Bill > HB2246

This bill appropriates $50 million from Arizona's long-term water augmentation fund to the Department of Water Resources for fiscal year 2025-2026, specifically to compensate irrigation grandfathered rights holders who permanently retire or reduce their water rights. Irrigation grandfathered rights are historical water use permits that grant specific water allocation amounts to agricultural users. The bill requires the department's director to begin purchasing and retiring these rights by December 31, 2025, including through conservation agreements that result in permanent reductions of annual water allotments. Importantly, the bill includes an exemption from standard state appropriations rules that typically require unused funds to lapse at the end of the fiscal year, meaning these funds can be carried over and used beyond the specified fiscal year. The goal appears to be reducing water consumption in Arizona by incentivizing irrigation rights holders to voluntarily reduce their water usage, which could help address the state's ongoing water scarcity challenges.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81991