A new bill authored by State Rep. Mathis in the Arizona House seeks to enhance regulatory measures for protecting state waters, emphasizing stricter standards and oversight beyond federal requirements, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2249 on Jan. 15, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘state waters; rules; ecological services.’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends Arizona statutes relating to water quality to strengthen regulatory measures for protecting state waters. It requires the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) director to adopt rules establishing water quality standards and permit programs for Waters of the United States (WOTUS) that are more stringent than federal Clean Water Act requirements. The bill outlines exemptions for certain activities concerning non-WOTUS surface waters and mandates the creation of a protected surface waters list. Additionally, the bill requires public notice and comments on standards for non-WOTUS waters and emphasizes the director’s powers to oversee and enforce compliance with these regulations. The effective date of the bill is not specified.
The bill was co-sponsored by Oscar De Los Santos (Democrat-11th District) and Betty J Villegas (Democrat-20th District).
Since the beginning of the session, Mathis has proposed another nine bills, with five of them being adopted.
Mathis graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1989 with a BA and again in 1993 from University of Illinois College of Law with a JD.
Mathis, a Democrat, was elected to the Arizona State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 18th House District, replacing previous state representative Mitzi Epstein.
In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.
Bills Introduced by Your Representatives in Arizona House During 1st Regular Session of the 57th Legislative Session
| Sponsor(s) | Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Mathis | HB2249 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends Arizona statutes relating to water quality to strengthen regulatory measures for protecting state waters. It requires the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) director to adopt rules establishing water quality standards and permit programs for Waters of the United States (WOTUS) that are more stringent than federal Clean Water Act requirements. The bill outlines exemptions for certain activities concerning non-WOTUS surface waters and mandates the creation of a protected surface waters list. Additionally, the bill requires public notice and comments on standards for non-WOTUS waters and emphasizes the director’s powers to oversee and enforce compliance with these regulations. The effective date of the bill is not specified. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2248 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends section 45-596 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to outline the requirements for drilling or deepening wells. It mandates filing a notice of intention to drill in both active and non-active management areas and specifies the information needed, including GPS coordinates, well depth, and construction details. The notice must include evidence of necessary permits and proof of well driller licensing. It introduces provisions for reviewing well site plans when water is intended for domestic use on small parcels. The bill establishes regulations to prevent groundwater contamination, including criteria for denying well approval if it risks contaminant migration. Filing fees for notices vary depending on the intended use and location of the well. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2247 | 01/15/2025 | The bill allocates $1 million from Arizona’s state general fund for the fiscal year 2025–2026 to the University of Arizona to conduct a health study on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in residents’ blood. This study targets individuals using drinking water from private or public systems contaminated by PFAS beyond the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum levels as outlined in the national primary drinking water regulations. The study’s purpose is to assess the extent of PFAS exposure and its potential health impacts on affected populations across the state. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2246 | 01/15/2025 | The bill appropriates $50 million from the Arizona long-term water augmentation fund for fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Water Resources. These funds are designated to compensate holders of irrigation grandfathered rights who agree to permanently retire or reduce their water duty. The director of the department is tasked with purchasing and retiring these rights by Dec. 31, 2025, which includes entering conservation agreements with right holders to reduce their annual water allotments. The allocated funds are exempt from lapsing, as detailed in section 35-190 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2245 | 01/15/2025 | This bill appropriates $10 million from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2025-26 to the Arizona Department of Health Services. The funds are designated for issuing and renewing registry identification cards for veterans of the United States armed forces, as per section 36-2804.02 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The appropriation is exempt from the lapsing provisions outlined in section 35-190 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, ensuring that the designated funds will not revert at the end of the fiscal year, regardless of whether they have been fully used. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2244 | 01/15/2025 | This bill repeals Section 28-9204 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which pertains to light rail service. The legislation does not specify the immediate implications of this repeal but likely aims to alter or redirect public policy and funding related to the development, maintenance, or operation of light rail systems within the state. By removing existing statutory provisions, the bill may intend to pave the way for new legislation or funding allocations regarding public transportation infrastructure or to address concerns related to the efficiency, cost, or expansion of light rail services. