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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
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HB 2755: state land use; highest; best
Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19
Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Overview
Mandates that when there is a conflict in the proposed land use for the sale or lease of a parcel of State Trust land between mining and commercial use, the Commissioner of the Arizona State Land Department must presume the highest and best use of the parcel is for mineral extraction or exploration.
History
Established in 1915, the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) currently manages approximately 9.2 million acres of State Trust lands which were granted to the state at statehood. These lands are held in trust and are managed for the sole purpose of generating revenue for the 13 state land beneficiaries. The ASLD is not a regulatory agency but is the trustee of the state's trust land and its natural resources (ASLD).
The ASLD administers laws related to lands owned by, belonging to and under control of the state, which includes both trust land and sovereign land. The ASLD also manages and controls the products and uses of state land including timber, stone, gravel, grazing and farming (A.R.S. § 37-102).
Provisions
1. Directs the ASLD Commissioner to presume that the highest and best use of a parcel of State Trust land is for mineral extraction or exploration if there is a conflict in the proposed land use for the sale or lease of a parcel between a mining and commercial use. (Sec. 1, 2)
2. Outlines the process for a person desiring to purchase or lease State Trust lands to overcome the presumption of best use. (Sec. 1, 2)
3. Contains a legislative findings clause. (Sec. 3)
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7. Initials CW/RS HB 2755
8. 2/5/2026 Page 0 Natural Resources, Energy & Water
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