HB 2231 Summary

• Allows universities under the Arizona Board of Regents to provide pro bono legal assistance to small landowners in general stream water rights adjudications under Title 45, Chapter 1, Article 9.

• University representation is limited to pre-hearing phases and must cease if the case proceeds to an evidentiary hearing or similar contested proceeding unless the claim is settled.

• Universities offering assistance must cooperate and coordinate with cooperative extension faculty programs that support economic vitality and natural resource use in rural communities.

• Universities must submit a written annual report by November 15 to the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate President detailing their water rights adjudication assistance activities.

• The act took effect immediately upon approval as an emergency measure on April 18, 2022.