reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-706 - Persons eligible to apply for entry; limitation on area; contents of application; price of lands; disposition of monies received

37-706.
Persons eligible to apply for entry;  limitation on area;  contents of application;  price of lands;  disposition of monies received
A. Any citizen of the United States,  or any person who has declared his intention to become a citizen,  over the age of eighteen years,  may make application to enter any of the lands not exceeding one hundred sixty acres,  under the regulations of the department of the interior and the state land department.
B. The application shall be accompanied by a certified copy of a contract for a perpetual water right,  made by applicant with the person authorized to furnish water for reclamation of the lands,  together with twenty-five cents per acre for the land applied for,  to be returned if the application is not allowed,  and the application shall contain the declaration that applicant will settle upon and improve the land. If the application is allowed,  the applicant shall be issued a certificate of the location.
C. If the contractor fails to furnish water to any settler under the provisions of his contract,  the state shall refund to the settler all payments he has made to the state.
D. The state land department shall dispose of all lands accepted by the state at a price not to exceed fifty cents per acre,  twenty-five cents to be paid at the time of entry and the remainder at the time of making final proof by the settler. No settler shall be entitled to make more than one entry. Settlers shall also pay,  at the time of making final proof,  whatever additional amount per acre,  if any,  which the state may be required to pay to the United States for the land so entered.
E. All monies received for the sale of lands,  except those required to be paid to the United States,  shall be deposited,  pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147,  in the appropriate fund of the state.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-707 - Procedure upon completion of project by settler; application for federal patent; grant of state patent to settler

37-707.
Procedure upon completion of project by settler;  application for federal patent;  grant of state patent to settler
Upon completion of the project or any section thereof,  the contractor shall notify the state land department that he is prepared to supply water to the land designated in his application,  or any particular tract thereof,  whereupon the department shall request the department of the interior that a patent to such land be issued to the state,  and notice shall be given to each settler of that fact. Within three years thereafter,  each settler shall appear before the state land department and make final proof of reclamation,  settlement and occupation,  and make final payment for the land entered upon by him. Upon final payment the state,  through the state land department,  shall issue to the settler a patent for the land entered upon.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-708 - Water rights appurtenant to lands; lien; foreclosure and redemption

37-708.
Water rights appurtenant to lands;  lien;  foreclosure and redemption
A. The water rights shall attach and become appurtenant to the land when the title passes from the United States to the state. Any person furnishing water for any tract of land so acquired shall be entitled to receive directly,  when due under the water contracts,  all payments upon the land,  and shall have a first lien on the water rights,  which shall be prior to other liens created or attempted to be created by the owner or possessor of the land. The lien shall remain in force and effect until the last deferred payment for the water rights is fully paid and settled according to the terms of the contract under which the water rights were acquired. The contract for the water rights upon which the lien is founded shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder.
B. Upon default of any deferred payment secured by lien,  the lienholder may foreclose the lien as mortgages are foreclosed,  and the settler may within one year from the date of foreclosure redeem by paying the deferred payments,  with interest at not to exceed ten per cent per annum,  accrued interest and cost of maintenance.
C. The contractor shall have a like lien on and against the separate legal subdivisions of land reclaimed upon the interest therein of the settler for the actual cost and necessary expenses of reclamation,  and interest thereon at the rate of six per cent per annum,  from the date of reclamation.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-709 - Maps of project; right of easement reserved

37-709.
Maps of project;  right of easement reserved
A. The maps of the lands shall show the location of the irrigation project approved in the contract. Certified copies of the maps shall be filed and recorded in the office of the county recorder in each of the counties into which the irrigation project,  or the lands to be reclaimed thereby,  extend.
B. The lands filed upon by settlers shall be subject to rights of way and easements of the canals,  reservoirs,  dams and irrigation projects to the extent specified in the contract,  and of other structures connected with the acquisition and control of water power to be used,  directly or indirectly,  for the purpose of the irrigation project.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-710 - Reservation of mineral rights in school lands sold

37-710.
Reservation of mineral rights in school lands sold
A. The additional grant of numbered school sections,  mineral in character,  made to the state by the act of Congress approved January 25,  1927 is accepted.
B. All sales,  grants,  deeds or patents for any lands so granted shall be subject to and contain a reservation to the state of all minerals in the lands so sold,  granted,  deeded or patented,  together with the right to explore for,  mine and remove them.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-721 - Acceptance of Taylor grazing act, amendment of enabling act and other federal laws relating to exchange of lands

