The Arizona House of Representatives has unanimously passed HB 2116, a bill that allocates $1 million for the Colorado River Litigation Fund in fiscal year 2027. The fund, established in 2025, is designated for use by the Arizona Department of Water Resources to pursue legal action if necessary to protect the state’s rights to Colorado River water.
The legislation received bipartisan support as it moved through both the House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee and the Appropriations Committee. The measure aims to ensure Arizona is prepared to defend its lawful entitlement to Colorado River water amid ongoing negotiations among Basin states and potential delivery shortfalls.
Arizona relies on consistent enforcement of interstate water agreements to secure its long-term water supply for various sectors including cities, agriculture, military installations, housing developments, and semiconductor manufacturing. State leaders have indicated that litigation may become necessary if current legal agreements are not honored.
“Arizona does not get to wish its way out of a water fight,” said Representative Gail Griffin. “Other states have been positioning themselves for court long before this fund was created. Hopefully, the fund will not be needed, but if it is—this bill makes sure that Arizona is ready to defend the water that millions of people and billions of dollars of economic activity depend on. Waiting until a lawsuit is filed to start planning would be reckless. HB 2116 puts Arizona on offense, not defense.”
The bill now moves forward to the Arizona Senate for further consideration.
Carbone, a Republican who was elected in 2023 to represent Arizona’s 25th House District, succeeded former state representative Michelle Udall.
