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HB2590 • 2026

appropriation; university of Arizona; agriculture

HB2590 - appropriation; university of Arizona; agriculture

Agriculture Budget
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Justin Wilmeth
Last action
2026-01-21
Official status
House second read
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific information on how findings will be used or what happens if the project is not completed on time.

Funding for University of Arizona Agriculture Study

This bill provides $2.5 million in funding for the University of Arizona to study ways to improve water efficiency and soil health in desert agriculture.

What This Bill Does

  • Gives $2,500,000 to the University of Arizona for a project on agricultural efficiency and water optimization.
  • Requires the university to look at new practices that save water and help soil health.
  • Supports training people in agriculture research, conservation, and policy.
  • Encourages partnerships with Native American communities to combine traditional knowledge with scientific research.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The University of Arizona
  • Farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Arizona
  • Indigenous scholars and tribal communities

Terms To Know

Appropriation
Money given by the government for a specific purpose.
Stakeholders
People or groups who are involved in or affected by an activity or event.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens if the project is not completed on time.
  • It's unclear how the findings will be used to change policies.
  • There are no details about penalties for not submitting a report as required.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-21 House

    House second read

  2. 2026-01-20 House

    House Rules: None

  3. 2026-01-20 House

    House Appropriations: None

  4. 2026-01-20 House

    House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs: None

  5. 2026-01-20 House

    House first read

Official Summary Text

HB2590 - appropriation; university of Arizona; agriculture

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
HB2590 - 572R - I Ver

REFERENCE TITLE:
appropriation; university of Arizona; agriculture

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

HB 2590

Introduced by

Representative
Wilmeth

AN
ACT

Appropriating monies to the university of
Arizona.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

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

Section 1.
Appropriation; university of Arizona;
agricultural efficiency and water optimization project; Arizona department of
agriculture; report; exemption

A. The sum of $2,500,000 is
appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2026-2027 to the
university of Arizona to conduct a study by the college of agriculture, life
and environmental sciences for an agricultural efficiency and water resource
optimization project. The project shall prioritize the following:

1. Identification of
innovative practices that reduce water consumption and improve soil health to
enhance the sustainability of agriculture in desert areas.

2. Support for the
development of and training needed for a skilled workforce in agricultural
research, conservation and policy.

3. Opportunities to develop
partnerships with indigenous scholars and tribal communities to integrate
traditional knowledge with scientific research for holistic agricultural
development.

4. Best practices to
disseminate any research findings to the public and to relevant governmental
bodies to inform policy decisions and to promote sustainable agricultural
practices.

B. The appropriation made
in subsection A of this section may be used to conduct data mapping activities
required for the project, including:

1. Conducting surveys and
interviews with agricultural stakeholders to identify key challenges and
opportunities in farming operations.

2. Performing market
analysis to determine the economic impact of improved agricultural practices
and technologies.

3. Deploying and using
advanced technology capabilities, such as aerial drones, satellites and
aircraft, to collect data on soil health and water resource usage.

4. Developing and
implementing strategies to optimize water use and improve soil health that must
include applications that will enhance water absorption, lower water use rates
and provide for better usage of farmlands in this state.

C. The university of
Arizona shall contract and collaborate with third-party entities to conduct any
necessary data mapping activities.

D. On or before January 1,
2028, the Arizona department of agriculture and the university of Arizona
college of agriculture, life and environmental sciences shall submit a report
to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of
representatives and shall submit a copy of this report to the secretary of
state summarizing the progress and outcomes of the project, including any
recommendations for future actions.

E. The appropriation made
in subsection A of this section is exempt from the provisions of section
35-190, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to lapsing of appropriations.