37-721.
Acceptance of Taylor grazing act,  amendment of enabling act and other federal laws relating to exchange of lands
A. The state accepts the provisions of the act of Congress of June 28,  1934,  as amended,  known as the Taylor grazing act,  and the provisions of the act of Congress of June 5,  1936 amending section 28 of the enabling act,  and all other applicable acts of Congress which are enacted relating to the exchange of state land for federally owned land.
B. The state land department may cooperate with the federal government in the administration of the Taylor grazing act and other applicable acts of Congress relating to the exchange of state lands for federal lands whenever the interest of the state can best be served thereby.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-722 - Authority of land department and selection board to make exchanges of state owned for federally owned land

37-722.
Authority of land department and selection board to make exchanges of state owned for federally owned land
The state land department and the selection board may effect exchanges of state owned land for federally owned land,  and the department and the selection board may do all things necessary or required to be done by the state in order to comply with the provisions of the Taylor grazing act as amended,  section 28 of the enabling act as amended,  or any other act of Congress relating to the exchange of lands and any rules or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Such exchanges shall be made in the same manner and under the same rules and regulations as required for the selection of lands under the provisions of the enabling act,  as amended,  provided that if the federal government retains the mineral rights on the land it exchanges the state shall retain the mineral rights on the land it exchanges.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-723 - Distribution of money received from United States; appropriations to counties

37-723.
Distribution of money received from United States;  appropriations to counties
A. All monies received by the state as its distributive shares of the amounts collected by the United States government under the provisions of the act of Congress of June 28,  1934 known as the Taylor grazing act,  and acts amendatory thereof,  shall be deposited with the state treasurer. The treasurer shall distribute the funds to the several counties of the state in which the public lands are located.
B. The state treasurer shall ascertain from the proper United States officers having the records of receipts from grazing permits and leased public lands the amount of receipts from sources in this state for each year for which money is received by the state. A separate account shall be kept of the amount received from each grazing district and lease of public lands,  and the state treasurer shall pay the county in which the grazing district or leased public land is located. If the grazing district or leased land lies in more than one county,  each county shall receive the proportional part of the amount as the area of the grazing district or leased public land included within the boundary of the county bears to the total area of the grazing district or lease.
C. For the purposes of this section the monies deposited with the state treasurer as provided by subsection A are appropriated to the several counties of the state in the proportions in which the counties are entitled thereto,  as shown by the records of the United States officers and transmitted to the state treasurer.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-724 - Receipts from lease of public lands

37-724.
Receipts from lease of public lands
All monies received from leases of public lands within any county shall be placed to the credit of the school district within the county in which the land lies. If the lands do not lie within a school district,  the monies shall be placed to the credit of the general school fund of the county.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-725 - Receipts from grazing district fees; district treasurer; duties

37-725.
Receipts from grazing district fees;  district treasurer;  duties
A. All monies received from grazing fees of a grazing district regularly established and including public lands within the county shall be placed to the credit of a special fund designated the range improvement fund of the grazing district which shall be given a number.
B. The county treasurer of the county in which such public lands are located shall be the ex officio district treasurer of any federal grazing district located wholly or in part within the county,  and shall be liable upon his official bond for the proper care and distribution of the monies. He shall collect,  receive,  receipt and account for all monies from such source,  and shall pay it upon the warrant of the grazing district signed by the chairman of the board of district advisors and countersigned by the vice-chairman thereof and the regional grazier in administrative charge of the district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-726 - Expenditure of grazing fees of district; purposes authorized

37-726.
Expenditure of grazing fees of district;  purposes authorized
The monies from grazing fees of grazing districts shall be expended within the county as the board of district advisors directs for range improvements and maintenance thereof,  predatory animal control,  rodent control,  poisonous or noxious weed extermination,  or the purchase or rental of lands within the county which will benefit the grazing district or the part thereof within the county.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-741 - Public roads and public education fund; purposes; approval of expenditures by legislature; distribution

