The proposed bill would update current statutes by establishing a new Agriculture and Water Innovation Fund and a Pilot Program to enhance water use efficiency in agriculture through grants for innovative technologies, administered by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA). The bill outlines provisions for continuous appropriation of funds, grant distribution guidelines, and eligibility criteria for applicants, focusing on improved soil health and water efficiency. Additionally, it mandates annual reporting by the AZDA on the fund's activities and the impact of the grants. Furthermore, the bill would repeal the existing Pilot Program and Agriculture and Water Innovation Fund on January 1, 2029, while extending certain moratoriums and caps related to groundwater withdrawal fees in the Pinal Active Management Area (AMA). It also introduces new definitions for terms such as "farm unit" and "innovative technology," and specifies conditions under which grant recipients may not qualify for state tax credits for funded technologies. Overall, these updates aim to enhance Arizona's water resource management and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-109.04, 45-611, 45-615.01, 35-190, 45-411.01, 48-4831
House Engrossed Version: 3-109.04, 37-132, 45-611, 45-615.01, 35-190, 37-202, 41-1092.08, 38-611, 37-107, 9-461.06, 11-805, 37-312, 45-411.01, 48-4831