The bill SB1172 proposes significant amendments to Arizona's land division and water management laws, particularly focusing on the management of irrigation grandfathered rights within active management areas (AMAs). It allows landowners to permanently retire their irrigation rights while retaining a physical availability credit, modifies regulations for the sale or lease of subdivided land, and introduces new requirements for building permits and land division applications, including the disclosure of ownership interests. Additionally, the bill imposes restrictions on the use of potable water for nonfunctional turf in new developments, effective January 1, 2026, and prohibits the installation of non-drought-tolerant plants, aiming to enhance water conservation efforts.

Key changes also include a streamlined process for issuing physical availability exemption credits by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), requiring the Director to assess criteria based on the latest assured water supply projections. The bill allows for the assignment of exemption credits to municipal providers or subsequent landowners and sets specific depth-to-static water level requirements for different AMAs. It also clarifies the responsibilities of the Director in managing groundwater resources and emphasizes transparency in property ownership and groundwater management, ultimately aiming to ensure sustainable practices while providing flexibility for landowners.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-465.05, 45-576, 45-465, 45-114, 45-561
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-465.05, 45-576, 45-465, 45-114, 45-561
House Engrossed Version: 11-321, 11-831, 32-2181, 32-2185.09, 33-422, 45-465.05, 45-563.03, 45-576, 45-576.08, 32-2101, 32-2183, 28-8461, 28-8486, 33-1202, 41-1801, 41-4273, 45-402, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 44-1844, 44-1845, 44-1846, 11-823, 9-463.01, 45-108, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 33-406, 44-1522, 32-2181.01, 32-2181.02, 11-480, 28-8482, 9-500.28, 11-818, 6-801, 45-465, 41-1075, 45-114, 45-561, 45-597, 45-598, 33-1802, 45-514, 45-515, 49-201, 45-497, 45-579, 45-576.02, 11-822