This bill proposes significant updates to current groundwater management statutes by establishing a new process for designating Basin Management Areas (BMAs) in specific groundwater basins, including the Gila Bend, Hualapai Valley, and Willcox Groundwater Basins. The designation can be initiated through a petition signed by at least 10% of registered voters or by the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) under certain conditions, such as land subsidence or declining groundwater levels. The bill mandates the formation of a BMA council, public meetings, and economic studies related to groundwater management. It also repeals the existing Willcox Active Management Area (AMA) and replaces it with the Willcox BMA, enhancing local governance and oversight.

Additionally, the bill updates the appointment and responsibilities of the BMA council, requiring immediate appointment of new members upon vacancy and stipulating that members can only be removed for cause. It introduces a retention election every four years and outlines specific procedures for managing groundwater rights, including the issuance of certificates based on historical usage and the prohibition of new groundwater pumping after a BMA petition is approved. The bill also establishes flexibility accounts for groundwater users, clarifies rights for municipal and agricultural users, and introduces new requirements for the conveyance of groundwater rights. Overall, these updates aim to improve groundwater management and sustainability in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-2102
Senate Engrossed Version: 49-1270, 16-168, 19-111, 45-445.01, 45-445, 45-445.02, 45-445.03, 45-445.12, 45-445.04, 45-445.05, 45-445.06, 45-445.07, 45-445.08, 45-445.09, 45-445.10, 45-445.11, 45-445.13, 49-1271, 45-412