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2243 | 01/15/2025 | This bill establishes a legal framework for terminally ill adults in Arizona to pursue medical aid in dying. It outlines eligibility criteria, specifying that individuals must be state residents and have a terminal illness confirmed by an attending and consulting physician. The process mandates informed decision-making, including understanding potential risks and alternatives. A written request for medication must be witnessed by two individuals, with the option for translation. Physicians must ensure no coercion is present, verify state residency, and make counseling referrals if needed. There’s a 15-day waiting period between an oral and written request, although exceptions are possible. The bill provides legal protections for participating healthcare providers and prohibits euthanasia through means other than self-administered medication. It requires the Arizona Department of Health Services to review compliance records annually and mandates that cause of death be listed as the underlying illness. Violations involving coercion or forgery can result in felony charges. The bill also addresses the effects on insurance policies and envisions sanctions for non-participating providers prohibiting involvement on their premises. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2242 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends and repeals specific sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to building permits. It modifies sections 9-467 and 11-321 to ensure that municipalities and county supervisors cannot mandate transaction privilege tax licenses or business licenses as prerequisites for issuing building permits. However, those issued permits must apply for a business license within 30 days if not already holding one. The bill also stipulates that subsequent owners are not required to obtain permits for unpermitted constructions by previous owners unless it concerns public health or safety. Furthermore, it mandates the distribution of permit copies to the county assessor and the department of revenue, and it allows building permits to be applied for and issued by mail where convenient. The bill repeals sections 9-810 and 11-867, removing certain preexisting regulations. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2241 | 01/15/2025 | This bill repeals sections 9-500.36 and 11-269.14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, effectively eliminating specific local regulations related to energy measuring and reporting. The repeal is aimed at changing the current framework that governs how energy usage is monitored and reported at the local level, although the bill does not explicitly state its intended impact. By removing these sections, the bill could potentially have implications for local authorities and their capacity to regulate energy efficiency and environmental standards within their jurisdictions. The effective date of the repeal is not specified in the text. |
| Christopher Mathis | HB2240 | 01/15/2025 | The bill amends sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to environmental lawsuits, allowing individuals who are or may be adversely affected to initiate civil actions in superior court against any person, the state, or its subdivisions for violations of environmental laws, permits, or standards. The court can impose civil penalties and offer injunctive relief. There is a 60-day notice requirement before commencing actions. The bill also details intervention rights in pending state enforcement actions for those affected by violations of underground injection control permits. Litigation costs may be awarded, and frivolous claims might result in fees awarded to the defendant. Collected penalties are directed to specified environmental funds. The amendments are aligned with federal environmental citizen suit provisions. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2214 | 01/15/2025 | This bill amends Arizona’s statutes on weapons misconduct by adding a provision that makes it unlawful to fail to secure a firearm from a minor by not taking reasonable measures to prevent the minor from accessing it. If a minor accesses the unsecured firearm, the offense is classified as a class 6 felony, escalating to a class 4 felony if the minor discharges the firearm and causes death or serious injury. Several exceptions are specified, including lawful possession by a minor under certain conditions and exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and specific educational and museum contexts. The legislation aims to prevent minors from accessing firearms, thereby reducing accidental injuries or misuse by underage individuals. The measure is part of broader amendments to existing weapon misconduct laws, setting various felony and misdemeanor classifications for other violations. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2213 | 01/15/2025 | This bill appropriates $3.8 million from Arizona’s state general fund for the fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Education to provide free school lunches for children who qualify under the income eligibility requirements of the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts. The appropriation is intended to be ongoing, continuing in subsequent years to ensure continuous support for eligible students. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2212 | 01/15/2025 | This bill establishes regulations for employment contracts involving unemancipated minors performing artistic or creative services in Arizona, effective Jan. 1, 2026. It mandates court approval for such contracts, ensuring that they cannot be disaffirmed due to the minor’s age. The bill requires that 15% of a minor’s gross earnings from artistic services be placed in a trust account for their benefit. A parent or guardian typically serves as the trustee, though the court may appoint another trustee in the child’s best interest. Details for setting up and managing this trust are outlined, including stipulations for withdrawals, which are prohibited until the minor turns 18, becomes emancipated, or by court order. The bill also specifies the fiduciary responsibilities of parents or guardians related to managing the minor’s earnings. This legislative change applies to contracts entered into from the stated effective date onward. |
| Nancy Gutierrez | HB2211 | 01/15/2025 | This bill proposes the establishment of a legal framework for severe threat orders of protection in Arizona, designed to restrict firearm possession for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. It allows a petitioner— a family or household member, significant other, probation officer, behavioral health professional, or peace officer— to request either an ex parte temporary or a full severe threat order of protection through the courts. Upon issuance, these orders mandate the surrender of firearms to law enforcement and registration in national crime databases. Respondents can challenge the order via a court hearing; if unsuccessful, the order remains effective for one year. Violation of these orders is classified as a class 4 felony. If the respondent is a minor, proceedings are transferred to juvenile court, and parents must secure firearms at home. Additionally, false swearing to obtain these orders is penalized as a felony. The bill emphasizes both the procedural and punitive measures to ensure compliance and public safety. |
