The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes related to the issuance of Certificates of Assured Water Supply by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). It introduces new provisions that require the Director of ADWR to accept an analysis as a valid demonstration of physical availability for groundwater, provided that the analysis was issued on or before May 31, 2023, and includes a determination of physical availability. Additionally, it allows applicants holding such analyses to submit a sworn statement agreeing to reduce the remaining volume of groundwater reserved by 15% after receiving a certificate, which the Director must grant upon receipt of this statement.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that for each new certificate issued based on the outlined analysis, the Director must use the water demand assumptions in place at the time of the application. It also mandates that the analysis be adjusted by the volume of groundwater according to the same assumptions used during the original analysis. The bill defines "analysis" as a determination by the Director that one or more criteria for a certificate have been met, and it is classified as an emergency measure, allowing for immediate implementation upon the Governor's signature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-576.11