If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes regarding open burning regulations and the Waste Tire Fund in Arizona. It clarifies the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) authority over air quality, specifically in relation to permitting open burning. The bill introduces new language that allows for the delegation of open burning permit issuance to local entities, including private fire protection service providers, while ensuring that these providers maintain records of permits issued and contact information for permit holders. Additionally, it outlines penalties for violations of open burning regulations and extends the repeal date for certain waste tire program provisions from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2029.

The bill also makes several technical corrections and conforming changes to existing law. It modifies the language surrounding permissible fires, replacing "permitted" with "allowed" in various contexts, and specifies that violations lasting no more than 24 hours and being the first offense will incur a civil penalty of up to $500. Furthermore, it emphasizes that counties with populations over 1.2 million must prohibit certain outdoor burning practices on designated no-burn days, thereby enhancing local air quality control measures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 44-1244
House Engrossed Version: 49-501