AZ HB2548

Requires a majority vote in a referendum election before the director can designate a groundwater basin as a subsequent active management area, with the director unable to unilaterally make such designations.

Allows the director to initiate the process for designating a subsequent active management area by submitting a petition to county recorders after finding that conditions warrant active management.

Maintains the existing process for local initiation of active management area designation through voter petition (10% of registered voters), with elections conducted under state general election laws.

Specifies that the director must submit written findings and petition copies to county recorders following a public hearing, with county recorders then responsible for administering the election process.

Makes the act retroactively effective from December 18, 2024.