Water resources annual report
The primary impact of HB2390 is on the transparency and accountability of the Department of Water Resources. By establishing a specific deadline for the submission of annual reports, the bill seeks to ensure that the operations of the department are regularly analyzed and communicated to both the governor and the legislature. Furthermore, the requirement to publish the report on the department's website offers an additional layer of public oversight and information sharing, thereby potentially increasing public engagement with water resource management issues in Arizona.
House Bill 2390 aims to amend Section 45-111 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically concerning the annual reporting responsibilities of the Director of the Department of Water Resources. The bill mandates that by August 15 each year, the Director must submit a comprehensive report outlining the department's operations. This report will not only detail the activities undertaken but will also provide suggestions for potential amendments to existing laws or proposals for new legislation deemed necessary by the Director and the Arizona Water Resources Advisory Board.
While the bill appears straightforward, it may prompt discussions regarding its implications for the Director's autonomy and the overall governance structure of water resource management in Arizona. Potential points of contention could arise concerning what suggestions the Director may propose in these reports. Stakeholders might worry that recommendations for sweeping changes could significantly alter existing frameworks for managing water resources, which is particularly critical in a state where water scarcity is a prominent issue.