The proposed bill amends Arizona's water management laws by establishing a local groundwater stewardship fund, which will receive $50 million annually from the state lottery fund to support local groundwater stewardship areas. It modifies existing allocations from the lottery fund, increasing funding for programs such as the Arizona game and fish commission heritage fund and the department of child safety's healthy families program, while ensuring these allocations are exempt from lapsing provisions. The bill also introduces new requirements for subdivision plat approvals in local stewardship areas, mandating developers to demonstrate adequate water supply or secure commitments from water service providers.

Additionally, the bill enhances the governance structure of local groundwater stewardship areas by creating councils with specific representation from agricultural, mining, municipal, and tribal interests. These councils are responsible for developing local stewardship area plans, which must include measurable goals and monitoring methods. The bill emphasizes public engagement by requiring at least two public hearings on proposed plans and mandates oversight from the department director for the approval process. Overall, the bill aims to improve groundwater management and conservation efforts while providing clear guidelines for compliance and community involvement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-572, 9-461.05, 11-804, 11-823, 45-119, 45-401, 45-432, 45-433, 45-435, 45-437, 45-437.04, 45-453, 45-512, 45-598, 45-604, 45-632, 5-555, 17-297, 8-481, 15-1643, 36-697, 36-274, 41-563, 35-190, 41-1545.01, 15-1682.03, 9-461.06, 28-8461, 28-8481, 45-655, 45-656, 11-821, 32-2101, 45-402, 45-108, 45-561, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 35-313, 45-651, 45-653, 45-654, 45-412, 16-168, 19-111, 45-431, 45-172, 45-437.01, 45-437.02, 45-437.03, 35-146, 35-147, 45-452, 45-513, 45-514, 45-515, 45-516, 45-517, 45-518, 45-519, 45-519.01, 45-599, 45-521, 45-563.02