The proposed bill would update current statutes by allowing the Cochise County and Graham County Boards of Supervisors to place a question on the 2026 general election ballot regarding the designation of portions of the San Simon Valley Groundwater Subbasin as irrigation non-expansion areas (INAs). This change would enable qualified electors in these counties to vote on the designation, with Cochise County covering all election expenses. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) provide data to assist in determining voter eligibility and includes provisions for ballot handling and verification.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new regulations concerning groundwater withdrawal in the context of an INA. It stipulates that only land irrigated within the five years prior to designation can continue to be irrigated and imposes restrictions on groundwater withdrawal amounts. The bill also outlines penalties for exceeding these limits and allows for the retirement of irrigated acres under specific conditions. Overall, these updates aim to improve groundwater management and ensure local residents have a voice in the designation process while enhancing conservation efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 44-317
Senate Engrossed Version: 44-304.01, 44-317, 16-901
House Engrossed Version: 45-437, 45-437.04, 45-431, 45-172, 45-437.01, 45-437.02, 45-437.03, 45-432, 35-146, 35-147