Committee approves resolution to shift state land‑exchange approval from voters to legislature

Senate Concurrent Resolution 1006 would change the approval pathway for state‑land exchanges subject to voter approval so that exchanges would be approved by a joint resolution of the legislature and the governor rather than by the qualified electors of Arizona.

Sandy Barr, director of the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, testified in opposition. “We are opposed to SCR 1,006. We worked on the constitutional amendment that provided for exchange of state trust lands prior to that... In fact, with a Republican leader over in the senate just to show you how times have changed but anyway, we, we think that the voters will likely, reject this because they, again, they're they're they're not trust they are not trusting the government to do land exchanges and want this kind of accountability. So, we urge you not to refer it, and to reject it now,” she said.

The resolution’s sponsor said the change would place final approval in the hands of the legislature and the governor and cited recent land exchanges as examples of where legislative review could affect outcomes. Committee members asked for the Sierra Club’s view and engaged on whether current law already places certain steps with the legislature and voters.

The committee voted to return SCR 1006 with a due‑pass recommendation; the chair announced the result as five ayes and four nays. Members who spoke against removing voter approval framed the change as a reduction of public oversight; supporters said legislative review provides accountability and a clear process.

Ending: With committee approval, the resolution proceeds for further legislative consideration; opponents indicated they may continue outreach to the public and lawmakers.