Committee approves $1 million addition to Colorado River litigation fund
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Summary
Representative Griffin asked for an additional $1 million for a Colorado River litigation fund to prepare for possible lawsuits tied to river allocations; the committee gave the bill a do‑pass recommendation, 8–0 with two not voting.
House Bill 21 16, presented March 3, would appropriate $1 million from the state general fund for fiscal year 2027 to a Colorado River litigation fund intended to support litigation or negotiation related to Colorado River obligations.
Representative Gail Griffin described the bill as a follow‑up to last year’s appropriation and said it would signal Arizona’s readiness to pursue litigation if necessary in ongoing interstate negotiations. Committee members asked whether the funding was in addition to prior money and whether WIFA funds could be used instead of the general fund.
Griffin said the $1 million is additional to last year’s appropriation and that the matter affects most districts in the state. Committee members pressed for clarity on existing WIFA obligations; representatives said they would follow up with the relevant agencies.
The vice chair moved the bill and the committee approved HB 21 16 by a roll call of 8 ayes, 0 no, and 2 not voting, returning a do‑pass recommendation.
What’s next: HB 21 16 advances with bipartisan committee support; staff follow‑ups were requested about the relationship between this appropriation and WIFA fund obligations and previously allocated funds.