 |
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
environmental special plate; conservation
Purpose
Requires the State Land Department to distribute $10,000 annually, rather than $5,000 annually, to each Natural Resource Conservation District (NRCD) with an education center.
Background
The Environmental Special Plate Fund is administered by the State Natural Resource Conservation Commissioner consisting of monies collected from the environmental special license plate. The State Land Department, subject to legislative appropriation, must distribute $5,000 annually to each NRCD with an established education center (A.R.S. § 37-1015). A NRCD is empowered to organize and establish an education center to increase the knowledge of natural resources by: 1) offering technical guidance and training to agricultural producers; 2) publishing scholarly materials; 3) providing education and training opportunities; and 4) conducting or sponsoring scientific studies that affect natural resources (A.R.S. § 37-1054).
There are 30 operational NRCDs in Arizona and 25 established education centers.
H.B. 2416, subject to legislative appropriation, annually distributes $10,000 to each NRCD with an established educational center. There are currently 25 educational centers the bill may have a fiscal impact of $250,000 annually.
Provisions
1. Requires State Land Department, subject to legislative appropriation, to distribute $10,000 annually, rather than $5,000 annually, to each NRCD with an education center for environmental education programs.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 28, 2020
LMM/gs