Bill > HB2790

This bill aims to clarify and strengthen the independence of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) within Arizona. It mandates that the State Historic Preservation Officer, who is a designated employee of the Arizona State Parks Board, shall report solely to the board and not to any other entity or individual regarding the SHPO's programs and duties. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the SHPO and the SHPO are subject to performance evaluations and administrative oversight exclusively by the Arizona State Parks Board. Crucially, the SHPO is now required to submit its annual budget request directly to the Governor's Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting, with the Arizona State Parks Board prohibited from reviewing, altering, or suppressing this request. The bill also clarifies that the Arizona State Parks Board will only provide administrative support, such as fiscal processing, human resources, or information technology services, to the SHPO and will not exercise any strategic or policymaking control. Additionally, the SHPO is granted the explicit right to communicate freely and directly with the governor's office, the legislature, and federal preservation agencies without requiring consent, review, or pre-authorization from any other person or entity. Finally, the bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the SHPO for various purposes, including managing obligations under the national historic preservation act, improving database systems, restoring staffing and pay, enhancing tribal consultation and local government assistance, and supporting rural preservation efforts, with this appropriation exempt from lapsing.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84611