The proposed bill would update current statutes concerning the issuance of certificates of assured water supply by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). It introduces new requirements for ADWR to review applications for certificates for land in the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA) that meet specific criteria, including submission dates and municipal provider notifications. Additionally, the bill stipulates that certificates issued under these new provisions would be retroactively effective as if issued in 2023 for assured water supply designation applications. The bill also extends the repeal date of modified certificate requirements from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2029, and includes various technical and conforming changes.

Furthermore, the bill imposes new obligations on municipal providers, such as conducting annual calculations of excess groundwater delivered and offering long-term storage credits to the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD), while ensuring that these purchases do not affect annual replenishment assessments. It establishes a timeline for the Department to notify eligible applicants and allows for reviews of pending or withdrawn applications. The section is set to be repealed after December 31, 2028, and the act is classified as an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-321, 11-831, 32-2181, 33-422, 32-2101, 32-2183, 32-2185.09, 28-8461, 28-8486, 33-1202, 41-1801, 41-4273, 45-402, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 45-576, 44-1844, 44-1845, 44-1846, 11-823, 9-463.01, 45-108, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 33-406
House Engrossed Version: 11-321, 11-831, 32-2181, 33-422, 32-2101, 32-2183, 32-2185.09, 28-8461, 28-8486, 33-1202, 41-1801, 41-4273, 45-402, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 45-576, 44-1844, 44-1845, 44-1846, 11-823, 9-463.01, 45-108, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 33-406