DWR; compact call; curtailment; appropriation

HB 2408 authorizes Arizona's Department of Water Resources (DWR) to legally enforce the state's water rights under the 1922 Colorado River Compact. It appropriates $1 million from the long-term water augmentation fund for DWR legal actions, including "compact calls" or water use restrictions, to protect Arizona's share of Colorado River water. The funds are exempt from standard budget lapse rules until June 2026, and the entire provision expires after that date. This bill directly affects DWR's ability to pursue water rights enforcement but does not create new water policies.