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AZ HB2278

AZ HB2278
Financial assurance; reclamation; escrow; trusts


summary

Introduced
01/20/2026
In Committee
02/16/2026
Crossed Over
02/23/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session (2026)

Bill Summary

AN ACT Amending sections 27-991, 27-996, 27-1291 and 27-1296, Arizona Revised Statutes; RELATING to financial assurance for reclamation.

AI Summary

This bill amends Arizona law to allow for a new type of financial assurance mechanism for mining and exploration operations, specifically a cash deposit with a third-party escrow or trust account, in addition to existing options like surety bonds and certificates of deposit. This new provision clarifies that any interest earned on these third-party accounts, after administrative fees, belongs to the mine or exploration operator and can be used towards reclamation costs, with a proportional share of earned interest being released by the inspector upon partial release or substitution of funds. Furthermore, the bill specifies that when financial assurance is held in a third-party escrow or trust account, the inspector must release the proportional share of any interest earned when releasing part of the financial assurance.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Senate read second time (on 03/03/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84004
BillText https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2r/bills/hb2278h.htm
Analysis - HOUSE SUMMARY: 02/16/2026 Caucus & COW https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/GetDocumentPdf/537575
Analysis - HOUSE SUMMARY: 02/06/2026 Natural Resources, Energy & Water https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/GetDocumentPdf/536437
BillText https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2r/bills/hb2278p.htm
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