A new bill authored by State Rep. Mathis in the Arizona House aims to clarify eviction processes and tenant obligations in landlord-tenant relationships, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2756 on Feb. 5, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘landlord tenant; nonpayment; proceedings’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to landlord and tenant relationships concerning nonpayment and eviction proceedings. It specifies procedures for jury trials in eviction cases, outlines the conditions for issuing writs of restitution, and clarifies the consequences for tenants who commit criminal trespass after eviction. Additionally, the bill revises requirements for terminating rental agreements due to tenant noncompliance, including unpaid rent and other breaches that affect health and safety. It mandates landlords to provide preliminary notice and rental assistance resources before pursuing eviction for nonpayment, and details remedies like the recovery of damages and legal fees by landlords. Amendments also address the discontinuation of utilities post-eviction and tenant responsibility for guest actions. The bill’s changes aim to streamline eviction processes while setting precise stipulations for handling tenant breaches.
The bill was co-sponsored by Junelle Cavero (Democrat-11th District), Quantá Crews (Democrat-26th District), and Oscar De Los Santos (Democrat-11th District), along with two other sponsors.
Since the beginning of the session, Mathis has proposed another 21 bills, with three of them being adopted.
Mathis graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1989 with a BA and again in 1993 from University of Illinois College of Law with a JD.
Mathis, a Democrat, was elected to the Arizona State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 18th House District, replacing previous state representative Mitzi Epstein.
In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.
Bills Introduced by Your Representatives in Arizona House During 1st Regular Session of the 57th Legislative Session
| Sponsor(s) | Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Mathis | HB2756 | 02/05/2025 | This bill amends sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to landlord and tenant relationships concerning nonpayment and eviction proceedings. It specifies procedures for jury trials in eviction cases, outlines the conditions for issuing writs of restitution, and clarifies the consequences for tenants who commit criminal trespass after eviction. Additionally, the bill revises requirements for terminating rental agreements due to tenant noncompliance, including unpaid rent and other breaches that affect health and safety. It mandates landlords to provide preliminary notice and rental assistance resources before pursuing eviction for nonpayment, and details remedies like the recovery of damages and legal fees by landlords. Amendments also address the discontinuation of utilities post-eviction and tenant responsibility for guest actions. The bill’s changes aim to streamline eviction processes while setting precise stipulations for handling tenant breaches. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2734 | 02/03/2025 | This bill mandates the Arizona Department of Health Services to collaborate with health care providers, including obstetricians, gynecologists, and community-based centers, to educate women about perimenopause and menopause. The initiative includes creating and distributing informational materials, both in electronic and physical formats, to women who are or will soon be experiencing these life stages. The materials are to cover symptoms, treatment options, when to consult a health care provider, the biological processes involved, and guidance on discussing these topics with family and friends. This education aims to prepare and better inform women about perimenopause and menopause. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2714 | 01/30/2025 | The bill establishes rural groundwater management areas in Arizona, aiming for sustainable groundwater use. It creates five initial rural groundwater management areas: Gila Bend, Hualapai Valley, Ranegras Plain, San Simon Valley, and Willcox. It mandates that groundwater withdrawal in these areas complies with new certifications and conservation requirements. The bill allows the designation of additional rural groundwater management areas based on specific criteria and prohibits new irrigation without prior certification. It creates a rural groundwater management area council to develop ten-year management plans focusing on reducing overdraft, stabilizing aquifers, or achieving safe yield. The bill provides for conservation programs and enables the implementation of groundwater withdrawal fees to fund such efforts. It also involves a periodic review to determine if additional regions qualify as rural groundwater management areas. References to a Rural Groundwater Management Act indicate the bill’s intention for long-term groundwater sustainability across Arizona. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2690 | 01/27/2025 | This bill repeals Section 15-120.02 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which relates to athletics. The repeal removes existing provisions regarding team designations based on biological sex in athletic programs. By eliminating this section, the bill potentially alters the framework governing how athletic teams are categorized or designated, though it does not specify an alternative or replacement policy within the bill itself. The repeal could impact sports participation rules or requirements that were previously defined under the repealed section. The bill does not state an effective date for this legislative change. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2487 | 01/16/2025 | This bill modifies several provisions of the Arizona Revised Statutes relating to real estate and water supply assurance for subdivisions and multifamily properties. It requires individuals seeking building permits for six or more detached single-family residences, multifamily residential properties, or condominiums in active management areas to obtain a certificate of assured water supply or a written commitment of water service. These requirements will take effect for applications submitted after September 30, 2024. The bill also introduces various activation fees and replenishment reserve fees for residential lease communities within member lands. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions and duties concerning water conservation district replenishments, and mandates that the district establish rates and collect fees to fund the acquisition of water rights and infrastructure necessary for fulfilling replenishment obligations. