Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez has introduced House Bill 2152, aimed at removing the state transaction privilege tax on water and infrastructure improvements for grazing lands. The bill seeks to alleviate rising food prices by reducing costs for ranchers who manage public and private grazing lands. These improvements include essential items like fence lines, drinking troughs, and water storage tanks, which are crucial for livestock safety and often benefit wildlife.
“Families are paying more for beef every time they check out at the grocery store,” said Representative Lopez. “Ranchers are facing higher costs just to keep cattle fenced and hydrated, and Arizona is taxing those costs. That cost gets passed straight to consumers.”
Under current regulations, improvements made on federal grazing land become federal property after installation, even though ranchers finance them. Despite this transfer of ownership, Arizona still imposes a state sales tax on these purchases without offering reimbursement to ranchers.
“At a time when federal land policies already make ranching harder, Arizona should not be adding another layer of cost,” Representative Lopez added.
The proposed legislation aims to lower operating expenses for ranchers who contribute to managing public lands, supporting wildlife habitats, and supplying beef to families in Arizona. Chris Lopez is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 16, covering parts of Pinal and Pima Counties. He was elected in 2025 to replace former representative Keith Seaman.
