AZ SB1278

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 37-101 to update language in definitions related to state lands, replacing "which" with "that" and making other technical corrections.

Establishes a new Department of Natural Resources under a five-member Commission on Natural Resources, with members appointed by the governor (3), president of the senate (1), and speaker of the house (1) for five-year terms.

Grants the Department of Natural Resources authority to oversee acquisition and management of all state lands acquired after the effective date, excluding lands held by universities under the Arizona Board of Regents and the Department of Transportation.

Authorizes the director of the Department of Natural Resources to issue, deny, or modify permits or permitting decisions made by any state agency regarding extraction of natural resources.

Defines state lands to mean lands owned by the state that are not state trust lands and are acquired after the bill's effective date.