Bill > HB2548

This bill modifies Arizona's laws regarding the designation of subsequent Active Management Areas (AMAs), which are regions subject to specific groundwater management practices. The bill introduces new requirements for establishing an AMA, including that the director of water resources must not only determine that specific groundwater management conditions exist (such as preserving groundwater supply, preventing land subsidence, or addressing water quality issues) but also obtain approval through a public election. The bill outlines a detailed process for initiating and conducting such an election, allowing either 10% of registered voters in the proposed AMA or the director to petition for the area's designation. The election process includes provisions for verifying voter residency, handling multi-county groundwater basins, and establishing clear ballot language. If a majority of voters approve the designation, the director must file an order officially establishing the new Active Management Area and make related documents publicly available. The bill also makes minor technical changes to language, such as replacing "which" with "that" in various sections. Importantly, the bill will apply retroactively from December 18, 2024, adding an additional layer of democratic input into groundwater management decisions in Arizona.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82378