This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning the groundwater code. Notably, it introduces new language that clarifies the process for judicial review of the director's decisions, specifically stating that decisions under section 45-436 are exempt from rehearing or review. It also modifies the criteria for designating an irrigation non-expansion area, allowing the director to consider future changes in groundwater withdrawal rates and defining "reasonably safe supply for irrigation" as a reliable source for one hundred years. Additionally, the bill specifies that a petition for designation must include a numeric groundwater flow model and hydrologic report, which must be approved by the director.

Furthermore, the bill makes several technical adjustments, such as changing the term "sub-basin" to "subbasin" for consistency and clarifying the petition process, including the requirement for consultation with the department before submission. It establishes that the director's determination of petition compliance is not subject to judicial review and outlines the conditions under which irrigated acres may continue to be used if a designation is reversed. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the clarity and efficiency of the groundwater management process in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-114, 45-432, 45-433, 45-434, 45-435, 45-436, 45-476.01, 41-1092.09, 41-1092.08, 45-404, 45-414, 45-571, 45-576.03, 45-412, 16-168, 19-111