37-741.
Public roads and public education fund;  purposes;  approval of expenditures by legislature;  distribution
A. There is created a special fund known as the state public roads and public education fund. There shall be deposited in the fund all monies received by the state as its distributive shares of the amounts collected by the United States government under the provisions of the act of Congress of February 25,  1920,  chapter 85 (41 Stat. 437) and acts amendatory thereof,  entitled,  " an act to promote the mining of coal,  phosphate,  oil,  oil shale,  gas and sodium on the public domain" .
B. No monies shall be expended from the fund created by subsection A of this section without prior approval therefor by an act of the legislature. The legislature may authorize expenditures from the fund for any of the following purposes:
1. The construction and maintenance of public roads.
2. The support of public schools or other public educational institutions.
C. At the beginning of each fiscal year,  one-half of the balance in the state public roads and public education fund shall be transferred to the state highway fund to be expended for secondary roads and one-half shall be transferred to the permanent state school fund and shall be administered as provided by section 37-521.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-801 - Duty to disclose names of persons having a beneficial interest in real property

37-801.
Duty to disclose names of persons having a beneficial interest in real property
When the state or any political subdivision thereof purchases or acquires an option to purchase real property,  or takes official preliminary steps by resolution of an executive commission resolving to purchase or acquire an option to purchase real property or an easement thereon,  or files an action to acquire title to real property or an easement thereon by condemnation,  the full names and addresses of all persons having a beneficial interest in such real property shall be disclosed to the person in charge of such department or agency of the state or political subdivision thereof,  acquiring or attempting to acquire title to such real property,  or an option therefor,  when requested in accordance with the provisions of this section. Upon receipt of a written demand therefor,  signed by the person in charge of such department or agency of the state or political subdivision thereof,  served in person by his authorized agent to which has been attached a certified copy of the resolution referred to in this section,  any person serving as a fiduciary in relation to such real property for any or all of the persons having a beneficial interest in such real property or any person who holds such property in his name in trust or otherwise for the benefit of any or all of such persons having a beneficial interest in the real property shall,  upon presentment of such demand,  disclose the names and addresses of all persons having a beneficial interest in the real property to the person making such demand on behalf of the department or agency of the state or political subdivision thereof.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-804 - Payment of outstanding taxes, penalties and interest on acquiring property

37-804.
Payment of outstanding taxes,  penalties and interest on acquiring property
A. If this state or any agency or instrumentality of this state acquires real or personal property,  whether by purchase,  exchange,  condemnation,  gift or otherwise,  the entity acquiring the title to the property may require the owner of subject property to provide sufficient funds to pay to the county treasurer any taxes on the property that were unpaid as of the date of acquisition,  including penalties and interest,  prorated to reflect the area of the acquisition.
B. The lien for unpaid delinquent taxes,  penalties and interest on property acquired by this state:
1. Is not abated,  extinguished,  discharged or merged in the title to the property.
2. Is enforceable in the same manner as other delinquent tax liens.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-901 - Definitions

37-901.
Definitions
In this chapter,  unless the context otherwise requires:
1. " Board"  means the public lands board of review.
2. " Public lands"  means all lands within the exterior boundaries of this state except lands:
(a) To which title is held by any natural person,  corporation,  company,  partnership,  firm,  association,  society or any other entity.
(b) Which are owned or held in trust by this state or any political subdivision of this state,  including leased school or university land.
(c) Lands which are located within and meet the standards and purposes of congressionally authorized national parks,  monuments,  national forests and wildlife refuges and such other lands acquired by purchase,  exchange,  gift or eminent domain consented to by the legislature.
(d) Which are controlled by the United States department of defense,  department of energy or bureau of reclamation and which were acquired by consent of the legislature and which meet the standards and purposes for which control was authorized.
(e) Which are held in trust for Indian purposes or which are Indian reservations.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-902 - Public lands; public policy; state land department

