State Rep. Chris Lopez, a Republican representing Maricopa, said this year’s legislative session looks vastly different from his first.

After spending much of his freshman term learning the ins and outs of the process and focusing on constituent outreach, Lopez said he is now pushing legislation aimed at issues affecting rural communities, like those in and around Maricopa.

“I knew last year I was going to listen and learn more than speak,” the representative from Legislative District 16, which stretches from Maricopa to the Tucson mountains, told InMaricopa. “This year, I feel very confident and comfortable moving things along.”

Lopez said he has introduced around 18 bills this session — more than double the number he sponsored last year — many of them centered on economic development, agriculture and access to services in rural communities.

Here’s a look at three that appear to be headed for the governor’s desk:

HB 2827: Pinal County groundwater fee

This bill extends a groundwater fee exemption program in the Pinal Active Management Area through 2032, ensuring landowners are not charged more than $2.50 per acre-foot.

“It’s just so expensive to use your own water on your farm,” Lopez said of the bill. “This would extend that program for six years at a lower rate and lower those costs.”

It passed the House in February and last week cleared a Senate second reading.

HB 2444: Pharmacy test and treat

This bill would allow pharmacists to test and treat illnesses such as influenza, strep throat and COVID-19 for people ages 6 and up. While the bill contains detailed provisions, Lopez said its main benefit is faster access to care.

“This is about convenience,” he said. “In rural areas, you might have to wait a week or more to see your family doctor. This gives people the ability to go to their local pharmacy and get tested and treated.”

It passed the House last week and on Tuesday advanced from the Committee of the Whole with some amendments.

HB 2443: English proficiency in trucking

On the more controversial side, this bill would require English proficiency for commercial drivers. Lopez said this bill, along with the similar HB 2446, is aimed at improving roadway safety.

“I’ve had my commercial driver’s license for 32 years and I’ve seen firsthand situations where drivers can’t communicate in emergencies,” he said.

While Lopez has faced criticism that the measure discriminates against Spanish speakers, he said his critics “have got the wrong guy.”

“I’m like, ‘Hello, did you see my last name?’ I’m Hispanic and I’ve lived this … It’s actually Eastern European languages and dialects,” he said, adding that he also owns a trucking company. “So, I understand [the concern] … but this is about safety.”

The bill passed the House late last month and went through a second Senate reading last week.