Bill > HB2826

This bill modifies Arizona state law regarding irrigation districts' water distribution practices, focusing on three key changes. First, the bill expands water distribution rights to include municipalities within district boundaries that have contractual water entitlements, ensuring they are considered alongside agricultural lands when allocating water resources. Second, the bill mandates that irrigation districts create and publish an annual report detailing water availability, distribution, and delivery, including water deliveries to entities outside district boundaries. Notably, beginning in tax year 2025, municipal customers are now entitled to a refund of water taxes if water was available but not delivered. Third, the bill clarifies water distribution procedures during water supply shortages, stipulating that water should be distributed as equally as possible among lands and municipal customers, with priority given to legally established water rights. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision preventing districts from accumulating water credits unless they have first fulfilled their obligations to supply water to all irrigable lands and municipal contractual entitlements within their boundaries. These changes aim to increase transparency, accountability, and fairness in water resource management for irrigation districts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83297