HB 2053 appropriates $100,000 from the state general fund to Arizona's Department of Water Resources for updated stormwater recharge mapping in fiscal year 2026-2027. Within 180 days, the department must collaborate with agricultural districts and the state natural resource conservation board to create a map identifying potential stormwater recharge sites. The map must show locations on public or private lands with suitable soil for groundwater recharge, excluding areas with existing surface water rights or where runoff would enter streams. This bill defines "stormwater" as rainwater runoff that doesn't enter streams and would otherwise evaporate.
HB 2063 allocates $1.5 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Corrections Oversight Fund, which supports the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. This funding is specifically designated for the office's operations under existing law (Title 41, Chapter 59 of Arizona Revised Statutes), enabling it to conduct oversight activities within the state prison system. The bill does not create new policies or change existing laws - it solely provides financial resources for an already established oversight body. The office, which monitors correctional facilities and conditions, will use these funds for its mandated oversight functions.
HB 2116 appropriates $1 million from Arizona's general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Colorado River litigation fund established under Arizona law. This funding directly supports the state's ongoing legal efforts regarding Colorado River water rights disputes. The bill provides dedicated financial resources for litigation costs without altering the scope or strategy of the legal proceedings.
HB 2273 allocates unspent county transportation excise tax revenues for specific road improvement projects across Pinal County and surrounding communities in Arizona. The bill directs $45.98 million toward 12 named projects, including road widening in Florence, paving in Pinal County, traffic interchanges in Maricopa, and general transportation upgrades for cities like Queen Creek and tribal communities (Gila River, Ak-Chin, and Coolidge). Funds are distributed proportionally if total revenues exceed or fall short of the $45.98 million target. This policy change directly affects local governments and tribal entities by providing dedicated funding for infrastructure projects without creating new taxes or fees.
HB 2933 establishes a tiered annual fee for entities transporting groundwater out of a county where it was withdrawn. The fee ranges from $3 to $30 per acre-foot based on total volume transported (e.g., $3 for 0-1 million acre-feet, $30 for over 5 million), adjusted yearly using GDP inflation. Collected fees become general county funds deposited into the county’s general fund. The bill also allows credits against fees for property tax increases from remote municipal land, donated land with groundwater restrictions, or intergovernmental agreements. This primarily affects agricultural or municipal entities moving groundwater across county lines.
HB 2290 clarifies where Arizona collects sales tax on tangible personal property sales, primarily affecting online retailers and car-sharing companies. It specifies that sales tax applies based on where the seller *receives the order* (not where the customer lives or where the order is processed), requiring out-of-state sellers to collect tax if orders are received at a business location in Arizona. For car-sharing services, tax is determined by the vehicle's registration location or the owner's Arizona address during use. This changes how businesses calculate tax liability for physical goods sold to Arizona customers, particularly impacting e-commerce and shared vehicle transactions.
HB 2148 establishes rules for Arizona to handle federal funds that the state can spend with flexibility (like block grants or broad-purpose funds). It requires state agencies to track these funds separately in accounting systems and ensures the legislature retains control over how they are used. The bill mandates that appropriations specify spending purposes and allows lump-sum budgets for unexpected funds, with agency proposals reviewed by the legislative budget committee. If actual funds received differ from appropriations, spending is adjusted proportionally to match the available amount.
HB 2094 allows Arizona's Department of Water Resources to review pending applications for "certificate of assured water supply" in the Phoenix Active Management Area (submitted between 2021-2023 but not yet approved). It requires municipal water providers to calculate and assign 25% of their annual excess groundwater deliveries as long-term storage credits to the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District. This assignment reduces the provider's annual replenishment tax obligation and continues as long as the land retains groundwater replenishment requirements. The bill expires December 31, 2028, and applies only to applications supported by specific historical groundwater models.
HB 2500 provides an additional $1,000,000 and 12 full-time positions from the state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Arizona superintendent of public instruction. This funding is specifically for administering the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which allows families to use public funds for private school tuition or educational services. The bill directly affects the superintendent's office and the ESA program's operations, adding resources to manage the existing scholarship initiative. It does not change eligibility or benefit amounts but ensures the program has dedicated staffing and funding for administration.
HB 2499 appropriates $2.6 million and 12 full-time equivalent positions from Arizona's general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Education. This funding specifically supports the administration of the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which provides state-funded scholarships to students. The bill designates this as ongoing funding intended for future years, ensuring continued operational support for the program. The measure directly affects the Department of Education (as the administrator) and the ESA program's beneficiaries.