37-902.
Public lands;  public policy;  state land department
A. The department shall hold the public lands of this state in trust for the benefit of the people of this state and shall manage them in an orderly and beneficial manner consistent with the public policy declared in subsection B.
B. The department shall administer the public lands of this state in such a manner as to conserve and preserve natural resources,  wildlife habitat,  wilderness areas and historical sites and artifacts and to permit the development of compatible public uses for recreation,  agriculture,  ranching,  mining and timber production and the development,  production and transmission of energy and other public utility services under principles of multiple use which provide the greatest benefit to the people of this state.
C. Subject to existing rights,  all public land in this state and all minerals not previously appropriated to private ownership are the property of this state and subject to its jurisdiction and control.
D. Any public lands within this state administered by the United States under treaties or interstate compacts shall continue to be administered by this state in conformance with the treaties or compacts.
E. Until equivalent measures are enacted by this state,  the rights and privileges of the people of this state under the national forest reserve transfer act,  16 U.S.C. sec. 471 et seq.,  the general mining laws,  30 U.S.C. sec. 21 et seq.,  the Taylor grazing act,  43 U.S.C. sec. 315 et seq.,  the desert land act,  43 U.S.C. sec. 321 et seq.,  the Carey act,  43 U.S.C. sec. 641 et seq.,  the public rangelands improvement act,  43 U.S.C. sec. 1901 et seq. and all rights-of-way and easements for public utilities are preserved under the administration of this state.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-903 - State land commissioner; powers; duties

37-903.
State land commissioner;  powers;  duties
A. The commissioner may:
1. With the approval of the board,  promulgate rules and regulations deemed necessary to manage the public lands in an orderly and beneficial manner according to this chapter.
2. Contract for or employ professional and clerical personnel deemed necessary to carry out his functions under this chapter.
3. Convey,  lease or permit the use of public lands to the same extent or in the same manner as the public lands are conveyed,  leased,  licensed or permitted to be used by the federal government or any of its agencies.
B. The commissioner shall deposit,  pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147,  all fees,  rents,  royalties or other monies paid to this state for purposes of public lands,  except for state trust lands,  in the state general fund.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-904 - Public lands board of review; members; powers and duties; staff and officers; service of process

37-904.
Public lands board of review;  members;  powers and duties;  staff and officers;  service of process
A. There is established a public lands board of review consisting of the following members:
1. State land commissioner.
2. Director of environmental quality.
3. State geologist.
4. Director of the Arizona state parks board.
5. Director of the department of transportation.
6. Deputy state forester.
7. Director of water resources.
8. Director of the Arizona game and fish department.
9. As provided in subsection F,  the chairman of the board of supervisors of a county in which public lands are located.
10. One county supervisor,  appointed by the governor to serve at the pleasure of the governor.
B. The board shall elect one of its members to serve as chairman. The chairman shall call meetings of the board and prescribe the time and place of each meeting.
C. Members of the board are not eligible to receive compensation but are eligible for reimbursement of expenses pursuant to title 38,  chapter 4,  article 2.
D. The board:
1. Shall review and approve or disapprove all rules and regulations proposed by the commissioner under this chapter.
2. May review any decision of the commissioner relating to public lands under this chapter and affirm,  modify or reverse the decision.
E. The state land department shall provide the administrative staff and offices needed by the board,  and the state land commissioner shall be deemed the clerk of the board upon which notices of appeal and other process shall be served.
F. The chairman of the county board of supervisors of a county in which public lands are located and which are the subject of the board action shall serve as a member of the board for the purposes of the action.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-905 - Appeal of commissioner's decision; board of review; procedures; decision; further appeal

37-905.
Appeal of commissioner's decision;  board of review;  procedures;  decision;  further appeal
A. Any person who is aggrieved by a decision of the commissioner made pursuant to this chapter may appeal to the board by letter within thirty days after the date of the decision from which the appeal is taken.
B. To have the effect of commencing an appeal as provided for in subsection A,  a letter is required to:
1. Identify the decision from which the appeal is taken.
2. State legal grounds for the appeal.
3. List facts to support the grounds for the appeal.
4. Provide any other information specified by the board.
C. Upon receipt of the letter of appeal,  the board may:
1. Order the appeal dismissed if it appears to lack merit.
2. Set a date for a hearing on the appeal not more than forty-five days nor less than fifteen days after receipt of the letter of appeal. The board shall notify the commissioner and the person appealing of the date,  time and place of the hearing. The board shall conduct the hearing in an informal manner.
D. At the hearing the commissioner or his representative shall present the facts and reasons for reaching the decision being appealed. The person appealing or his representative may present facts and reasons supporting the appeal. If the person appealing or his representative is not present,  the board may consider the information set forth in the letter of appeal.
E. After the hearing,  if held,  the board may dismiss the appeal or take any other action which the board finds to be reasonable and proper. The board shall issue its order as soon as practicable after conducting the hearing.
F. The order of the board under this section is a final decision in a contested case and is subject to judicial review pursuant to title 41,  chapter 6,  article 10.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-906 - Public lands; disposal; use; written authorization required

