This bill proposes to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section that prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from participating in the enforcement of certain federal regulations related to extractive resources unless those regulations are also established under state law. Specifically, it would prevent state employees from using state resources to assist federal agencies in enforcing such regulations. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for state employees who knowingly violate these provisions, including civil penalties and potential misdemeanor charges for repeated offenses. It also stipulates that political subdivisions found to be in violation would lose eligibility for state grant monies.

The bill emphasizes the principles of federalism and the anticommandeering doctrine, asserting that the federal government cannot compel state officials to enforce federal laws. It includes findings that support the intent of the legislation, referencing Supreme Court cases that uphold these principles. Furthermore, the bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The act is titled the "Natural Resources Anticommandeering Act."

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 1-273