After what was initially presumed to be a shortened, get-down-to-business session, the 2024 legislative year stretched well beyond, adjourning after 160 days. Overall, it was a good one for specialty crop agriculture with numerous policy victories.
Legislation SB 1221 (Kerr)
HB 2016 (Griffin) WG staff found success in a handful of other important public policy issues in 2024. Staff was a strong proponent of HB 2016, which provided an extension for growers to apply for grandfathered water rights in the newly created Douglas Active Management Area. The bill received bipartisan support and was signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs into law early in the session. SB 1376 (Bolick) WG also found a victory in SB 1376, which exempted agriculture vehicles from various load restrictions on nearly all roads. Transportation from the field is critical, and the exemptions offered within this bill simplify that process within
Unfortunately, the primary focus of the session – new water management legislation – fell just short on the final day of the session. Senate Bill 1221 would have been the first major water management legislation since the revolutionary 1980 Ground Water Management Act. SB 1221 aimed to create Basin Management Areas (BMAs), offering a flexible approach to individual groundwater basins. By creating a basin-by-basin management system, regulation could reflect the intricacies of each basin, a benefit to those who farm and reside within that particular basin. Western Growers staff participated in over 75 stakeholder meetings, working to find a compromise solution that would respect Arizona’s agriculture needs and maximize sustainable practices. The bill fell short on the final day of session, due to the unfortunate absence of two legislators. A WG priority moving forward is to continue advocating for basin- specific management options, allowing flexibility for growers to use and conserve their water in the manner they see fit.
our agriculture communities. HB 2846 (Hoffman)
Another win for specialty crops was the passage of HB 2846, exempting hoop houses and polyhouses from a variety of local building requirements.
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