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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
natural resource conservation board; fund
Purpose
Caps the annual distribution by the Arizona Natural Resource Conservation Board (Board) to each Natural Resource Conservation District (NRCD) with an established education center at $10,000 and requires the Board, rather than the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD), to disburse annual donations in the Environmental Special Plate Fund for environmental education programs.
Background
The Board consists of 11 members, 8 of which must be from different geographic natural resource areas as defined by the Board. The Board must offer appropriate assistance to the supervisors of NRCDs in carrying out their powers and duties, require the NRCD supervisors to file records of annual audits and operations from each NRCD and execute other statutorily outlined duties (A.R.S. § 41-6011).
NRCDs may organize and establish an education center to increase the knowledge of natural resources in Arizona through: 1) offering technical guidance and training to agricultural producers; 2) publishing scholarly materials; 3) providing educational and training opportunities, both inside and outside of the district; 4) conducting or sponsoring scientific studies that affect natural resources in this state; 5) increasing public awareness of water conservation statewide, including water conservation methods and best management practices; or 6) increasing public awareness of soil health practices statewide (A.R.S. § 41-6054).
Environmental special plates are issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation. Of the $25 initial fee and annual renewal fee, $8 is deposited in the State Highway Fund as a special plate administration fee and $17 is deposited in the Environmental Special Plate Fund as an environmental plate annual donation. The Board distributes $5,000 annually to each NRCD with an established education center for the purpose of developing and implementing an environmental education program that is conducted in a balanced manner, based on current scientific information and includes a discussion of economic and social implications (A.R.S. §§ 28-2413 and 41-6013).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Caps the annual distribution by the Board to each NRCD with an established education center at $10,000, rather than $5,000.
2. Requires the Board, rather than the ASLD, to disburse annual donations in the Environmental Special Plate Fund for environmental education programs.
3. Requires geographic natural resource areas be contiguous.
4. Requires the Board to prioritize major land resources, types of crops grown and other shared land features when defining the geographic natural resource areas.
5. Allows each Board member representing a geographic natural resource area to hold office until the member's successor is appointed.
6. Allows all persons serving as Board members, on the general effective date, to continue to serve until the expiration of their normal terms.
7. Makes technical changes.
8. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
NREW 1/13/26 DP 7-3-0-0
3rd Read 2/25/26 31-22-7-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 13, 2026
SB/SF/hk