AZ HB2246

Appropriates $50,000,000 from the long-term water augmentation fund to the department of water resources in fiscal year 2025-2026 for compensating irrigation grandfathered rights holders.

Compensations are provided for permanent retirement or reduction of water duty by irrigation grandfathered rights holders, including through conservation agreements that reduce annual water allotments.

Director of the department of water resources must begin purchasing and retiring irrigation grandfathered rights on or before December 31, 2025.

The $50,000,000 appropriation is exempt from lapsing requirements under Arizona Revised Statutes section 35-190, allowing unspent funds to carry forward.