subsequent irrigation; non-expansion areas; procedures.

SB 1253 designates specific groundwater areas in Arizona where new irrigation cannot expand, directly affecting landowners and irrigation users within those zones. It establishes "subsequent irrigation non-expansion areas" if groundwater is insufficient for 100 years of reliable irrigation at current withdrawal rates, without requiring an active management area. The bill allows petitions from 25 irrigation landowners (meeting ownership and usage criteria) or 10% of local voters to initiate such designations, requiring supporting geological reports and hydrologic data. The director must verify petitions and may deny them if reports are deficient, with final decisions subject to administrative review.