The proposed bill seeks to update current statutes related to irrigation grandfathered rights (IGFR) and groundwater management in subsequent active management areas (AMAs). It introduces new provisions allowing landowners with IGFRs to apply for the addition of acres within the same groundwater basin or subbasin, thereby maintaining their rights to use groundwater for irrigation on both original and additional acres. The bill also establishes a process for retiring acres from irrigation and substituting them with other acres, along with requirements for relinquishing IGFRs for retired acres. Additionally, it includes a new definition for "council" and makes technical and conforming changes to existing laws to enhance clarity and consistency.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the governance structure of the Groundwater Users Advisory Council (GUAC) by mandating that members be groundwater users and Arizona residents, appointed by the county board of supervisors. It outlines procedures for member removal and recall, sets timelines for management goals and plans, and requires GUACs to collaborate with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality on groundwater quality issues. The bill also clarifies requirements for subdivisions in active management areas, ensuring that water supply assurances are documented and that municipalities notify county supervisors before enacting related ordinances. Overall, these updates aim to improve groundwater management and ensure sustainable practices in water use.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-451
House Engrossed Version: 9-463.01, 11-823, 32-2181, 32-2183, 32-2197.08, 45-108, 45-465.05, 45-465.06, 45-465.07, 45-465.08, 45-576, 32-2101, 45-402, 45-561, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 9-463, 11-821, 28-8461, 28-8486, 33-1202, 41-1801, 41-4273, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 44-1844, 44-1845, 44-1846, 33-406, 37-102, 28-8484, 32-2183.05, 32-2183.06, 32-2184, 32-2154, 32-2157, 33-1215, 33-1219, 32-2181.02, 32-2181.01, 44-1522, 32-2197.04, 32-2197.07, 32-2197.14, 11-822, 45-463, 45-469, 45-465
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-463.01, 11-823, 32-2181, 32-2183, 32-2197.08, 45-108, 45-420, 45-421, 45-452, 45-465.05, 45-465.06, 45-465.07, 45-465.08, 45-569, 45-576, 32-2101, 45-402, 45-561, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 9-463, 11-821, 28-8461, 28-8486, 33-1202, 41-1801, 41-4273, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 44-1844, 44-1845, 44-1846, 33-406, 37-102, 28-8484, 32-2183.05, 32-2183.06, 32-2184, 32-2154, 32-2157, 33-1215, 33-1219, 32-2181.02, 32-2181.01, 44-1522, 32-2197.04, 32-2197.07, 32-2197.14, 11-822, 19-212, 45-2453, 45-2456, 45-172, 45-465.01, 45-465.02, 45-463, 45-469, 45-437, 45-472, 45-114, 45-465, 45-564, 45-568, 45-570, 45-571