Bill > SB1381

This bill establishes a new requirement for lessees of state land used for agriculture that are located outside of designated "active management areas" or "irrigation non-expansion areas," which are specific regions in Arizona managed for water resources. Specifically, the bill mandates that the state department will create rules to collect an annual fee from these lessees for their use of groundwater for irrigation. Lessees will be required to report the location of their wells, the amount of groundwater withdrawn in the previous year, and how that water was used by March 31st each year. The fees collected will be deposited into the fund of the appropriate beneficiary, meaning the entity or purpose that the state land is designated to support. The legislature intends for this fee to reflect the fair market value of the groundwater being withdrawn.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84934