AZ HB2778

Authorizes universities under the Arizona Board of Regents to provide pro bono legal assistance to small landowner claimants in general stream adjudication of water rights proceedings who lack representation.

Limits university representation to pre-hearing phases only; universities may not represent claimants at evidentiary hearings or similar contested proceedings.

Requires participating universities to cooperate with cooperative extension faculty programs that support 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 assistance activities.

Appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2021-2022 to the University of Arizona for distribution to the Natural Resource Users Law and Policy Center within Arizona Cooperative Extension.