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2486 | 01/16/2025 | The bill establishes the Office of Resiliency within the governor’s office of Arizona to address climate change threats to the state’s water and natural resources. The governor will appoint a director who will advise on water and land use, transportation, energy, and other essential policies. The office is tasked with developing a resiliency plan to improve the state’s ability to withstand climate change risks to human, natural, and economic systems. It will direct state agencies to assess risks to water resources, temperature-sensitive populations, energy systems, transportation, vital infrastructure, and natural lands. Additionally, the bill repeals Title 49, chapter 1, article 6 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2485 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to land division, focusing on building permits and land division applications. It mandates that building permits for new residential single-family homes include an identification of ownership interests. If the parcel is part of a proposed subdivision and the owner holds six or more properties within it, a public report must be included. The bill allows exemptions for properties in active water management areas or those compliant with specified water supply requirements. It also requires land division applicants to disclose ownership interests and includes attestation language recognizing public report requirements to prevent unlawful subdivision practices. The bill specifies the conditions under which an out-of-state broker can collaborate with in-state brokers, addressing licensing and compliance with state laws. Additionally, the bill outlines various disclosure obligations for sellers of land in unincorporated areas, ensuring transparency regarding access, water supply, and utility services. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2431 | 01/16/2025 | This bill repeals section 13-3108 of the Arizona Revised Statutes and amends section 15-341 related to weapons on school grounds. The key amendment involves the governing board’s enforcement of policies prohibiting carrying or possessing weapons on school property, except by peace officers or with specific school administrator authorization. Additionally, it outlines numerous responsibilities for school governing boards, including providing a safe and supervised educational environment, managing school property, establishing disciplinary and safety procedures for students and staff, ensuring appropriate reporting and handling of incidents, and implementing policies for instructional standards. The bill aims to maintain safety and proper governance within educational institutions. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2347 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes to align the annual salary of state legislators with that of county supervisors beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Legislators will also receive reimbursement for travel and subsistence expenses related to legislative duties, contingent on prior approval from the presiding officer. The bill updates procedures for reviewing and recommending pay levels for elective state officers, judges, and court clerks, explicitly excluding state legislators from these reviews. Finally, the bill’s enactment is conditional on the amendment of the state constitution via a general election vote, linked to a pending House Concurrent Resolution. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2275 | 01/15/2025 | This bill establishes an income tax credit for the substantial rehabilitation of certified historic structures in Arizona, applicable from December 31, 2025 through December 31, 2035. The credit equals 20% of qualified rehabilitation expenses, or 25% if the structure is a certified affordable housing project. Certified rehabilitations must adhere to the standards of the U.S. Department of the Interior and produce a positive economic impact. The tax credits, which can be carried forward for 10 years, are capped at $30 million annually, with a portion reserved for projects in smaller communities. The state historic preservation officer manages application and certification processes, requiring a cost-benefit analysis by the Arizona Commerce Authority. The bill aims to incentivize the redevelopment and reuse of historic structures to stimulate economic growth. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2258 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning groundwater replenishment obligations. It mandates the timely fulfillment of groundwater replenishment obligations within three years of incurring them. Real estate designated as member land and municipal service areas qualifying as member service areas must comply with specific conditions to ensure replenishment obligations are met. The bill also outlines reporting requirements for water deliveries and replenishment assessments for municipal providers, clarifies the conditions under which a municipal service area can terminate its member status, and establishes repercussions for noncompliance, such as financial penalties. The amendments take effect after Sept. 14, 2024. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2253 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends Arizona statutes related to water conservation plumbing requirements. Effective from Jan. 1, 2027, it prohibits the distribution, sale, import, or installation of any plumbing fixture in new or existing residential, commercial, industrial, or public constructions unless it meets specific water efficiency standards. These standards would require plumbing fixtures to be WaterSense-labeled, meet or exceed pre-2027 WaterSense program criteria, or include systems like water recycling for evaporative cooling and decorative fountains. State buildings are encouraged to install water-free urinals, and the bill allows for certain exceptions and waivers, such as for fixtures purchased before 2027 or historic fixtures determined by the director. Local ordinances are not preempted by this bill if they are at least as restrictive. Sections of this bill are effective after Dec. 31, 2025, or Dec. 31, 2026, depending on the section. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2252 | 01/15/2025 | This bill repeals section 28-145 and amends section 49-447 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to address vehicle emission standards. It mandates the director to adopt rules controlling air contaminants from motor vehicles and combustion engines, applying to sections 28-955 and 49-542. The bill necessitates that for vehicles model year 2028 and newer, Arizona adopt emission standards identical to those by the California Air Resources Board, contingent on a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Upon finalizing rules, the director must inform the governor, legislative leaders, and relevant officials about the new or amended rules and the specific California standards they implement. