ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

HB 2127: appropriation; state parks; heritage fund

Sponsor: Representative Osborne, LD 13

Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Overview

Appropriates $10 million from the state General Fund to the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund in fiscal year (FY) 2022.

History

The Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund was originally created when voters passed Proposition 200 in 1990. This fund annually received $10 million from the proceeds of lottery ticket sales. The Legislature eliminated this fund and redirected all of its monies and allocated lottery proceeds to the state General Fund in 2010 (Laws 2010, 7th S.S., Ch. 12, §§ 15 and 45).

Laws 2019, Chapter 304 re-established the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund. It is administered by the Arizona State Parks Board (Board) and consists of legislative appropriations, grants and donations. When notified by the Board, the State Treasurer invests and divest fund monies, and any monies earned are credited to the fund. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing (A.R.S. § 41-502). However, this fund does not have any dedicated revenue sources and has remained empty since its creation.

The Board, in consultation with the Historical Advisory Commission, creates criteria for using fund monies, establishes a grant application process and reviews and evaluates grant applications. Fund monies must be distributed as follows:

1) 50% to outdoor recreation and open space development, restoration or renovation of local, regional and state parks;

2) 30% on local, regional and state historic preservation projects;

3) 10% on local, regional and state nonmotorized trails; and

4) 10% on outdoor and environmental education.

However, fund monies cannot be used to acquire property (A.R.S § 41-503).

Provisions

1. Appropriates $10 million from the state General Fund to the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund in FY 2022. (Sec. 1)

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5. HB 2127

6. Initials PAB Page 0 Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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