ARIZONA STATE SENATE

RESEARCH STAFF

LIAM MAHER

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 926-3171

TO:                  MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

DATE:            February 20, 2025

SUBJECT:      Strike everything amendment to S.B. 1261, relating to department of Agriculture; appropriations

Purpose

Appropriates $957,180 and 5 FTEs from the state General Fund (state GF) in FY 2026 to the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) for outlined positions.

Background

The AZDA consists of the animal services division, plant services division, environmental services division, weights and measures services division, pest management division and citrus, fruit and vegetable division (A.R.S. § 3-102).

Livestock officers and inspectors inspect livestock health, marks and brands at loading stations, at places of exit from Arizona and at places where livestock are gathered to be sold, slaughtered, transported, conveyed, shipped or driven from their range. Livestock officers and inspectors may also authenticate bills of sale, brands and marks. Livestock officers are peace officers certified by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board and must pursue and arrest any person on probable cause of a violation of law relating to livestock (A.R.S. §§ 3-1331 and 3-1332).

The strike-everything amendment to S.B. 1261 appropriates $957,180 and 5 FTEs from the state GF in FY 2026 to AZDA.

Provisions

1. Appropriates $957,180 and 5 FTEs from the state GF in FY 2026 to AZDA for:

a) three livestock inspectors;

b) one veterinary assistant; and

c) one veterinary technician.

2. Declares the Legislature's intent that $532,725 of the appropriated monies and the 5 FTEs be considered ongoing.

3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.