The proposed bill, if enacted, would make several significant updates to current statutes regarding environmental management in Arizona. It would extend the moratorium on levying and collecting groundwater withdrawal fees in the Pinal Active Management Area from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2031, and maintain a cap of $2.50 per acre-foot for groundwater and irrigation efficiency projects during the same period. Additionally, it would delay the repeal of certain provisions related to the Arizona System Conservation Fund and the Temporary Groundwater and Irrigation Efficiency Projects Fund from 2027 to 2031 and 2033, respectively. The bill also includes new appropriations for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to use funds for administrative costs and sewage remediation efforts.

Furthermore, the bill would authorize the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission to allocate up to $336,000 for administrative costs of the Department of Water Resources and maintain emission testing fees at current levels for the fiscal year 2026-2027. It would also impose a cap on the appropriation from the state General Fund to the Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund, limiting it to $15 million for the same fiscal year. Overall, these changes aim to facilitate the implementation of the FY 2027 state budget while addressing various environmental management needs in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-611, 45-615.01, 45-411.01, 48-4831
House Engrossed Version (06/11/2026): 45-611, 45-615.01, 45-411.01, 48-4831
Chaptered Version: 45-611, 45-615.01, 45-411.01, 48-4831