This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning the groundwater code. Key changes include the insertion of new language that clarifies the process for designating irrigation non-expansion areas, including the requirement for a numeric groundwater flow model and hydrologic report to accompany petitions. The bill also specifies that the director's decision on such petitions is not subject to judicial review if it complies with the established criteria. Additionally, it introduces a definition for "reasonably safe supply for irrigation," emphasizing the need for a reliable groundwater source for a century.

The bill also modifies existing language by deleting outdated terms and clarifying procedural aspects, such as the timeline for hearings and the publication of findings. It establishes that if the director declines to designate an area, any irrigated acres during the period between the decision and its reversal may continue to be irrigated, and it sets a three-year waiting period before a subsequent petition can be filed. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the clarity and efficiency of the groundwater management process in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-114, 45-432, 45-433, 45-434, 45-435, 45-436, 45-476.01, 41-1092.09, 41-1092.08, 45-404, 45-414, 45-571, 45-576.03, 45-412, 16-168, 19-111