Rep. Lisa Fink

Maddy summaryHB 2995 modifies Arizona's domestic relations law to prioritize child safety in custody cases involving domestic violence. It creates a rebuttable presumption against granting joint legal decision-making or parenting time to a parent found to have committed domestic violence, requiring courts to consider evidence like police reports, medical records, and shelter documentation. If a parent is found abusive, they must prove parenting time won't endanger the child, and courts can impose conditions such as supervised visits, mandatory counseling, or restrictions on overnight stays. The bill also mandates detailed court findings explaining how domestic violence considerations serve the child's best interests, with the presumption taking priority over other legal standards.

Maddy summaryHB 4049 expands exemptions allowing specific Arizona state agencies to hire their own legal counsel instead of relying on the Attorney General's office. It adds 12 new agencies to the exemption list, including the director of water resources, Arizona board of regents, and the residential utility consumer office. The bill also clarifies that agencies can hire outside counsel when the Attorney General is disqualified due to a conflict of interest or lacks expertise, as outlined in new provisions (subsections E and F). This change directly affects those 12 agencies and any state entity facing a legal matter requiring independent legal representation.

Maddy summaryHB 2660 amends Arizona's chiropractic licensure laws to expand the grounds for disciplinary action against chiropractors. It adds specific prohibitions, including deceptive advertising (e.g., advertising "free" services without disclosing what's included), billing for unprovided services, and soliciting vulnerable patients (like accident victims within 15 days) without proper consent. The bill also strengthens the board's investigation powers, allowing it to require medical/mental exams during probes and issue emergency license suspensions if public safety is at immediate risk. These changes directly affect licensed chiropractors in Arizona by increasing accountability for conduct impacting patient safety and transparency in billing and advertising.

Maddy summaryHB 2661 expands rights for parents, guardians, and custodians during child safety investigations and when children are in state custody. It requires child safety workers to inform these individuals of their specific rights at the start of an investigation and when case plans change, and mandates a signed written attestation confirming they understand these rights. The bill allows them to refuse certain actions (like signing release forms, consenting to drug tests, or submitting to mental health evaluations) without immediate child removal, and provides clear steps to report violations to the department, ombudsman, or juvenile court. These changes aim to ensure parents and guardians are fully informed and can challenge perceived rights violations in child welfare cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2662 (Arizona) sets standards for expert testimony in parenting time cases where domestic violence or abuse is alleged. It requires courts to admit only testimony from experts with specific clinical experience supporting victims of domestic violence - not just forensic expertise - and limits evidence to scientifically validated methods. The bill prohibits the use of polygraphs, voice-stress analysis, or unproven psychological measures in these proceedings. This directly affects courts, experts testifying in custody disputes, and parents involved in cases with domestic violence allegations.

Maddy summaryHB 2249 establishes specific parental rights regarding minors in Arizona, directly affecting parents and government entities like schools and child welfare agencies. It grants parents the right to direct their child's education, access all educational and medical records, consent to biometric scans or genetic testing, and be notified of suspected crimes against their child (unless investigations would be hindered). The bill prohibits government employees from coercing minors to withhold information from parents and allows parents to sue government entities that interfere with these rights, placing the burden of proof on the government to justify such interference. It explicitly states these rights do not override child welfare laws or permit unlawful parental conduct.

Maddy summaryArizona's HB 2248, titled the "Arizona Medical Freedom Act," bans businesses, schools, and government entities from requiring medical interventions (like vaccines or treatments) as a condition for services, employment, school attendance, or access to facilities. It specifically prohibits: denying services or entry based on vaccination status, requiring interventions for employment (except for foreign travel requirements), or offering different pay based on whether someone has received a medical intervention. The law includes exceptions for standard workplace safety equipment under industry standards (but excludes pandemic-era mandates like mask requirements) and does not apply to schools operating under parental rights laws. Violations can be enforced by the attorney general, who may seek court orders and recover legal fees.

Maddy summaryHB 2957 is a definitions bill that amends Arizona's driver license statutes by clarifying terms like "autonomous vehicle," "automated driving system," and "electric bicycle." It does not create new restrictions or requirements but establishes standardized definitions for future legislative or regulatory use. The bill directly affects how Arizona law will interpret these terms in upcoming transportation rules, including those related to self-driving cars and e-bikes. This procedural update has no immediate impact on current driver licensing or vehicle operation.

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 2140 creates the Arizona Bullion Depository, allowing the state, state agencies, counties, municipalities, and other governmental entities to store precious metals (bullion) there. It permits the state treasurer to deposit up to 10% of state monies as bullion, counting this as part of the state’s official financial reserves. The bill requires the state department to establish implementing rules for the depository’s operation. This policy change directly affects how state funds are managed and stored, shifting a portion of reserves into physical precious metals. The bill does not alter existing funding for programs or services.