Assigned to NREW FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1080
irrigation water conservation districts; administration
Purpose
Updates the administration abilities of an irrigation and water conservation district (district)
board of directors (board).
Background
Statute outlines the general powers and duties of a board, including purchasing or acquiring
water rights, acquiring or leasing real estate and personal property when necessary, acquiring and
holding stock in irrigation ditch and reservoir companies, leasing, selling, and otherwise disposing
of real estate and personal property, controlling the finances and property of the district and make,
amend or repeal resolutions, bylaws and rules necessary for the government of or for carrying into
effect the powers vested in districts or any department or officer thereof and enforce observance
by imposition of penalties (A.R.S. ยง 48-2978).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows the by-laws, rules, regulations or resolutions of a general nature governing drainage
ditches, laterals, canals and the use and distribution of irrigation water or other commodities
to be posted on a website maintained by the district.
2. Adds borrowing money through a loan or credit to the powers of a board.
3. Allows the board to establish a revolving line of credit with a bank or other financial institution
in a maximum amount of up to 25 percent of the immediately preceding fiscal year's actual
expenditures.
4. Allows the line of credit to be:
a) used for operating or capital purposes as approved by the board; and
b) secured by and repaid with any lawfully available or budgeted monies or revenue of the
district at the option of the board.
5. Requires the secretary of a district to serve as the clerk for purposes of service of process on
the district.
6. Requires the board to hold regular meetings in the district office or another location, rather
than regular monthly meetings in the district office on the first Tuesday in each month, for the
transaction of business. FACT SHEET
S.B. 1080
Page 2
7. Requires the location of the meeting to be included on the meeting notice, if the meeting is not
held at the district office.
8. Makes technical and conforming changes.
9. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 13, 2024
RA/slp