HB 2056 Arizona House · 57th Legislature - Second Regular Session

appropriation; brackish groundwater; feasibility study

HB 2056 appropriates $100,000 from Arizona's state general fund for the Department of Water Resources to conduct a feasibility study on brackish groundwater desalination projects. The study will examine potential sites in Gila Bend, Ranegras Plain, the west Salt River valley, and the Little Colorado River plateau, focusing on treatment costs, water transport, and brine disposal. This bill directly affects the Department of Water Resources and Arizona communities in those regions by funding research into a potential water source. The study is limited to assessing technical and financial feasibility, with no policy changes implemented at this stage.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Dec 12, 2025 Last action Mar 17, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Version House Engrossed Version (02/24/2026) · 4 edits · Feb 24, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was significantly expanded to require a comprehensive feasibility study for brackish groundwater desalination. The study area was updated to include Ranegras Plain, Willcox, the Hualapai valley, and the Little Colorado River plateau. The Department of Water Resources must now consult with local officials and property owners to identify specific sites, costs, and brine disposal plans before any construction.
Scope change
The scope of the study was broadened to include Willcox and the Hualapai valley, and the bill now mandates specific consultation with local stakeholders and detailed reporting on site selection, costs, and environmental impact.
SCOPE

The geographic areas for the feasibility study were updated from Gila Bend and Ranegras Plain to include Ranegras Plain, Willcox, the Hualapai valley, and the Little Colorado River plateau.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements mandate the Department of Water Resources consult with state land departments, local officials, and property owners to identify specific project details.

The bill now explicitly requires the study to identify the most cost-effective withdrawal points, treatment methods, brine disposal plans, and potential end users.

FISCAL

The appropriation amount remains $100,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027, but the purpose is now tied to the expanded scope of the study.

Floor votes · House Feb 24, 2026

How they voted

3223
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 60
Feb 24, 2026
D Democratic27
23 Nay 4
85% Nay
R Republican33
32 Yea 1
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
13
Key actions
6
Committee
4
Amendments
1
Mar 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
DP
upper
Mar 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
DP
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED
lower
Feb 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
DPA
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
DP
lower
Jan 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
DP
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors