AZ HB2594

Authorizes universities under the Arizona Board of Regents to offer pro bono legal assistance to unrepresented claimants in general stream water rights adjudications whose adjusted gross income is below 500% of federal poverty guidelines.

University representation is limited to assistance before evidentiary hearings or contested proceedings similar to trial; universities cannot represent claimants at those hearing stages if claims remain unsettled.

Requires participating universities to cooperate and coordinate with cooperative extension programs supporting economic vitality and natural resource use in rural communities.

Mandates universities submit annual written reports by November 15 to the governor, House Speaker, Senate President, and Secretary of State detailing their assistance activities.

Appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2021-2022 to the University of Arizona to establish the water rights adjudication law clinic, with funds exempt from lapse provisions.