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2251 | 01/15/2025 | This bill authorizes the issuance of Arizona bicycling special license plates if a $32,000 fee is paid to the Department of Transportation by Dec. 31, 2025. The person who pays the fee will design the plates, which must be approved by the department. A $25 fee will be charged for each plate, with $8 allocated as an administrative fee to the state highway fund and $17 as an annual donation to an established Arizona bicycling special plate fund. The first $32,000 in donations will reimburse the initial implementation cost. The remaining funds will support a qualified nonprofit that organizes biking events promoting economic development and wellness in Arizona, including hosting the largest U.S. bicycling event the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The bill also amends several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to special plates and highway funds. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2250 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends Arizona’s statutes concerning the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) by outlining the covered health and medical services and their associated limits and exclusions. It requires AHCCCS contractors to provide medically necessary services including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, laboratory and X-ray services, medications prescribed by licensed professionals, medical supplies, and various specific treatments such as podiatry, nonexperimental transplants, basic dental care, and limited chiropractic services. The bill specifies exclusions and financial limits for services like speech therapy, certain prosthetics, and durable medical equipment for individuals aged 21 and over. It also discusses circumstances under which emergency or non-emergency transportation will be provided and sets rules for service delivery outside the member’s geographic area. Additionally, preventive dental care cannot be funded by the hospital assessment fund. The bill mandates rulemaking by the director to limit covered services and facilitate medical care coordination. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2249 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends Arizona statutes relating to water quality to strengthen regulatory measures for protecting state waters. It requires the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) director to adopt rules establishing water quality standards and permit programs for Waters of the United States (WOTUS) that are more stringent than federal Clean Water Act requirements. The bill outlines exemptions for certain activities concerning non-WOTUS surface waters and mandates the creation of a protected surface waters list. Additionally, the bill requires public notice and comments on standards for non-WOTUS waters and emphasizes the director’s powers to oversee and enforce compliance with these regulations. The effective date of the bill is not specified. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2248 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends section 45-596 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to outline the requirements for drilling or deepening wells. It mandates filing a notice of intention to drill in both active and non-active management areas and specifies the information needed, including GPS coordinates, well depth, and construction details. The notice must include evidence of necessary permits and proof of well driller licensing. It introduces provisions for reviewing well site plans when water is intended for domestic use on small parcels. The bill establishes regulations to prevent groundwater contamination, including criteria for denying well approval if it risks contaminant migration. Filing fees for notices vary depending on the intended use and location of the well. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2247 | 01/15/2025 | The bill allocates $1 million from Arizona’s state general fund for the fiscal year 2025–2026 to the University of Arizona to conduct a health study on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in residents’ blood. This study targets individuals using drinking water from private or public systems contaminated by PFAS beyond the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum levels as outlined in the national primary drinking water regulations. The study’s purpose is to assess the extent of PFAS exposure and its potential health impacts on affected populations across the state. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2246 | 01/15/2025 | The bill appropriates $50 million from the Arizona long-term water augmentation fund for fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Water Resources. These funds are designated to compensate holders of irrigation grandfathered rights who agree to permanently retire or reduce their water duty. The director of the department is tasked with purchasing and retiring these rights by Dec. 31, 2025, which includes entering conservation agreements with right holders to reduce their annual water allotments. The allocated funds are exempt from lapsing, as detailed in section 35-190 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2245 | 01/15/2025 | This bill appropriates $10 million from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2025-26 to the Arizona Department of Health Services. The funds are designated for issuing and renewing registry identification cards for veterans of the United States armed forces, as per section 36-2804.02 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The appropriation is exempt from the lapsing provisions outlined in section 35-190 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, ensuring that the designated funds will not revert at the end of the fiscal year, regardless of whether they have been fully used. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2244 | 01/15/2025 | This bill repeals Section 28-9204 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which pertains to light rail service. The legislation does not specify the immediate implications of this repeal but likely aims to alter or redirect public policy and funding related to the development, maintenance, or operation of light rail systems within the state. By removing existing statutory provisions, the bill may intend to pave the way for new legislation or funding allocations regarding public transportation infrastructure or to address concerns related to the efficiency, cost, or expansion of light rail services. