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Read. Follow. Verify.Arizona HCR 2046 proposes constitutional amendment to allow state land mortgages and change bidding rules for trust lands
Last action · February 5, 2026: House Second ReadingSponsor: Michael Way
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What This Bill Proposed
Arizona HCR 2046 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the mortgage or of and authorize the State Land Commissioner to evaluate land sales or leases based on the rather than strictly requiring the highest monetary bid. The measure requires voter approval at the next general election.
Changes the legal standards governing how millions of acres of are managed, leased, developed, and sold, shifting discretion toward long-term financial returns and infrastructure improvement for trust beneficiaries.
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
State Trust Land Beneficiaries
Their long-term financial returns and asset values are managed under new prudent investor standards and potential infrastructure development.
Arizona State Land Department
The Land Commissioner receives expanded authority to mortgage lands, invest in infrastructure, and evaluate bids beyond just the highest monetary amount.
Arizona Voters
Must vote on whether to approve the proposed constitutional amendment at the next general election.
Key Facts
- HCR 2046 proposes an amendment to Article X, Section 3 of the Arizona Constitution concerning state land trusts.
- The legislature may by law allow the mortgage, pledge, or encumbrance of state trust lands or interests therein.
- The State Land Commissioner must act solely in the financial best interest of trust beneficiaries using the care, skill, prudence, and diligence of a prudent investor.
- The Commissioner is not required to award a sale or lease to the highest monetary bidder and may consider the highest and best use of the lands.
Show all 7 facts
- The Commissioner or legislature may improve, develop, or enhance the value of state trust lands through water resources, transportation, or utility infrastructure development before disposition.
- The measure maintains existing leasing exceptions for grazing, agricultural, commercial, homesite, mineral, and oil and gas purposes.
- The Secretary of State is directed to submit the proposition to voters at the next general election.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HCR 2046 change about state land sales?
Can state trust lands be mortgaged under this measure?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This resolution did not become law - Died at adjournment · on the House floor.
Procedural history
2 actions- Feb 5, 2026HouseFloorHouse Second Reading
- Feb 4, 2026HouseIntroducedHouse First Reading
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Discretionary Bidding Shift
The measure shifts state land disposition policy away from mandatory highest monetary bids toward a prudent investor standard that permits consideration of highest and best use.
Connected Entities
Sources
apps.azleg.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy50Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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