The proposed bill would amend current statutes by mandating the Auditor General to conduct a special audit of the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD). This audit would specifically examine various aspects of state trust lands, including vacancies on lands with a slope of less than fifteen percent, commissioner-initiated land sales in populous counties that received only one bid, and solar leases and sales that also received a single bid. The audit would require detailed analyses, such as reasons for application denials, evaluations of appraised values, and reclamation requirements for solar projects.
In addition to the new requirements, the bill would insert specific language outlining the focus areas of the audit, including the need for an analysis of applications for state trust land parcels and the rationale behind any denials. It would also necessitate evaluations of land sales and leases that received limited bids, ensuring a comprehensive review of the ASLD's practices and decisions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the ASLD by providing a structured framework for the audit process.