Rep. Neal Carter

Maddy summaryHB 2782 requires Arizona's Corporation Commission and public utilities (like electricity and gas providers) to publicly publish tariff schedules showing how costs - particularly the recovery of "regulatory assets" through amortization - are calculated and collected from customers. It defines "fair value" as the utility's book value plus unamortized costs at the time rates take effect, mandating this be used when setting just and reasonable rates. The bill aims to increase transparency by making these financial details accessible so the public can comment on rate-setting decisions. This directly affects how utilities recover infrastructure costs and how the Commission reviews rate applications.

Maddy summaryHB 2105 requires Arizona county assessors to inspect 25% of agricultural properties annually and conduct full inspections of all such properties every four years. It mandates that assessors notify property owners before inspections, provide the inspection date, and share the report afterward. Properties meeting agricultural classification criteria are exempt from new inspections for three years unless the owner changes land use, splits the property, or transfers ownership. This bill directly affects agricultural landowners by standardizing inspection schedules and ensuring transparency in property valuation processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2104 amends Arizona law to modify appeal procedures for agricultural property classification disputes. If a property owner successfully appeals a county assessor's disapproval of agricultural classification, the county cannot reclassify or inspect that land for four years - unless the owner changes the land's use, splits the property, or transfers ownership/lease. This directly affects agricultural landowners who face classification disputes with county tax officials. The bill creates a clear four-year protection period after a successful appeal, with specific exceptions allowing county reassessment.

Maddy summaryHB 2265 prevents courts in Arizona from charging indigent defendants (low-income individuals) fees or requiring repayment for public defender services. It specifically bans administrative assessments of up to $25 and prohibits courts from ordering repayment for legal costs, including in juvenile or mental health proceedings. The bill also establishes new court filing fees for a "fair jury improvement fund" (excluding criminal trial filings), with fees collected to supplement, not replace, existing county funding for public defense. These changes directly affect individuals qualifying for court-appointed counsel under Arizona law.

Maddy summaryHB 2380 amends Arizona laws governing school district board meetings and financial procedures. It requires school boards to meet at convenient public facilities within their district (or nearby if unavailable) and clarifies rules for quorum during vacancies. The bill also specifies that school district funds must be deposited with county treasurers, and board signatures for expenditures must follow specific approval processes. These changes directly affect school district governing boards in managing their meetings and handling district finances.

Maddy summaryHB 2970 amends Arizona law to strengthen penalties for fraud by defining it as knowingly obtaining benefits through false claims, lies, or hiding key facts. It removes the requirement that prosecutors prove victims relied on the fraud and bars probation or early release for serious cases involving $100,000+ in fraud or opioid sales. The law also allows Arizona to prosecute fraud even if parts of the scheme occurred outside state borders. This directly affects individuals or entities committing fraud, with stricter sentencing for large-scale or opioid-related offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 2321 requires Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) caseworkers to place a security freeze on the credit report of any child entering state care within 30 days. This freeze prevents consumer reporting agencies from sharing the child's credit information without permission, protecting them from identity theft and fraud. The freeze remains in effect until the child (or their representative) requests removal, and agencies cannot charge fees for placing or removing it. The bill defines "protected person" to include children in DCS care and outlines specific steps for caseworkers and agencies to follow.

Maddy summaryHB 2118 standardizes Arizona's licensing and health regulations for mobile food vendors statewide. It requires each mobile food unit to have a separate annual license, mandates food handler certifications for employees, and establishes three licensing categories based on food type and preparation needs. County health departments (where the vendor's commissary is located) will issue licenses using uniform statewide inspection standards, with licenses valid across all counties. The bill prohibits local governments from requiring vendors to operate a specific distance from restaurants and does not address operating hours. This directly affects mobile food vendors, county health departments, and cities/towns managing local licensing systems.

Maddy summaryHB 2113 amends Arizona law to strengthen the role of the Director of Residential Utility Consumers. It requires the Director to intervene in public utility rate cases when proposed increases would raise residential customers' bills by 100% or more. The bill also mandates that the Director record all consumer contacts about service quality to identify broader issues, and refers consumers to the Corporation Commission for further assistance. These changes directly affect Arizona residential utility customers by giving the Director greater authority to challenge significant rate hikes.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets specific rental rates for state-owned buildings in Arizona for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, establishing a charge of $17.87 per square foot for office space and $6.43 per square foot for storage space. Additionally, it requires the Department of Administration to submit a detailed report within ten days of selling any state property located in the governmental mall, listing the address, square footage, sale price, and the fund receiving the proceeds. The legislation directly affects the state's management of its real estate assets and the legislative leadership who receive the required sales reports.