The proposed bill would update current statutes by transferring the Resource Analysis Division from the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) to the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS). Key updates include authorizing the Geologist to appoint an administrator for the Division and hire necessary employees, while also requiring collaboration between the Geologist and ASLD to fulfill the Division's duties. The bill removes the Commissioner’s authority in favor of the Geologist for various administrative functions, streamlining the management structure and enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, the bill establishes the Arizona Geographic Information Council under the AZGS instead of ASLD and mandates that the Division has reasonable access to data from ASLD and state universities. It also ensures that all existing contracts, obligations, and administrative rules from ASLD's Division remain valid until superseded by the new Division. The bill further modernizes the governance framework by amending sections related to the Arizona Geological Survey, introducing new definitions, and clarifying roles, ultimately aiming to improve geological resource management in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-252, 27-101, 27-102, 27-112, 27-113, 27-117, 27-118, 37-171, 37-176, 32-144, 38-611
House Engrossed Version: 17-252, 27-101, 27-102, 27-112, 27-113, 27-117, 27-118, 37-171, 37-176, 32-144, 38-611