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. The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) would administer these initiatives, which include provisions for continuous fund appropriation and specific guidelines for grant distribution to eligible applicants. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, types of innovative technologies eligible for funding, and conditions for grant awards, aiming to address water conservation challenges in Arizona's agricultural sector. Additionally, the bill would repeal the Pilot Program and the Agriculture and Water Innovation Fund on January 1, 2029 and extend certain moratoriums and caps on groundwater withdrawal fees in the Pinal Active Management Area (AMA). It mandates the AZDA to submit annual reports on the fund's activities and expenditures, ensuring transparency. The bill also includes amendments to existing statutes, such as the repeal of section 3-109.04, adjustments to water banking fees, and clarifications on definitions related to "qualified applicants" and "innovative technology," all aimed at promoting agricultural innovation and improving water management practices in Arizona.

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