AZ HB2859

Establishes a comprehensive water quality monitoring and assessment program to evaluate polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, metals, and other contaminants in sport fish caught by the public.

Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to sample and analyze fish from all recreational fisheries in Arizona at least once every three years, with special emphasis on urban areas.

Mandates the Department of Environmental Quality to contract with the Department of Health Services to prepare health risk assessments after each triennial water quality review and submit reports to the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission and Game and Fish Commission.

Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to issue health advisories when fish consumption poses significant health risks and work with the Game and Fish Department to post warning signs in English and Spanish at fishing areas and in sport fishing regulations.

Appropriates $200,000 from the state general fund to the Department of Environmental Quality for fiscal year 2020-2021 to implement the program, which terminates on July 1, 2030.