SB 1444 Arizona Senate · 57th Legislature - First Regular Session

helium exploration; aquifer protection permit

SB 1444 adds a specific exemption for helium exploration and production wells from Arizona's aquifer protection permit requirements. It allows these wells to operate without a permit if they are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to prevent contaminant discharge into aquifers. This directly affects helium exploration companies by reducing regulatory barriers for their operations. The exemption applies only to wells meeting the strict "no contaminant discharge" standard, leaving other groundwater protection rules unchanged. The bill passed in May 2025 and aligns with Arizona's policy supporting helium resource development.

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

House Passage

May 2025

Governor

Introduced Feb 4, 2025 Last action May 1, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

House Engrossed Version → Senate Engrossed Version · 5 edits · Mar 13, 2025

MODERATE

This bill was amended to change its focus from county improvement districts (which handled local infrastructure like streets and water delivery) to a new aquifer protection program. The changes replace references to county improvement districts with a new aquifer protection permit system and add extensive exemptions for various water uses and facilities to reduce regulatory burden.

Scope change

The bill's scope shifted from establishing county improvement districts for local infrastructure projects to creating an aquifer protection permit program with specific exemptions for various water-related activities and facilities.

SCOPE

Changed the bill title and subject from county improvement districts to aquifer protection permits under the Department of Environmental Quality.

ELIGIBILITY

Added 28 specific exemptions from aquifer protection permit requirements, including household activities, mining operations, stormwater facilities, and various water storage and treatment systems.

DEFINITION

Removed definitions related to county improvement districts, assessments, and local infrastructure projects like streets and lighting plants.

REQUIREMENT

Added authority for the director to exempt specific facility classes based on findings that aquifer water quality will be maintained through existing federal or state programs.

TIMELINE

Added a one-year exemption from rulemaking requirements for the Department of Environmental Quality after the act's effective date.

Floor votes · House May 1, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 1, 2025

Lower · Passed

PASSED

lower

Apr 16, 2025

Lower · Passed

DPA

lower

Mar 31, 2025

Lower · Passed

DPA/SE

lower

Mar 13, 2025

Upper · Passed

PASSED

upper

Mar 6, 2025

Upper · Passed

upper

Feb 11, 2025

Upper · Passed

upper

1 primary · 6 co-sponsors