HB2590 • 2026

appropriation; university of Arizona; agriculture

HB2590 - appropriation; university of Arizona; agriculture

Agriculture Budget Labor Taxes

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 status shows the bill passed both chambers but does not confirm if it has been signed by the governor or become law yet.

Funding a University Study on Farm Water and Soil

This bill gives $2.5 million from the state budget to the University of Arizona to study how farms can use less water, improve soil health, and support agricultural workers in desert areas.

What This Bill Does

Sets aside $2,500,000 for a project led by the university's college of agriculture, life and environmental sciences.
Prioritizes finding new ways to cut water use and improve soil health in desert farming areas.
Supports training needed for workers in agricultural research, conservation, and policy.
Allows money to be used for surveys, market analysis, and high-tech tools like drones and satellites.
Requires the university to work with outside groups to gather data on farms.
Orders a report by January 1, 2028, that shares results and suggestions with state leaders.

Who It Names or Affects

The University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences
The Arizona Department of Agriculture
Agricultural workers in the state

Terms To Know

Appropriation: Money set aside by the government for a specific purpose.
State General Fund: The main pool of money that comes from state taxes and fees.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not say when the project must start, only when the final report is due.
It lists goals for partnerships with tribes but does not name specific groups or how many will join.
The text does not explain what happens if the study finds no new solutions.

Bill History

2026-01-21 House
House second read
2026-01-20 House
House Rules: None
2026-01-20 House
House Appropriations: None
2026-01-20 House
House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs: None
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.