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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, First Regular Session
ENACTED
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2249/S.B. 1413
state lands; leases; renewal applications
Purpose
Prescribes requirements for state trust land lease renewal applications. Directs the State Land Commissioner and the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to develop a plan for the development of six water storage facilities.
Background
The Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) oversees leasing state lands for various functions including agricultural, commercial and homesite purposes. All state lands are subject to lease for no longer than 10 years. Leases are granted through an application process to qualified lessees, who may only use the land for its intended purpose. (A.R.S. § 37-281.)
Established in 1980, the ADWR is charged with protecting, conserving and enhancing Arizona's water supplies. Statute directs the Director of ADWR to formulate plans and develop programs for the development, management, conservation, and use of surface water, groundwater, watersheds, and the management of water quantity and quality (A.R.S. § 45-105).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires ASLD to accept renewal applications by mail and allows ASLD to accept renewal applications electronically.
2. Prohibits ASLD from considering the application as a factor in the determination of whether to renew a lease.
3. Requires the State Land Commissioner and the Director of ADWR to develop a plan to create additional water storage facilities in Arizona and to find the six best sites to construct the facilities underground or above ground.
4. Requires the State Land Commissioner and the Director of ADWR to submit a report of activities, findings and recommendations to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the members of the Senate Water and Agriculture Committee, and the members of the House of Representatives Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee, and provide a copy to the Secretary of State.
5. Repeals the reporting requirement on January 1, 2024.
6. Makes technical and conforming changes.
7. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action Senate Action
NREW 1/12/21 DP 10-0-0-0 NREW 2/3/21 DP 9-0-0
3rd Read 2/11/21 60-0-0 3rd Read 2/16/21 30-0-0
(H.B. 2249 was substituted for S.B. 1413 on 3rd Read)
Signed by the Governor 2/24/21
Chapter 33
Prepared by Senate Research
March 3, 2021
KN/RA/gs