37-906.
Public lands;  disposal;  use;  written authorization required
A. After January 1,  1980 no sale,  conveyance or other disposal of public lands may be authorized by the commissioner unless specifically authorized by law by the legislature.
B. Except as authorized by this chapter or by the commissioner pursuant to law,  any sale,  lease,  exchange,  encumbrance or other disposal of any parcel of or interest in the public lands is void.
C. Any person who intends to perform or carry out any act with respect to the use,  management or disposal of any public lands under any statute,  ordinance,  regulation,  custom or usage of the United States or otherwise shall obtain written authorization from the commissioner confirming or approving the act. The commissioner shall give the written authorization only as permitted under this chapter.
D. Any person who does not obtain written authorization as required under subsection C may be enjoined in an action brought by the attorney general from performing or continuing to carry out any act respecting the use,  management or disposal of any public lands.
E. Any person who receives any money or other consideration for any purported sale or other disposition of any public lands which was made in violation of this chapter is liable to this state for that money or the value of any other consideration. The money or value of any other consideration may be recovered for this state in an action brought by the attorney general.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-907 - Federal lands acquired without legislative consent; placement on tax rolls

37-907.
Federal lands acquired without legislative consent;  placement on tax rolls
All federal lands acquired before the effective date of this section without consent of the legislature through gift,  purchase,  exchange or eminent domain shall be placed on the general tax rolls of the counties of this state in the name of the grantor of the respective transactions. Such property is subject to taxation in the same manner as like property from and after January 1,  1981 unless prior to January 1,  1981 the legislature specifically approves and consents to federal ownership of the lands.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-909 - State payments to counties

37-909.
State payments to counties
A. A county receiving payments from the federal government or any federal agency under 31 United States code section 1601 et seq.,  whose payments are reduced due to action taken by this state under this article shall be reimbursed by the state treasurer from the state general fund in the total amount of the reduced revenues.
B. Prior to receiving any amount from the state treasurer,  the board of supervisors of an affected county shall submit to the state treasurer,  on a form provided by the state treasurer,  the following information:
1. The acreage and location of the land involved.
2. The total amount of revenue received from the federal government under 31 United States code section 1601 et seq.,  for the prior fiscal year.
3. The total amount of revenue received from the federal government under 31 United States code section 1601 et seq.,  for the current fiscal year.
4. The total amount of revenue lost by the county during the current fiscal year due to action taken under this article.
C. The state treasurer,  after verifying the information submitted,  shall draw a warrant on the state general fund and send the warrant to the county which submitted the information under subsection B.
D. A county shall not receive an amount from the state treasurer that,  when combined with the amount received from the federal government,  exceeds the total amount the county would have been eligible for under 31 United States code section 1601 et seq.,  during the same period of time.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1001 - Declaration of policy

37-1001.
Declaration of policy
It is declared the policy of the legislature to provide for the restoration and conservation of lands and soil resources of the state,  the preservation of water rights and the control and prevention of soil erosion,  and thereby to conserve natural resources,  conserve wildlife,  protect the tax base,  protect public lands and protect and restore this state's rivers and streams and associated riparian habitats,  including fish and wildlife resources that are dependent on those habitats,  and in such manner to protect and promote the public health,  safety and general welfare of the people.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1012 - State natural resource conservation commissioner

37-1012.
State natural resource conservation commissioner
A. The state land commissioner shall be state natural resource conservation commissioner. He shall serve as such without additional compensation.
B. The commissioner may appoint an administrative officer of the division of natural resource conservation,  a secretary and such other assistants as may be required,  assign their duties,  define their powers and determine the amount of bond required of any assistant entrusted with funds or property. The compensation of all such assistants shall be as determined pursuant to section 38-611.
C. The commissioner shall adopt a seal,  which shall be judicially noticed,  and shall hold such public hearings,  provide for the keeping of a record of all proceedings and annual records of district operations,  promulgate such orders,  rules and regulations and perform such other acts as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1013 - Powers and duties of commissioner

