The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes regarding environmental quality and solid waste management in Arizona. It would replace the existing recycling fund with a new solid waste fee fund established by section 49-881, which would now receive various fees and contributions previously allocated to the recycling fund. The bill also repeals section 49-837 and transfers any remaining funds from the recycling fund to the solid waste fee fund. Additionally, it modifies the registration and fee structure for lead acid battery facilities by removing initial and annual fees, allowing the director to manage these facilities under the new solid waste fee framework. Moreover, the bill introduces provisions for open burning permits, enabling the director to delegate authority to local entities and private fire protection services for issuing permits. It clarifies exemptions for public water systems from certain plan review requirements and updates definitions and requirements for various environmental programs, including the used oil program. The legislation emphasizes public education and technical assistance in recycling and source reduction, ensuring equitable benefits from the solid waste fee fund for counties with smaller populations. Overall, these changes aim to streamline funding and enhance the effectiveness of environmental programs in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 44-1322, 49-501, 49-802, 49-836, 49-881, 35-146, 35-147, 49-541, 49-402, 49-107, 49-701, 49-837, 49-741
House Engrossed Version: 44-1322, 49-501, 49-802, 49-836, 49-881, 35-146, 35-147, 49-541, 49-402, 49-107, 49-701, 49-837, 49-741
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-511.03, 44-1322, 49-353, 49-501, 49-802, 49-832, 49-836, 49-837, 49-881, 35-146, 35-147, 49-210, 37-1388, 93-523, 95-190, 104-182, 49-352, 49-541, 49-402, 49-107, 49-701, 9-500.07, 11-269, 49-741
Chaptered Version: 9-511.03, 44-1322, 49-353, 49-501, 49-802, 49-832, 49-836, 49-837, 49-881, 35-146, 35-147, 49-210, 37-1388, 93-523, 95-190, 104-182, 49-352, 49-541, 49-402, 49-107, 49-701, 9-500.07, 11-269, 49-741