If enacted, this bill would update current statutes to permit individuals in a subsequent active management area (AMA) with an irrigation grandfathered right to irrigate previously non-irrigated land, contingent upon specific conditions. The new provisions would require that the eligible land be adjacent to a farm unit or parcel that was previously irrigated and that the irrigation does not exceed the volume of groundwater allocated under the individual's irrigation grandfathered right. The bill also introduces a retroactivity clause effective from August 30, 2022, and makes technical and conforming changes for clarity and consistency.

The proposed amendments would affect several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to groundwater rights, specifically sections 45-452, 45-470, 45-472, 45-473, and 45-512. In addition to the new provisions, the bill would delete outdated language and rephrase certain terms for clarity, such as replacing "which" with "that." It would also establish rights for state universities and correctional facilities to irrigate land under defined conditions. Overall, these updates aim to modernize the statutes governing groundwater rights while promoting sustainable management practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-452, 45-470, 45-472, 45-473, 45-512, 45-172, 45-465.01, 45-465.02, 45-463, 45-469, 45-437, 45-114, 45-461, 45-465, 45-473.01, 45-483
House Engrossed Version: 45-452, 45-470, 45-472, 45-473, 45-512, 45-172, 45-465.01, 45-465.02, 45-463, 45-469, 45-437, 45-114, 45-461, 45-465, 45-473.01, 45-483