HB2330 proposes an alternative process for the formation of fire districts in Arizona counties with populations of fewer than 500,000 persons, effective until December 31, 2026. The new process allows for the county board of supervisors (county BOS) to hold a hearing on the formation of a fire district upon written request and submission of a map delineating the proposed district boundaries. The county BOS can take public testimony, revise the proposed boundaries to ensure equitable funding contributions, and, if proceeding, submit the matter to a vote of the qualified electors within the proposed district boundaries. The election must comply with Arizona's general election laws, and if the formation is approved by 65% of the votes, the county BOS will declare the fire district formed and appoint an organizing board of directors.

The bill also stipulates that a fire district formed through this alternative process will have the same powers and duties as any other fire district. After December 31, 2026, fire districts will no longer be able to form under this alternative process. The bill includes conforming changes to existing law, such as replacing the word "permit" with "allow" and specifying that petitions for district formation must be returned within one year after the county BOS's approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 48-261, 48-825, 42-17052, 48-266, 48-851, 48-2001
House Engrossed Version: 48-261, 48-825, 42-17052, 48-266, 48-851, 48-2001