ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
game and fish commission; requirement
Purpose
Requires at least one member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission (Commission) to be a cattleman or rancher.
Background
The laws of Arizona relating to wildlife must be administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). Control of the AZGFD is vested in the Commission. The Commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor. No more than three members may be members of the same political party, and no two members may be residents of the same county. Members must be well informed on the subject of wildlife and requirements for its conservation. Appointments must be for a term of five years and expire on the third Monday in January of the appropriate year (A.R.S. § 17-201).
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board (CARB) is established consisting of members appointed by the Governor consisting of one person from each of the following qualifying groups: 1) one member of a nonprofit whose memberships consists of a cross section of wildlife conservation and sportsman's organizations; 2) one member of a nonprofit with the mission or purpose to increase, sustain or conserve populations of outlined animals; 3) one member of a nonprofit sportsman's organization; 4) one member of a nonprofit cattlemen or ranchers organization; and 5) one member of the general public. CARB must assist the Governor by interviewing, evaluating and recommending candidates to fill vacancies on the Commission. The Governor must deliver a final list of the applicants to CARB within five days after the close of the application period. CARB must review the list of applicants and the application submitted by each applicant and proceed to interview, evaluate and recommend candidates (A.R.S. § 17-202).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires a member of the Commission to be a cattleman or rancher.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
LARA 2/10/25 DP 5-3-0-1
3rd Read 2/20/25 36-22-2
Prepared by Senate Research
February 28, 2025
SB/SN/slp