|
|
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
House: NREW DP 5-4-1-0 |
HB 2913: county land commissioner; state lands
Sponsor: Representative Biasiucci, LD 30
Caucus & COW
Overview
Establishes the State Land Commission (Commission) and county land commissioners. Replaces the State Land Commissioner (Commissioner) with the, newly created, Commission. Outlines the duties, authority and operation of the county land commissioners and Commission respectively.
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 (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).
Current law designates the, gubernatorial appointed, Commissioner as the executive officer of the ASLD. The Commissioner's enumerated duties include, but are not limited to: exercising all powers and duties vested in or imposed on the ASLD, make long-range plans for the future use of state lands, promote the infill and orderly development of state lands in areas beneficial to the trust and authorizing lease or sale of State Trust lands for certain purposes (A.R.S. §§ 37-131, 37-132).
Provisions
County Land Commissioners
1. Establishes county land commissioners. (Sec. 1)
2. Outlines a county land commissioner's salary and residence requirements. (Sec. 2,3)
3. Mandates the Legislature appropriate monies from the state General Fund, each fiscal year, to pay the salary of the county land commissioner. (Sec. 3)
4. Outlines the duties and authority of a county land commissioner. (Sec. 4, 6)
5. Modifies the definition of Commissioner as it relates to public lands. (Sec. 5)
6. Requires each county land commissioner be elected in the existing manner prescribed for county offices. (Sec. 6)
7. Requires the election of each county land commissioner exist in the 2028 general election. (Sec. 7)
State Land Commission
8. Establishes the Commission. (Sec. 6)
9. Designates that each county land commissioner comprises the Commission's membership. (Sec. 6)
10. Outlines the meeting requirements, authority and duties of the Commission. (Sec. 6)
11. Outlines the duties and authority of the Executive Director of ASLD. (Sec. 6)
12. Allows the Commissioner to serve only until the Commission is sworn into office. (Sec. 7)
Miscellaneous
13. Mandates Legislative Council staff prepare proposed legislation to conform statute to the provisions of this act in the 58th Legislature, 1st regular session. (Sec. 8)
14. Defines state lands, commission and county land commissioner. (Sec. 4, 5)
15. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 5)
16.
17.
18. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------
19. Initials CW HB 2913
20. 2/13/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW
21.
22. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------