The bill SB1221 introduces a new framework for establishing Basin Management Areas (BMAs) in regions not currently designated as Active Management Areas (AMAs). It allows for the creation of BMAs through a petition process requiring signatures from at least 15% of registered voters who rely on the groundwater basin. The bill outlines the roles of a BMA council, water rights management, and mandates public involvement through meetings and data sharing. It also allocates $40 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for fiscal year 2025 to support these initiatives and includes provisions for water conservation funding.

In contrast to current law, which focuses on AMAs and Irrigation Non-Expansion Areas (INAs), SB1221 streamlines the process for establishing BMAs and introduces new requirements for public engagement and transparency. It also modifies groundwater rights regulations, requiring landowners to obtain certificates matching projected water demand and establishing a "Flexibility Account" for managing water usage. The bill emphasizes detailed notifications for groundwater rights transactions and mandates annual reviews of groundwater status by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), aiming to enhance groundwater management and conservation efforts across Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-1270, 16-168, 19-111, 11-214, 45-445.01, 45-445, 45-445.05, 45-445.02, 45-445.03, 45-446.01, 45-445.04, 45-445.06, 45-446, 45-446.02, 45-446.03, 45-446.04, 45-446.05
Senate Engrossed Version: 49-1270, 16-168, 19-111, 11-214, 45-445.01, 45-445, 45-445.10, 45-445.02, 45-445.03, 45-446.01, 45-445.04, 45-445.05, 45-445.06, 45-445.07, 45-445.08, 45-445.09, 45-445.11, 45-446, 45-446.02, 45-446.03, 45-446.04, 45-446.05
House Engrossed Version: 49-1270, 16-168, 19-111, 45-445.01, 45-445, 45-445.02, 45-445.03, 45-446.01, 45-445.04, 45-445.05, 45-445.06, 45-445.07, 45-445.08, 45-445.09, 45-445.10, 45-445.11, 45-445.12, 45-445.13