This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding the management of active management areas (AMAs) in Arizona. Under the current law, the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) can designate areas as subsequent AMAs based on specific criteria. The bill introduces a requirement for the Director to periodically review areas included within a subsequent AMA to ensure they still meet the criteria for such designation. If an area is found to no longer meet these criteria, the Director is empowered to remove its subsequent AMA designation.

Additionally, the bill outlines new public hearing and notification requirements for the removal of a subsequent AMA designation. It mandates that the Director hold a public hearing to consider the removal, provide reasonable notice of the hearing, and include a map identifying the lands to be removed from the AMA. The bill also specifies that the Director must file an order designating the area as outside of an AMA if it is removed, and that all related findings and maps will be public records. These changes aim to enhance the oversight and management of groundwater resources in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-412, 45-413, 45-414, 45-411
House Engrossed Version: 45-412, 45-413, 45-414, 45-411