37-1013.
Powers and duties of commissioner
A. The state natural resource conservation commissioner shall:
1. Offer appropriate assistance to the supervisors of districts in carrying out their powers and programs.
2. Keep the supervisors of each district informed of the activities and experiences of other districts,  and facilitate cooperation and interchange of advice and experience between districts.
3. Coordinate the programs of the several districts insofar as possible by advice and consultation.
4. Require the supervisors of each district to file with the commissioner annually any audits and the records of the operations of the district for the preceding year in the form and detail as the commissioner prescribes.
5. Secure the cooperation and assistance of the United States,  its agencies and agencies of this state,  in the work of districts as local units of state government with special expertise concerning land,  soil,  water and natural resources management within the boundaries of the district,  as the commissioner deems for the best interest of the state.
6. Disseminate information throughout the state concerning the activities and program of districts.
7. Provide staff support to the Arizona water protection fund commission established by title 45,  chapter 12 and provide administrative assistance to natural resource conservation districts for compliance with the duties for districts pursuant to title 45,  chapter 12.
B. The commissioner may remove a district supervisor from office if the commissioner determines,  after reasonable notice and an impartial hearing,  that the supervisor is guilty of misfeasance,  malfeasance or nonfeasance in office. For the purposes of this subsection,  " nonfeasance"  includes the failure to attend three consecutive meetings of district supervisors without reasonable excuse.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1014 - State financial assistance; application; criteria

37-1014.
State financial assistance;  application;  criteria
A. The commissioner shall include in the annual state land department budget request a sum of not more than forty thousand dollars for each district and sixty thousand dollars for each education center for distribution by the commissioner to those natural resource conservation districts that have applied for,  have met the criteria for and have been approved for receiving state financial assistance,  as provided in this section.
B. Any district or education center desiring to receive state financial assistance for the next ensuing fiscal year shall apply to the commissioner not later than June 20,  on a form supplied by the division of natural resource conservation. Each application shall include:
1. The number of acres of land lying within the district.
2. The extent of conservation programs or education center programs proposed to be undertaken during the fiscal year for which the financial assistance is being requested.
3. Any audits that are requested by the commissioner.
C. On receipt of the application,  the commissioner shall determine whether or not such funds for the district or education center will be included in the budget request for the state land department and shall promptly notify the district of that determination.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1015 - Environmental special plate fund; distribution

37-1015.
Environmental special plate fund;  distribution
A. An environmental special plate fund is established and is administered by the commissioner consisting of monies received pursuant to section 28-2413.
B. Subject to legislative appropriation,  the department shall distribute five thousand dollars annually to each natural resource conservation district with an established education center for the purpose of developing and implementing an environmental education program that is conducted in a balanced manner,  that is based on current scientific information and that includes a discussion of economic and social implications.
C. The fund established in this section is exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations. On notice from the commissioner,  the state treasurer shall invest and divest monies in the fund as provided by section 35-313,  and monies earned from investment shall be credited to the fund.
D. The appropriated monies shall only be used for the designated purposes specified in statute.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1031 - Petition for creation of district

37-1031.
Petition for creation of district
Twenty-five or more owners of land,  but not less than twenty per cent of the owners of land lying within the limits of a proposed district,  or if there are fewer than twenty-five owners of land in the proposed district,  not less than twenty-five per cent of all such owners,  may petition the commissioner requesting that a district be organized. The petition shall contain:
1. The proposed name of the district.
2. A declaration that there is need,  in the interest of preservation of property,  health,  safety and public welfare,  for a district in the territory described.
3. A description of the exterior boundaries of the territory proposed to be organized.
4. A request that the commissioner:
(a) Determine that the district be created.
(b) Define the boundaries of the proposed district.
(c) Direct that a referendum be held within the territory so defined on the question of the creation of a district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1032 - Hearing on petition; notice

