By Elizabeth Goodman, Director of Lobbying & Government Relations and Hannah Kovach, Digital Media Intern | Rose Law Group Reporter
We are thrilled to share the incredible work the Rose Law Group lobbying team accomplished this legislative session. Our team proudly secured several items in the budget, including two key anti-hunger initiatives: $4M for the Double Up Food Bucks Program, supporting local farmers and ensuring families on SNAP have access to fresh, nutritious food, and $3M for United Food Bank’s expansion, providing food bank access to more Arizonans.
The team also secured $2M for the development of Advanced Air Mobility. Beyond appropriations, the team celebrated several significant legislative victories: the passage of SB1232, which opens the door for billboards in military compatibility zoned areas where residential housing is not permitted; SB1473, a win that protects privately-owned assisted living facilities and ensures Arizona’s seniors can continue to access the critical care and housing options they depend on; and SB1286, which grants veterinarians the flexibility to issue and renew non-antimicrobial drug prescriptions for up to 30 days, with one renewal permitted before an in-person visit is required, making pet care more accessible for Arizona families. We are proud of what this session brought and are deeply grateful for the trust our clients place in us to fight for results that matter.
Here are some other bills you should know about:
HB 4159 – Groundwater/Environmental Funding
Signed on June 13th, this bill extends and updates groundwater management funding in active management areas. It also continues the use of groundwater withdrawal fees, including those that support water augmentation, water banking, and grandfathered water rights. There are exemptions for certain small irrigation uses. The bill also extends funding for groundwater and irrigation efficiency projects in the Pinal area through 2030.
How does this impact me? Although the bill primarily discusses the details of Arizona water policy, Arizona residents should also keep a close eye on the impacts of this bill because it outlines methods of ensuring that existing groundwater management and conservation programs continue operating through 2030. It supports farmers in the Pinal region through irrigation efficiency and well improvement projects, protects investments in critical water infrastructure, and helps reduce the risk of costly future water shortages. The intent behind this is to continue providing stability for communities, farmers, and water users across Arizona.
HB2078 – Mining Requirements
This bill requires Arizona aggregate mining operators to submit detailed reclamation plans that may cover multiple mining sites. These plans must include information about ownership, land use, site disturbances, proposed reclamation measures, and any nearby residential developments. For new mining operations submitted after September 15, 2024, operators must also notify residential property owners within a half-mile of the site about the proposed plans.
How does this impact me? The bill aims to increase public awareness of mining operations and keep residents up to date with mining operations in their area (current or proposed). By requiring nearby property owners to receive notice of reclamation plans, the bill gives communities more information about how mining activities could affect surrounding land and what steps operators plan to take once mining ends. In addition to building awareness for homeowners, HB 2078 also impacts developers, as reclamation plans can influence future land use, environmental conditions, and property development opportunities.
HB2999 – Municipality Requirements/Fees
This bill creates State Housing Affordability Districts, a new type of special-purpose district designed to help fund infrastructure that supports new housing developments. These districts can raise money through property taxes, assessments, fees, and bonds to fund roads, utilities, drainage, and other public improvements. HB 2999 also establishes a process for creating these districts through petitions from property owners, review and approval by the Arizona Finance Authority, and governance by a board elected by landowners.
How does this impact me? The bill could help spur new housing development by creating a dedicated funding source for roads, utilities, and other infrastructure needed to support growing communities. By making it easier for developers and local governments to finance these improvements, the measure could help get housing projects off the ground faster. For homebuyers and residents, this could lead to more housing options in up-and-coming communities. The bill also includes disclosure requirements to ensure prospective buyers are informed if a property is located within a housing affordability district and may be subject to additional taxes, assessments, or fees associated with funding local infrastructure improvements.
HB2029 – Water Conservation Grant Fund
The bill expands Water Conservation Grant Fund application requirements by requiring all eligible applicants to disclose projected water savings, the source and type of water expected to be conserved, and how the saved water will be used. Previously, these disclosures were required only for entities receiving water from a multi-county water conservation district.
How does this impact me? While this bill primarily affects organizations applying for water conservation grants, it increases transparency around how public funds are used to conserve Arizona’s water resources. As Arizona is a state facing ongoing water supply challenges, the bill aims to ensure conservation funding is directed toward projects that have clear benefits and make efficient use of limited water resources.
HB 2946 – Municipal Development Fee Reform
The bill prohibits municipalities from basing residential development fees on a home’s size or number of bedrooms. It also caps fees for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) at the lower of either 20% of the fee charged for a single-family home or the ADU’s fair share of infrastructure costs.
How does this impact me? The bill could lower the cost of building detached ADUs (often referred to as casitas, guest houses, or backyard homes) by limiting the development fees cities and towns can charge. Supporters say reducing these costs could encourage more homeowners and developers to build ADUs, creating additional housing and rental opportunities.
