The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to the application of biosolids to agricultural lands in Arizona. It would require the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to adopt new rules that consider air quality impacts, application conditions, and moisture content for biosolid applications. Additionally, the State Land Commissioner would be mandated to ensure agricultural lessees comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding fertilizers, biosolids, and soil amendments. The bill also establishes that the use of these substances is presumed reasonable if compliant with the outlined requirements, and it prohibits the Commissioner from denying the use of these materials during lease renewals unless there is a violation found by ADEQ.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that immunize the Commissioner, ADEQ, and the State of Arizona from liabilities related to the use of fertilizers and biosolids, provided they comply with the new regulations. It mandates the Agricultural Best Management Practices Committee to update rules within a year and requires the Director or their designee to visit affected agricultural operations during biosolid applications. The bill also repeals certain rules related to the Committee by January 1, 2027, and makes technical changes to existing statutes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 37-292, 49-255.03, 49-457, 49-468, 3-112, 49-426