SB1526

THE CONTEXT: Arizona Water Protection Fund The Arizona Water Protection Fund provides grants for projects that protect water quality and quantity and maintain, enhance and restore rivers, streams and riparian habitats ( A. R.

WHAT THE BILL DID: of setting these fees until July 1, 2023 ( Laws 2022, Chapter 312, 9 ).

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to put public resources toward the named state purpose through an accountable appropriation. It would in doing so, the Legislature declared its intent that additional fee revenue could not exceed: 1) $218,000 to the state General Fund; 2) $113,000 to the Pesticide Trust Fund; and 3) $26,000 to the Dangerous Plants, Pests and Diseases Trust Fund. As part of the FY 2023 budget, the ADA was exempted from rulemaking requirements for the purpose of setting these fees until July 1, 2023 ( Laws 2022, Chapter 312, 9 ). Provisions, and would also authorize the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission to grant to ADWR up to $336,000 of its fund's unobligated balance for administrative costs in FY, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.