Arizona Senate proposes constitutional amendment establishing a resident right to a clean environment

Original title: environment; constitutional amendment

Last action · January 28, 2026: Senate Second ReadingSponsors: Lauren Kuby and 12 others

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What This Bill Proposed

SCR 1017 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish an inherent and inalienable right to clean air, water, ecosystems, and a safe climate for present and future generations, subject to voter approval at the next general election.

Why it matters

If approved by voters, the state government and local subdivisions would be legally mandated to serve as trustees of natural resources and prioritize safe climate systems and renewable energy.

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.

Directly affected

Arizona residents

Gain a constitutional right to clean air, water, healthy ecosystems, and a safe climate.

Directly affected

State of Arizona and political subdivisions

Must serve as trustees of natural resources and prioritize secure climate systems and renewable energy.

Key Facts

The measure proposes adding Section 38 to Article II of the Constitution of Arizona.
Each person is declared to have an inherent and inalienable right to clean water, clean air, healthy ecosystems, a safe climate, and environmental preservation.
Environmental rights belong to both present and future generations.
The state and political subdivisions must protect these rights and cannot infringe on them.

Show all 9 facts

Natural resources including waters, air, flora, fauna, and climate are designated as common property of all people.
The state and political subdivisions must serve as trustees of natural resources and conserve them.
Securing a safe and stable climate system and providing clean, renewable, and safe energy is declared a compelling state interest.
The constitutional provisions are self-executing.
The Secretary of State is required to submit the proposition to voters at the next general election.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SCR 1017 do?

It proposes amending the Arizona Constitution to guarantee a right to a clean and healthy environment and mandates that the state protect natural resources.

Who does this proposed amendment apply to?

It applies to all present and future generations in Arizona, as well as the state government and its s.

When would this amendment take effect?

It requires approval by voters at the next general election and subsequent proclamation by the Governor.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

This resolution did not become law - Died at adjournment · on the Senate floor.

Procedural history

2 actions

Jan 28, 2026SenateFloor
Senate Second Reading
Jan 27, 2026SenateIntroduced
Senate 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.

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