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HB 2273

lottery; on-farm irrigation efficiency fund

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Gail Griffin

Arizona bill redirects lottery revenue to fund on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements to reduce agricultural water consumption amid regional scarcity.

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Bill Summary · HB 2273

Legislative bill overview

HB 2273 establishes an on-farm irrigation efficiency fund in Arizona, likely financed through lottery revenues. The bill creates a mechanism to direct a portion of lottery proceeds toward grants or cost-sharing programs that help agricultural operations improve water use efficiency through infrastructure upgrades and modernization.

Why is this important

Arizona faces chronic water scarcity and over-allocated Colorado River rights, making agricultural water conservation critical to long-term sustainability. Improving on-farm irrigation efficiency can reduce consumptive water use while maintaining agricultural productivity, addressing both environmental and economic concerns in a drought-prone region.

Potential points of contention

  • Lottery revenue allocation: Diverting lottery funds (traditionally supporting education and other programs) to agriculture may face opposition from competing interests and budget advocates
  • Agricultural equity: Questions about which farms qualify for assistance, whether small/family farms versus large operations benefit equally, and whether program design favors certain agricultural sectors
  • Water rights and incentives: Unclear whether efficiency improvements will actually reduce water consumption or simply allow expanded agricultural production, potentially undermining conservation goals
  • Administrative structure: Details on fund management, oversight, application processes, and accountability mechanisms are not specified in available bill summaries

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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