The proposed bill would update current statutes by introducing new provisions related to irrigation grandfathered rights (IGFR) and the governance of groundwater users advisory councils (GUAC) in subsequent active management areas (AMAs). Specifically, it would allow landowners to apply for additional acres to be added to their IGFR, provided those acres have not been retired from irrigation. The bill also clarifies that the IGFR remains appurtenant to both original and additional acres, and it establishes a process for retiring acres from irrigation while requiring the relinquishment of IGFR for any retired acres. Additionally, the bill mandates that GUAC members be groundwater users and residents of Arizona, appointed by the county board of supervisors, and outlines procedures for their removal and recall, as well as the inclusion of groundwater conservation measures in management plans.

In terms of technical updates, the bill defines the term "council" to clarify roles in water policy management and makes conforming changes to ensure consistency in statutory language. It also emphasizes the need for water supply assurances for subdivisions in active management areas, requiring a certificate of assured water supply or a commitment from a water service provider. The bill modifies existing language to reflect that sufficient water may not be continuously available for subdivisions and updates terminology for clarity. Overall, these changes aim to enhance groundwater management practices and ensure that subdivisions are developed with adequate water supply considerations.

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