37-1032.
Hearing on petition;  notice
A. Within ninety days after a petition has been accepted by the commissioner,  notice shall be given by publication in at least two issues,  at intervals of not less than six days,  of a newspaper of general circulation within the area affected,  or if there is no such newspaper,  a newspaper of general circulation within the county,  of a hearing upon:
1. The desirability and necessity,  in the interest of preservation of property,  health,  safety and public welfare,  of the creation of such district.
2. The appropriate boundaries to be assigned to the district.
3. The propriety of the petition and other proceedings taken.
4. All related questions.
B. All owners of land within the limits of the territory described in the petition and of lands within any territory considered for addition to the described territory,  and all other interested parties,  may attend and be heard at such hearing.
C. If it appears on the hearing that it is desirable to include within the proposed district territory outside the area described in the petition,  the hearing shall be adjourned and notice of further hearing given,  in the manner provided by this section,  in the entire area considered for inclusion in the district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1033 - Determination by commissioner

37-1033.
Determination by commissioner
A. If,  after final hearing upon a petition,  the commissioner determines upon the facts presented and other relevant information that a district within the territory considered is in the public interest,  he shall record such determination and define the boundaries of the district. In defining the boundaries,  he shall consider:
1. The topography of the area.
2. The character of soils.
3. The distribution of erosion.
4. Prevailing land use practices.
5. The desirability and necessity of including within the boundaries of the district the particular lands under consideration and the benefits to be received by such inclusion.
6. The relation of the proposed area to existing watersheds and agricultural regions,  and to other districts already organized or proposed for organization.
7. Such other physical,  geographical and economic factors as are relevant.
B. In defining the boundaries of the district,  the commissioner shall not include therein any area,  land or property of any person or persons who do not desire to have such area,  land,  or property included in such district. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary,  lands held under certificate of purchase or lease from the state shall not be included in any district if the holder or holders of certificates of purchase or the leases therefor do not desire such lands included.
C. If the commissioner determines that it is not in the public interest for a district to function in the territory considered,  he shall record such determination and deny the petition.
D. After expiration of eighteen months from the date of entry of a determination by the commissioner that operation of a proposed district is not administratively and economically feasible,  and denial of a petition pursuant to that determination,  petitions may again be filed and action taken in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1034 - Referendum; election of supervisors

37-1034.
Referendum;  election of supervisors
A. Within a reasonable time after the commissioner has recorded his determination that it is in the public interest that a district be organized,  and has defined the boundaries thereof,  he shall hold a referendum within the proposed district upon the question of the creation of the district,  and an election to elect three supervisors. He shall adopt rules for the conduct of such referendum and election and prescribe a procedure for the determination of persons eligible to vote. The referendum and election of supervisors shall be conducted by separate ballots.
B. The ballot for the referendum shall:
1. Describe the boundaries of the proposed district as determined by the commissioner.
2. Contain the propositions: " For the creation of a district"  and " against the creation of a district" ,  with a square after each proposition.
3. An instruction to mark an X in the square after the proposition for which the voter wishes to vote.
C. Only owners of land lying within the boundaries of the territory described shall be eligible to vote on the referendum,  but any such owner who is not a qualified elector of the district,  or any owner who is a qualified elector but is unable because of illness or absence from the district to appear at the polls,  may appoint in writing,  on a form prescribed by the commissioner,  a qualified elector of the district as his agent or proxy. The appointment of agent or proxy shall be presented to the board of election,  and if it is found to be bona fide and in proper form,  the holder thereof shall be allowed to vote in behalf of the owner executing the appointment on the question of creation of the district only. The appointment shall be filed with the ballots and other election returns.
D. Candidates for supervisor shall file nomination petitions with the commissioner in the manner prescribed by the commissioner. Any qualified elector of the proposed district may sign the petitions of not more than three candidates. The names of candidates shall appear on the election ballot in alphabetical order by surnames,  with a square opposite each name,  and an instruction to mark an X in the squares opposite the names of not more than three candidates for whom the voter wishes to vote.
E. No informality in the conduct of any referendum or election held under the provisions of this chapter,  or in any matter relating thereto,  shall invalidate the result thereof if notice has been given substantially as prescribed in section 37-1032,  and the referendum and election have been fairly conducted. All expenses of a referendum and election shall be paid by the commissioner.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1035 - Proclamation of result of referendum and election; terms of supervisors

