HB 2952 Summary

• Establishes the Agriculture and Water Innovation Fund Pilot Program to provide grants up to $2,000,000 per applicant (or $5,000,000 for irrigation districts with three or more farm units) for implementing innovative water-efficient soil health technologies in agriculture, with grants funded through appropriations and federal grants.

• Requires annual reporting to the legislature on grant recipients, fields receiving benefits, water sources, soil types, crops, and documented water use efficiency improvements and co-benefits from the pilot program.

• Extends the repeal date of the Temporary Groundwater and Irrigation Efficiency Projects Fund from March 31, 2028 to March 31, 2030 and adjusts Pinal Active Management Area groundwater withdrawal fees accordingly.

• Extends the Fire Incident Management Fund repeal date from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2027 for funding secure incident management platforms for fire departments and fire districts.

• Adjusts nuclear emergency management fund appropriations and includes provisions authorizing temporary use of water protection funds, underground storage tank funds, and vehicle emissions testing fee reductions for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.