Arizona Senate bill by Sen. Martinez passes House and Senate amending groundwater replenishment rules

Passed bill authored by State Sen. Teresa Martinez seeks to revise groundwater replenishment requirements within Arizona’s active management areas, aiming to clarify obligations for districts and member lands while allowing municipal providers to assume replenishment responsibilities over time, according to the Arizona State House.

It passed both chambers as of May 20, clearing the House by a vote of 37-18 and the Senate by a vote of 25-1.

The bill, introduced as HB2753 on Feb. 5, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘groundwater replenishment; Pinal AMA’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends regulations related to groundwater replenishment within Arizona’s active management areas. It establishes that districts must replenish groundwater equivalent to their obligations within three years. For member lands with assured water supply designations, parcels may be exempt from replenishment obligations if serviced by a municipal provider. After Sept. 14, 2024, new applications for assured water supply designations can elect for parcels to maintain replenishment obligations. Municipal providers may gradually assume replenishment responsibilities over 10 years. Extinguishment credits can be used by providers once obligations are fulfilled. The Department of Water Resources must update related rules by Jan. 1, 2026.

In the House, six Democrats and 31 Republicans voted in favor while 18 Democrats opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, nine Democrats and 16 Republicans voted in favor while one Democrat voted against it.

Martinez introduced the bill in the Arizona House on Feb. 5 during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature.

The bill was sponsored by Chris Lopez (Republican-16th District).

Teresa Martinez is currently serving in the Arizona State House, representing the state’s 16th House District. She replaced previous state representative John Fillmore in 2023.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 23.

In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.