 75,000 residents must allow homeowners to build attached and detached accessory dwelling units on their property. It sets specific rules for these units, such as limiting their size to 75% of the main home's area or 1,000 square feet, and requires them to be permitted without needing special approvals. The law also restricts local governments from imposing certain conditions, such as demanding familial relationships between owners and tenants, requiring extra parking, or forcing units to match the exterior design of the primary home. Additionally, the bill preempts local control over vacation rentals by prohibiting cities from banning them entirely, though it allows for basic health, safety, and zoning regulations.