HB2042 • 2026

solar radiation management; prohibition; enforcement

HB2042 - solar radiation management; prohibition; enforcement

Energy Technology

Vetoed

The latest official action shows the governor vetoed this bill. Check the bill history to see whether lawmakers later overrode that veto.

Sponsor: Lisa Fink, Ralph Heap, Rachel Keshel, David Marshall, Sr., Teresa Martinez, Khyl Powell, Michael Way
Last action: 2026-03-12
Official status: Governor vetoed
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill was vetoed by the Governor; its legal status depends on whether a legislative override occurred, which is not confirmed in the provided source.

HB2042: Ban on Solar Radiation Management in Arizona

This bill would ban releasing materials to change how much sunlight hits Earth within Arizona, stop public funding for such technology, and let the Attorney General investigate violations.

What This Bill Does

Prohibits anyone from intentionally injecting or releasing materials in Arizona to manage solar radiation.
Stops state agencies, universities, and private groups receiving public money from giving grants for this technology.
Allows any resident to file a complaint with the Attorney General if they suspect someone broke these rules.
Requires the Attorney General to investigate credible complaints or conduct that looks like a violation.
Lets the Attorney General ask courts to stop violations and award legal fees to the winning side.

Who It Names or Affects

Any person who might release materials for solar radiation management in Arizona
State agencies, public universities, and private entities that receive public funds
Arizona residents who want to report suspected violations
The Attorney General's office

Terms To Know

Solar radiation management: Changing how much sunlight reaches Earth by altering the atmosphere.
Political subdivision: A local government group like a city, county, or public university within the state.

Limits and Unknowns

The Governor vetoed this bill on March 12, 2026, so it did not become law unless lawmakers overrode that decision.
The text does not list specific penalties like fines or jail time for breaking the rules.

Bill History

2026-03-10 V
Governor vetoed
2026-03-03 House
Transmitted to House
2026-03-03 Senate
Senate third read passed
2026-03-03 Senate
Senate passed
2026-03-03 Senate
Senate first read
2026-02-26 Senate
Transmitted to Senate
2026-02-26 House
House third read passed
2026-02-25 House
House committee of the whole
2026-02-03 House
House minority caucus
2026-02-03 House
House majority caucus
2026-02-02 House
House consent calendar
2026-01-13 House
House second read
2026-01-12 House
House Rules: C&P
2026-01-12 House
House Natural Resources, Energy & Water: DP
2026-01-12 House
House first read

Official Summary Text

HB2042 - solar radiation management; prohibition; enforcement

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

HB2042 - 572R - H Ver

House Engrossed

solar radiation
management; prohibition; enforcement

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

HOUSE BILL 2042

AN
ACT

amending title 49, chapter 1, article 1,
Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 49-119; RELATING to the
environment.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Title 49, chapter 1, article 1,
Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 49-119, to read:

START_STATUTE
49-119.

Solar radiation management; prohibition; enforcement; definition

A. Notwithstanding any other law, a
person may not intentionally inject, release or dispense or cause the
injection, release or dispensation of any material within the borders of this
state for solar radiation management.

B. A political subdivision of this
state, including any public university or any private entity that receives
public monies, may not provide any grants for the development of solar
radiation management technologies.

C. Any resident of this state may
submit a complaint to the attorney general alleging a violation of this
section.� Complaints must state the following:

1. The name and contact information
of the resident who submits the complaint.

2. The date or dates the alleged
violation occurred.

3. A description of the alleged
violation and the location, method and substances or compounds used, if known.

4. Any applicable supporting evidence
or documentation.

D. The attorney general shall
investigate all credible complaints submitted to the department of law pursuant
to this section.

E. The attorney general may
investigate any conduct that the attorney general has reasonable suspicion to
believe violates this section.

F. The attorney general may file an
action in the superior court alleging a violation of this section.� If the
court finds a violation, the superior court shall award injunctive relief and
reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.� The superior court may award
other relief as the court finds necessary.

G. For the purposes of this section,
"solar radiation management" means the modification or attempted
modification of atmospheric reflectivity that modifies the amount or intensity
of sunlight that reaches the earth.
END_STATUTE