Assigned to NREW FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2022
conservation easements; maintenance; weeds
Purpose
Requires a property subject to a conservation easement to be kept free of noxious weeds,
Russian Thistles and blowing dust.
Background
Conservation easement means a nonpossessory interest of a holder in real property
imposing limitations or affirmative obligations for conservation purposes or to preserve the
historical, architectural, archaeological or cultural aspects of real property. Conservation purposes
are activities that yield a significant public benefit and are: 1) preserving land areas for outdoor
recreation by, or the education of, the general public; 2) protecting a relatively natural habitat of
fish, wildlife or plants or similar ecosystem; or 3) preserving open space, including farmland and
forest land, if the preservation is either for the scenic enjoyment of the general public or pursuant
to a clearly delineated federal, state or local government conservation policy (A.R.S. § 33-271).
A noxious weed is any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, detrimental or destructive
and difficult to control or eradicate and includes any species that the Director of the Arizona
Department of Agriculture, after investigation and hearing, determines as such (A.R.S. § 3-201).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires the holder of a conservation easement to maintain the conservation easement property
free of noxious weeds, Russian thistles and blowing dust that creates a threat to health or safety.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
LARA 2/12/24 DP 5-4-0-0
3
rd
Read 2/28/24 31-28-0-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 12, 2024
RA/KP/slp