Senate advances groundwater bill despite objections from rural lawmakers

The Arizona Senate’s Committee of the Whole reported Senate Bill 15 20 as amended with a due‑pass recommendation on March 10, 2025, after committee amendments and floor comments that highlighted continuing disagreement about rural groundwater protections.

Senator Sundarization told colleagues she appreciated meetings with the sponsor but said she was “disappointed that we are moving the bill ... in this form out of the chamber,” adding that the measure “is certainly not in any way protective of rural groundwater.” She urged continued negotiations and referenced a different bipartisan proposal, SB 14 25, that she said had broad rural support.

Sponsor Senator Tim Dunn said the bill targets basins that he said are at risk and expressed willingness to keep working with members across the aisle. Representative floor comments stressed the urgency for rural residents whose wells are drying and the need for stronger protections.

The committee amendment was adopted on the floor and the Committee of the Whole rose to report SB 15 20 as amended with a due‑pass recommendation. Senators called for continued discussion; supporters said the bill addresses specific at‑risk basins while critics said it does not reach all communities that need protection.

Why it matters: Lawmakers and stakeholders have flagged groundwater decline in rural Arizona as an urgent issue for drinking water and agriculture. The floor debate made clear there is not yet agreement on a statewide approach and that further negotiation will be necessary.

Next steps: With the committee of the whole report adopted, sponsors said they would continue talks with rural lawmakers and stakeholders as the bill proceeds in the legislative process.