ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

HB 2375: state land transfer; Bullhead City

Sponsor: Representative Biasiucci, LD 30

Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Overview

Transfers about 9.95 acres of state sovereign land from the State Land Department to Bullhead City.

History

State sovereign land is land owned by the State that is separate and distinct from the trust lands granted to Arizona at statehood. For that reason, the trust obligations contained in the Enabling Act and Constitution of Arizona are not binding on how state sovereign lands are managed. However, the State Land Department is still responsible for administering these lands (A.R.S. §§ 37-101 and 37-102).

The Legislature has previously considered and approved some transfers of state sovereign lands to state agencies, counties and municipalities. For example:

· Laws 1988, Chapter 75 transferred state sovereign land to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for wildlife and public recreation purposes;

· Laws 1990, Chapter 104 transferred state sovereign land to Mohave County for public park and recreation purposes;

· Laws 2005, Chapter 99 transferred about 28.6 acres of state sovereign land to the Arizona Game and Fish Department to be managed in consultation with the Maricopa County Flood Control District, the Town of Buckeye, and City of Goodyear;

· HB2728 (2006) authorized the State Land Commissioner to sell or convey title to over 5 acres of state sovereign land to a nonprofit cemetery in Skull Valley if certain terms and conditions were met. This bill was held in the Senate; and

· Laws 2019, Chapter 146 transferred over 12 acres of state sovereign land to Bullhead City for public recreation and access to the Colorado River.

Provisions

1. Transfers about 9.95 acres of state sovereign land from the State Land Department to Bullhead City. (Sec. 1)

2. Directs the State Land Commissioner to deliver a signed and recorded deed or patent to Bullhead City within 10 days of this act's effective date. (Sec. 1)

3. Requires Bullhead City of manage the transferred land for park and public recreation purposes, and forbids the land from being sold, exchanged or bartered. (Sec. 1)

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7. HB 2375

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