State SealARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 

SB1514: natural resource conservation districts; administration

PRIME SPONSOR: Senator Griffin, LD 14

BILL STATUS: Caucus & COW

EENR: DP 8-2-0-0

Legend: ADFFM – Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management ASLD – Arizona State Land Department NRCD – Natural Resource Conservation District Amendments – BOLD and Stricken (Committee)

Abstract

Relating to the transfer of NRCDs to the ADFFM.☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note

Provisions

1.       Transfers administration of NRCDs from ASLD to ADFFM. (Sec. 2)

2.       Establishes the State Forester as the NRCD Commissioner and expands the duties to include:

a.       public recognition of water conservation measures or projects; and

b.       promotion of water-related advancements and their effect on watersheds, forest health, multiple uses and storm water runoff protection programs. (Sec. 3, 4)

3.       Adds the State Forester as an ex-officio member of the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission. (Sec. 9)

4.       Transfers all contracts, orders, judicial actions, personnel, property, records, data, obligations and unspent appropriated monies from the ASLD to the ADFFM. (Sec. 12)

5.       Declares all adopted ASLD rules remain in effect until superseded by rules adopted by the ADFFM. (Sec. 12)

6.       Becomes effective on January 1, 2020. (Sec. 13)

7.       Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1-12)

Current Law

NRCDs are a division of the ASLD and provide for the restoration and conservation of lands and soil resources, the preservation of water rights and the control and prevention of soil erosion (A.R.S. § 37-1001). NRCD powers include: 1) conducting soil and farming operations research; 2) conducting demonstrations on NRCD land with owner consent; 3) entering into agreements for land use; 4) acquiring land; 5) developing plans for water and soil conservation; 6) applying for and spending Arizona Water Protection Fund monies; and 7) establishing education centers (A.R.S. § 37-1054).

The Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission consists of two ex officio members, two advisory members and nine appointed members (A.R.S § 45-2103).

Additional Information

Arizona has 32 NRCDs administered by ASLD and 10 NRCDs authorized under federal tribal law (ASLD).

 

 

 

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Fifty-third Legislature                  SB 1514

Second Regular Session                               Version 2: Caucus & COW          

                                 

 

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