This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding fertilizer regulations. It maintains the current provisions that allow the associate director to refuse or cancel licenses for distributors who violate the article, while clarifying that the director will review such actions upon request from adversely affected parties. Additionally, it mandates the annual publication of nutrient values in commercial fertilizers for penalty assessment purposes and allows for the incorporation of other substances into fertilizers, such as pesticides, with proper labeling.

Significantly, the bill introduces a new provision that will prohibit the distribution and use of fertilizers containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances after December 31, 2027. It also modifies the penalties for violations, specifying that violations of the new prohibition will not be treated the same as other violations under the article, which remain classified as class 2 misdemeanors. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the director is not required to report minor violations for prosecution if a written warning is deemed sufficient for public interest.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-264, 3-283, 3-276