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2243 | 01/15/2025 | This bill establishes a legal framework for terminally ill adults in Arizona to pursue medical aid in dying. It outlines eligibility criteria, specifying that individuals must be state residents and have a terminal illness confirmed by an attending and consulting physician. The process mandates informed decision-making, including understanding potential risks and alternatives. A written request for medication must be witnessed by two individuals, with the option for translation. Physicians must ensure no coercion is present, verify state residency, and make counseling referrals if needed. There’s a 15-day waiting period between an oral and written request, although exceptions are possible. The bill provides legal protections for participating healthcare providers and prohibits euthanasia through means other than self-administered medication. It requires the Arizona Department of Health Services to review compliance records annually and mandates that cause of death be listed as the underlying illness. Violations involving coercion or forgery can result in felony charges. The bill also addresses the effects on insurance policies and envisions sanctions for non-participating providers prohibiting involvement on their premises. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2242 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends and repeals specific sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to building permits. It modifies sections 9-467 and 11-321 to ensure that municipalities and county supervisors cannot mandate transaction privilege tax licenses or business licenses as prerequisites for issuing building permits. However, those issued permits must apply for a business license within 30 days if not already holding one. The bill also stipulates that subsequent owners are not required to obtain permits for unpermitted constructions by previous owners unless it concerns public health or safety. Furthermore, it mandates the distribution of permit copies to the county assessor and the department of revenue, and it allows building permits to be applied for and issued by mail where convenient. The bill repeals sections 9-810 and 11-867, removing certain preexisting regulations. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2241 | 01/15/2025 | This bill repeals sections 9-500.36 and 11-269.14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, effectively eliminating specific local regulations related to energy measuring and reporting. The repeal is aimed at changing the current framework that governs how energy usage is monitored and reported at the local level, although the bill does not explicitly state its intended impact. By removing these sections, the bill could potentially have implications for local authorities and their capacity to regulate energy efficiency and environmental standards within their jurisdictions. The effective date of the repeal is not specified in the text. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2240 | 01/15/2025 | The bill amends sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to environmental lawsuits, allowing individuals who are or may be adversely affected to initiate civil actions in superior court against any person, the state, or its subdivisions for violations of environmental laws, permits, or standards. The court can impose civil penalties and offer injunctive relief. There is a 60-day notice requirement before commencing actions. The bill also details intervention rights in pending state enforcement actions for those affected by violations of underground injection control permits. Litigation costs may be awarded, and frivolous claims might result in fees awarded to the defendant. Collected penalties are directed to specified environmental funds. The amendments are aligned with federal environmental citizen suit provisions. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2214 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends Arizona’s statutes on weapons misconduct by adding a provision that makes it unlawful to fail to secure a firearm from a minor by not taking reasonable measures to prevent the minor from accessing it. If a minor accesses the unsecured firearm, the offense is classified as a class 6 felony, escalating to a class 4 felony if the minor discharges the firearm and causes death or serious injury. Several exceptions are specified, including lawful possession by a minor under certain conditions and exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and specific educational and museum contexts. The legislation aims to prevent minors from accessing firearms, thereby reducing accidental injuries or misuse by underage individuals. The measure is part of broader amendments to existing weapon misconduct laws, setting various felony and misdemeanor classifications for other violations. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2213 | 01/15/2025 | This bill appropriates $3.8 million from Arizona’s state general fund for the fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Education to provide free school lunches for children who qualify under the income eligibility requirements of the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts. The appropriation is intended to be ongoing, continuing in subsequent years to ensure continuous support for eligible students. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2212 | 01/15/2025 | This bill establishes regulations for employment contracts involving unemancipated minors performing artistic or creative services in Arizona, effective Jan. 1, 2026. It mandates court approval for such contracts, ensuring that they cannot be disaffirmed due to the minor’s age. The bill requires that 15% of a minor’s gross earnings from artistic services be placed in a trust account for their benefit. A parent or guardian typically serves as the trustee, though the court may appoint another trustee in the child’s best interest. Details for setting up and managing this trust are outlined, including stipulations for withdrawals, which are prohibited until the minor turns 18, becomes emancipated, or by court order. The bill also specifies the fiduciary responsibilities of parents or guardians related to managing the minor’s earnings. This legislative change applies to contracts entered into from the stated effective date onward. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2211 | 01/15/2025 | This bill proposes the establishment of a legal framework for severe threat orders of protection in Arizona, designed to restrict firearm possession for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. It allows a petitioner— a family or household member, significant other, probation officer, behavioral health professional, or peace officer— to request either an ex parte temporary or a full severe threat order of protection through the courts. Upon issuance, these orders mandate the surrender of firearms to law enforcement and registration in national crime databases. Respondents can challenge the order via a court hearing; if unsuccessful, the order remains effective for one year. Violation of these orders is classified as a class 4 felony. If the respondent is a minor, proceedings are transferred to juvenile court, and parents must secure firearms at home. Additionally, false swearing to obtain these orders is penalized as a felony. The bill emphasizes both the procedural and punitive measures to ensure compliance and public safety. |
