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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, First Regular Session
geological survey; state geologist
Purpose
Restores and reconciles requirements for the State Geologist.
Background
The Arizona Geological Survey aims to; 1) serve as a primary source of geologic information to enhance the public's understanding; 2) inform, advise, and assist the public in matters concerning the geological processes, material and landscapes, and the development and use of the mineral resources of Arizona; 3) encourage the wise use of the lands and mineral resources of this state toward its development; 4) provide technical advice and assistance in geology to other state and local governmental agencies; and 5) provide technical advice and assistance in geology to industry toward the wise development and use of the mineral and land resources of Arizona (A.R.S. § 27-103). The State Geologist, as appointed by the Governor, serves as the administrative head of the Arizona Geological Survey (A.R.S. § 27-201).
Laws 2016, Chapter 128 transferred the Arizona Geological Survey to the University of Arizona and required the State Geologist to serve at the pleasure of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), rather than be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Laws 2016, Chapter 371 retained the Arizona Geological Survey as a separate entity located in proximity to the University of Arizona, rather than within the university, and retained the requirement that the State Geologist be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Restores the requirement that the State Geologist serve at the pleasure of ABOR, rather than be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
2. Maintains the requirement that the State Geologist be either registered as a geologist by the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration or a trained geologist.
3. Removes permissive authority for the State Geologist to organize the Arizona Geological Survey into administrative units and employ necessary professional and support staff.
4. Retains the options for qualification of the State Geologist to either be a trained geologist or registered as a geologist.
5. Repeals the July 1, 2022, sunset date of the Arizona Geological Survey.
6. Makes technical and conforming changes.
7. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
NREW 1/19/21 DP 10-0-0-0
3rd Read 1/28/21 59-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 5, 2021
KN/RA/gs