Sen. Eva Burch

Maddy summaryHB 2132 requires Arizona outpatient surgical centers and hospitals to implement policies ensuring a registered nurse trained in perioperative care (a "circulator" nurse) is physically present in the operating room for the entire duration of every surgical procedure, effective by January 1, 2026. This directly affects healthcare facilities and their surgical teams by mandating specific staffing protocols during operations. The circulator nurse must coordinate patient safety and support the surgical team throughout the procedure, as defined in the bill. The Arizona Department of Health will enforce this requirement during facility inspections and when addressing related complaints.

Maddy summarySB 1174 expands tuition waiver scholarships in Arizona for children and spouses of public safety and military personnel who died in the line of duty or from injuries sustained while traveling to or from work. The bill specifically includes individuals who suffered a posttraumatic stress injury and died by suicide, requiring verification from relevant memorial boards or the department of veterans' services. Eligible recipients can receive up to 64 credit hours at community colleges or enough credits for a bachelor's degree at universities, provided they meet age and marital status requirements. Additionally, the law extends these benefits to National Guard members with Purple Heart citations and veterans with significant service-connected disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis Arizona bill requires the state Department of Education to create guidelines and resources for teaching digital citizenship and media literacy by January 15, 2025. It establishes an advisory committee made up of teachers, parents, librarians, and experts to help develop these practices and recommend updates to state academic standards. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, school districts and charter schools must annually review and update their own policies on internet safety and media literacy by consulting with parents, staff, and students. The legislation defines digital citizenship as responsible behavior online and media literacy as the ability to critically analyze and use various forms of media.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public and private schools in Arizona with students in grades six through twelve that sponsor athletic teams to provide an automated external defibrillator at every campus and event. To ensure quick access, the law mandates that these devices be unlocked, clearly signed, and retrievable within three minutes, while also requiring coaches to complete state-approved training in CPR and first aid. Additionally, schools must create written cardiac emergency response plans in consultation with local emergency medical services, detailing specific roles, equipment locations, and procedures for handling medical emergencies during the school day or at sports events. The legislation allows schools to accept donations to help cover the costs of these devices and training, and it directs state funds to assist schools with higher numbers of low-income students in purchasing necessary equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the existence of the board of directors for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind until July 1, 2033, ensuring continued oversight for sensory-impaired children. It achieves this by repealing a previous statute that would have ended the board's term earlier and adding a new provision that sets the specific termination date and outlines when related laws will be removed. The legislation also includes a statement of purpose confirming that the legislature intends to maintain adequate educational opportunities for these students during this extended period.

Maddy summarySB 1018 amends state law to update how the Arizona State Board of Equalization calculates spending limits for school districts and other political subdivisions. The bill requires the commission to determine these limits annually based on population growth and changes in the GDP price deflator, which measures inflation. It also provides specific formulas for setting limits in new cities, towns, or counties that are created or divided. By adjusting these calculations, the legislation ensures that spending caps reflect current economic conditions and demographic shifts rather than fixed historical figures.