ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

 

☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note

HB 2956: state trust lands; public auction

Sponsor: Representative Martinez, LD 16

Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Overview

Allows a person leasing State Trust land for commercial purposes to apply to purchase the parcel given they do not lease the parcel for the purposes of solar or wind energy.

History

The Arizona State Land Department (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). 

State Trust lands are subject to lease for a term in excess of ten years, but not more than 99 years, for commercial purposes to the highest and best bidder at public auction. Auction is conducted at the place, in the manner, and after the notice by publication provided for sales of State Trust lands except as otherwise outlined by law. For commercial leases of State Trust land more than three miles outside the boundaries of incorporated cities and towns with populations of 10,000 or less, or more than five miles outside the boundaries of incorporated cities and towns with a population above 10,000, the ASLD must cooperate with the county or counties in which the land to be leased is located in considering the intended uses. Leases are granted in accordance with the Constitution of Arizona, state laws and the rules of ASLD (A.R.S. § 37-281.02).

Provisions

1.   Allows a person leasing State Trust land for commercial purposes to apply to purchase the parcel so long as they do not lease the parcel for the purpose of solar or wind energy. (Sec.1)

2.   Enables a lessee to submit a single application for multiple leased parcels or submit a separate application for each desired leased parcel. (Sec. 1)

3.   Outlines the process by which a public auction may be initiated at the request of a lessee and how that public auction must be conducted. (Sec. 1)

4.   Repeals this legislation on January 1, 2028. (Sec. 1)

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8.   Initials CW/RS                HB 2956

9.   2/5/2026    Page 0 Natural Resources, Energy & Water

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