subsequent irrigation; non-expansion areas; procedures

HB 2478 establishes rules for designating "subsequent irrigation non-expansion areas" in Arizona, where new irrigation cannot expand due to insufficient groundwater. It requires the director to designate such areas if groundwater cannot reliably supply irrigation for 100 years at current withdrawal rates, and an active management area is unnecessary. Communities can petition for this designation with signatures from 25 irrigation users or 10% of registered voters in the area, plus a technical groundwater model verified by a licensed professional. This directly affects agricultural users and local communities in groundwater-limited regions by restricting new irrigation development.