This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning groundwater management. Key changes include the correction of the term "geographical" to "geographic" in multiple definitions, such as "active management area" and "irrigation non-expansion area." Additionally, the bill clarifies the conditions under which groundwater withdrawal from nonexempt wells is regulated, particularly in relation to irrigation uses and the reporting requirements for those who withdraw groundwater from these wells. It introduces new provisions that specify exemptions from annual reporting for certain small-scale irrigation uses and outlines the information that must be reported by individuals withdrawing groundwater from nonexempt wells.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the penalties for failing to file annual reports and updates the language regarding the director's responsibilities in managing records and forms related to groundwater withdrawals. It also establishes a clear timeline for the filing of annual reports and the penalties associated with late submissions. Overall, these updates aim to enhance clarity and compliance within the groundwater management framework while ensuring that the regulations are more accessible and understandable for stakeholders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-402, 45-604, 45-632, 45-2602, 3-1201, 45-414, 45-415, 45-454, 45-411, 45-411.02, 45-411.03, 45-437, 45-465, 45-564, 45-568, 45-483, 45-463, 45-464, 45-469, 45-472, 45-494.01, 45-591.01, 45-563.02, 35-146, 35-147