ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fourth Legislature

Second Regular Session

 

HB 2620: ombudsman; assistance; surface water adjudications

Sponsor:  Representative Bowers, LD 25

Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Overview

Directs the Ombudsman-Citizen Aide (OCA) to coordinate with Arizona law school clinics to help general stream adjudication claimants who do not have legal representation.

History

Ombudsman-Citizen Aide

The OCA investigates complaints brought by Arizona citizens regarding a state agency's administrative actions and public access laws that apply to that agency (A.R.S. §§ 41-1376 and 41-1376.01).

General Stream Adjudications

The general stream adjudications are judicial proceedings to determine the extent and priority of water rights in the Gila River and Little Colorado River systems (A.R.S. § 45-251 et seq.). The Gila River adjudication began in 1974 and is assigned to the Maricopa County Superior Court. The Little Colorado River adjudication began in 1978 and is assigned to the Apache County Superior Court.

Provisions

1.    ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal NoteDirects the OCA to:

a)    Appoint an assistant to help general stream adjudication claimants who are not represented by legal counsel; and

b)    Cooperate and coordinate with any Arizona law school to provide for students under the supervision of the law school's clinical instructors to assist parties in the adjudication who have fewer legal resources available to them when compared to other parties in the adjudication.

2.    Limits the OCA's assistance to procedural matters.

3.    Forbids the OCA from providing legal advice on the validity of claims or defenses or investigations of any agency.

4.    Makes a technical change.

5.     

6.     

7.    ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

8.    Initials PAB                       Natural Resources, Energy & Water

9.     

10.  ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------