The Arizona Wildlife Federation was born over 100 years ago out of a need to keep politics out of wildlife and public lands management — that hasn't changed. We aim to keep you informed, especially when the interests of sportsmen, women, and other outdoor enthusiasts are under threat. When bad bills come up, we work tirelessly in our communications with decision-makers and collaborate closely with other groups and organizations to defeat those bills. But your voice is a particularly powerful one — we need our legislators to hear it. 

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Current Bills AWF is Monitoring in the 2026 Legislative Session

HCR = House Concurrent Resolution

HCM = House Concurrent Memorial

SCR = Senate Concurrent Resolution

SB = Senate Bill

Oppose:

SB1281: federal government; land acquisition; consent

Primarily Sponsored by Senator Farnsworth

Seeks to require state government approval before the federal government can acquire land within the state's boundaries. While proponents argue the bill aims to assert state sovereignty and protect local interests, critics raise substantial concerns about its potential economic, environmental, and legal impacts. 

This is the same bill that would prevent a private property owner from selling their property to the federal government that we see every year in the legislature. From private property rights to hindering important conservation projects and access, this bill is no good. We strongly encourage you to use your voice and speak out against this bill. Scroll down this page to see examples of what we would lose with this legislation.*

HB2162 and HB2058: game and fish commission; membership

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Diaz

These bills require at least one member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to be a cattleman or rancher. While the ranching community is an important voice concerning lands and wildlife, ranching interests are already covered by having a designated seat on the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board. Further, appointing a designated seat on the Commission to any special interest group opens up an avenue for other, possibly more nefarious groups, to demand equal representation.

HB2147: deer; taking; landowner permits

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Griffin

This bill requires the Arizona Game and Fish Department to adopt rules and issue landowner permits for the take of deer on private lands if the Commission determines such permits are necessary to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife. The bill also prohibits the Department from issuing landowner deer permits if the total number of landowner permits exceeds 10 percent of the total number of deer tags issued through the general lottery draw during the calendar year. Ultimately, this legislation shifts wildlife management authority away from agency biologists and wildlife professionals and places it in the hands of the legislature. Establishing a private landowner tag model also raises serious concerns and creates conflicts with the principles of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Other states, such as New Mexico, provide clear examples of the challenges and unintended consequences this type of system can create.

SB1155: Game and Fish; complimentary licenses; veterans

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Rogers

Simply put this bill would provide complementary hunting and fishing licenses to veterans. On the surface, this might seem like a good thing to do, but a program like this would severely impact Arizona Game and Fish Deparment funding.

HB2158: predatory animals; definition

HB2159: Mexican wolves; landowner permits; rules

HB2160: Mexican wolf; management committee; appropriation

HB2787: federal nullification; Mexican wolf; reintroduction

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Diaz

SB1280: public monies; Mexican wolf; prohibition

Primarily Sponsored by Senator Farnsworth

We have grouped the above bills together as they are all related to lessening protections around, or restricting funding to, the Mexican gray wolf. Being that the Mexican gray wolf is listed under the Endangered Species Act, and managed by the federal government in coordination with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, many of these bills would be deemed illegal.

HB2161: sovereign authority; endangered species act

HCM2006: endangered species act; urging reform

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Diaz

The above bill and memorial could have very well been grouped in with the Mexican wolf bills as they are largely targeted at this species. The same legal issues also apply to these.

Support:

HB2281: Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Travers

This proposes an annual allocation of $10 million from the state lottery fund to the Heritage Fund, contingent on voter approval. The Heritage Fund provides grant opportunities for trail projects, outdoor environmental education programs, local, regional, and state parks, as well as historic preservation projects through legislatively appropriated funds. Maintains the effective date of July 1, 2027 for a duplicate section of statute.

SB1041: appropriation; Arizona trail fund

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Rogers

Appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund in FY2026-27 to the Arizona Trail Fund.

HB2197: unlawful camping; stock; wildlife; access

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Bliss

Modifies 17-308 strictly prohibiting a person from camping within one-fourth mile of a natural water hole or man-made watering facility that contains water if the camping denies wildlife or domestic stock access. This bill has been amended with new language provided by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and AWF is in support of this legislation with that amended language.

Monitoring:

HB2497: right to hunt; fish; harvest

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Way

Amends Title 17 to establish that citizens of Arizona have a right to lawfully hunt, fish and harvest wildlife. AWF could potentially, and likely, move this to the ‘support’ category after analysis and if it moves forward in committee.

HB2763: shooting range; closure; conditions

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Nguyen

Adds the requirement that the Legislature must adopt a Joint Resolution approving the closure of a shooting range before it is sent to the Governor to approve through Executive Order. This is another bill that could be moved to our ‘support’ category upon further analysis.

HB2157: livestock loss inspector; appropriation

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Diaz

Appropriates one livestock loss inspector position from the state general fund in FY2026-27 to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. AWF has a neutral stance on this and is monitoring based on limited general funds.

HB2156:  livestock compensation fund; appropriation

Primarily Sponsored by Representative Diaz

Appropriates an unspecified amount from the state general fund in FY2026-27 to the Livestock Compensation Fund. AWF has a neutral stance on this and is monitoring based on limited general funds.