The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to irrigation grandfathered rights (IGFR) in Arizona's subsequent active management areas (AMAs). Under the new provisions, an owner of an IGFR would be allowed to use, sell, transfer, or lease their rights and the associated water duty. Additionally, the owner could opt not to irrigate a portion of their land and transfer the associated water duty for those non-irrigated acres to another irrigator within the same AMA. The bill also allows the recipient of the water duty to use it anywhere in the AMA for irrigation and to further convey it.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that owners intending to sell, transfer, or lease their IGFR must notify the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) using a prescribed form that details the acres not subject to irrigation and other relevant information. The Director is also required to adopt rules for implementing these changes, including the establishment of flexibility accounts or similar accounting methods. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the flexibility and transferability of water rights associated with IGFRs in subsequent AMAs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-484
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-484