This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding the application process for grandfathered water rights in the Willcox active management area (AMA). Under the new provisions, a person claiming a grandfathered right must file an application for a certificate of grandfathered right with the Arizona Department of Water Resources within 27 months of the AMA's designation date, which is a change from the existing requirement of 15 months as outlined in A.R.S. ยง 45-476. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that will repeal this application requirement after December 31, 2026, as indicated by B. This section is repealed from and after December 31, 2026..
Furthermore, the bill establishes that it will apply retroactively to January 7, 2025, and includes an emergency clause to ensure its immediate implementation, as stated in This act is an emergency measure that is necessary to preserve the public peace, health or safety and is operative immediately as provided by law.. Overall, if enacted, this bill would significantly extend the timeframe for filing applications for grandfathered rights in the Willcox AMA while also setting a clear expiration date for this provision.