37-1035.
Proclamation of result of referendum and election;  terms of supervisors
A. If not less than sixty-five per cent of the landowners voting at the referendum and the owners of not less than fifty per cent of the land,  other than publicly owned,  lying within the proposed district vote in favor of the creation thereof,  the commissioner shall declare the district organized. Otherwise he shall declare the proposal defeated.
B. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes at the election for supervisors shall be declared elected. Their terms shall begin upon the date of filing the oath of office with the secretary of state. The term of the candidate receiving the largest number of votes shall terminate on May 31 of the third even-numbered year,  of the candidate receiving the next largest number of votes on May 31 of the second even-numbered year,  and of the candidate receiving the next largest number of votes on May 31 of the first even-numbered year following the election.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1037 - Addition of territory

37-1037.
Addition of territory
A. Territory adjacent to an organized district may be included therein upon a petition signed by seventy-five per cent of the owners of land,  other than publicly owned land,  within the territory proposed for addition filed with the district supervisors,  requesting the inclusion of their lands in the district.
B. The supervisors shall hold a public hearing upon the advisability and feasibility of including the additional territory,  notice of which shall be given by posting at least two weeks prior to the date of the hearing in the office of the supervisors and such other public notice as the supervisors may deem proper. If,  after such hearing,  the supervisors recommend and the commissioner,  upon a review of the findings of the supervisors,  approves,  the additional land shall become a part of the district. The commissioner shall certify the action to the secretary of state,  and the certificate shall be filed with the original certificate of organization of the district.
C. No area,  land,  property of or lands held by any person under lease or certificate of purchase from the state shall be included in any territory added to any district if the owner or owners of such area,  lands,  property,  certificate of purchase or leaseholds do not desire them to be included in such district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1038 - Dissolution of district

37-1038.
Dissolution of district
A. At any time after five years following the organization of a district,  any twenty-five owners of land or not less than twenty per cent of the owners of land lying within the boundaries of the district may file a petition with the commissioner praying that the operations of the district be terminated and its existence discontinued. The commissioner shall conduct such public meetings and hearings upon the petition as may be necessary to assist in the consideration thereof.
B. Within sixty days after filing of the petition,  the commissioner shall give notice of the holding of a referendum,  and shall supervise the referendum and issue appropriate regulations governing the conduct thereof. The question shall be submitted by ballots upon which the propositions,  " For terminating the existence of the (name of district)"  and " against terminating the existence of the (name of district), "  shall be printed,  with a square after each proposition and an instruction to mark an X in the square following the proposition for which the voter desires to vote. Only owners of lands lying within the boundaries of the district shall be eligible to vote on the referendum. No informality in the conduct of the referendum or in any matter relating thereto shall invalidate the referendum or the result thereof,  if due notice thereof has been given substantially as provided in this chapter and the referendum has been fairly conducted.
C. If sixty-five per cent of the landowners voting thereon vote to terminate the existence of a district,  the commissioner shall advise the supervisors to conclude the affairs of the district. The supervisors shall dispose of all property belonging to the district at public auction and shall transmit the proceeds of the sale to the state treasurer for deposit,  pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147.
D. The supervisors shall thereupon file a verified application with the secretary of state for discontinuance of the district,  together with the certificate of the commissioner setting forth the determination of the commissioner that the continued operation of the district is not administratively feasible. The application shall recite that the property of the district has been disposed of and the proceeds paid over as provided in this section,  and shall include a full accounting of the properties and the proceeds of the sale. The secretary of state shall issue to the supervisors a certificate of dissolution,  and shall record the certificate in his office.
E. The commissioner shall not entertain a petition for the discontinuance of any district,  nor conduct a referendum thereon,  nor make any determination pursuant thereto,  more than once in five years.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 37 - Public Lands › § 37-1039 - Status following dissolution

37-1039.
Status following dissolution
Upon the issuance of a certificate of dissolution as provided in section 37-1038,  the ordinances and regulations theretofore in force within the district shall be of no further effect. Any contract theretofore entered into to which the district or supervisors are parties shall remain in force for the period provided therein,  and the commissioner shall be substituted for the district or supervisors as a party thereto. The commissioner shall be entitled to all benefits and subject to all liabilities under any such contract and shall have the same right and liability to perform,  require performance,  sue and be sued thereon,  and to modify or terminate the contract by mutual consent or otherwise,  as the supervisors of the district would have had. Dissolution shall not affect the lien of any judgment entered under the provisions of this chapter,  nor the pendency of any action instituted thereunder,  and the commissioner shall succeed to all the rights and obligations of the district or supervisors as to such liens and actions.