appropriation; department of water resources

HB 2692 appropriates $13.3 million from Arizona's general fund for the Department of Water Resources' maintenance and operations in fiscal year 2025-2026. The bill includes legislative findings criticizing the department for delays in processing water supply applications and diverting resources to political activities instead of core duties. It requires the department to refocus on statutorily defined responsibilities by reducing non-essential programs, directly affecting how the department allocates staff time and budget. This funding level aims to compel operational changes without altering water laws or regulations.