The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the designation and removal of active management areas (AMAs) in Arizona. Under the current law, a groundwater basin can be designated as an AMA upon petition by ten percent of registered voters who reside within the proposed area. The bill introduces a new provision allowing, starting ten years after a groundwater basin is designated as a subsequent AMA, ten percent of registered voters within that area to file a petition to remove the AMA designation. This petition must be submitted within 180 days before the next general election, and the form must align with initiative petitions. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) in examining groundwater conditions and determining whether the AMA designation remains necessary.

The bill also includes several procedural updates, such as requiring the Director to transmit maps and data to county recorders to assist in identifying eligible voters, and stipulating that if a valid petition is received, the county board of supervisors must forward it to the Director. The Director has 60 days to assess the groundwater conditions and decide whether to uphold or remove the AMA designation. Furthermore, the bill establishes voting procedures for residents whose eligibility is in question and specifies that election expenses will be shared proportionally among counties involved if the AMA spans multiple counties. Overall, these changes aim to enhance local voter engagement in groundwater management decisions while maintaining oversight by the ADWR.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-415
House Engrossed Version: 45-415