The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD) by modifying the calculation of annual membership dues. Under current law, the calculation includes the total current and projected annual replenishment obligation of all member lands as identified in the most recent plan of operation. The bill would replace this with a new calculation that factors in the projected groundwater use per lot multiplied by the total number of residential, commercial, and common area lots included in each parcel of member land. Additionally, the requirement to prorate the total amount allocated to member lands among the Phoenix, Pinal, and Tucson active management areas based on replenishment obligations would be removed, allowing for a uniform fee per lot instead.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that prohibits CAGRD from charging annual membership dues for the billing year 2027 at a rate per lot that exceeds the rate charged in the previous billing year (2026) for parcels in the same active management area. This aims to provide financial stability for members while ensuring that the dues remain manageable. The bill also includes technical changes and clarifications to existing language, ensuring that the updated provisions are clear and enforceable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 48-3779
House Engrossed Version: 48-3779