The Arizona House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 2116, a bipartisan measure sponsored by State Representative Gail Griffin. The bill aims to bolster Arizona’s legal defense fund in anticipation of potential litigation over Colorado River water rights. It allocates $1 million for the fiscal year 2027 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund, established in 2025 for use by the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Griffin, who represents Legislative District 19 and serves as Chairman of the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee, emphasized the importance of preparing for possible court actions. “Arizona does not get to wish its way out of a water fight,” she said. “Other states have been positioning themselves for court long before this fund was created.”
The bill progressed through both the House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee and the Appropriations Committee with bipartisan backing. As water negotiations among Basin states continue and delivery shortfalls loom, state leaders warn that legal action may become necessary if current obligations are ignored.
Griffin added that waiting until a lawsuit is filed would be reckless, highlighting that HB 2116 positions Arizona proactively rather than reactively. The bill now moves to the Arizona Senate for further consideration.
Gail Griffin was elected to represent Arizona’s 19th House District in 2023, succeeding Lorenzo Sierra.
