The proposed bill aims to amend Arizona's statutes on irrigation rights within Active Management Areas (AMAs) by introducing new provisions that allow for the irrigation of previously non-irrigated land adjacent to irrigated farm units, contingent upon not exceeding the volume of groundwater allocated by an Irrigation Grandfathered Right (IGFR). This change expands irrigation opportunities while maintaining existing regulations on water use. Additionally, the bill includes technical and conforming changes to enhance clarity and consistency within the statutes.

Furthermore, the bill updates several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes by removing outdated language and definitions related to irrigation rights, thereby streamlining the legal framework. It also clarifies the process for relinquishing irrigation rights and the conditions under which new irrigation can occur. The act is designed to be retroactive, applying from August 29, 2022, to address any relevant cases or rights established after that date.

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