The Arizona House of Representatives today passed SB 1001 in a 58-0 vote. The bill, which aims to protect Arizona’s military installations through land exchanges, now goes back to the Senate for Final Reading.

The sponsor of the legislation, Senator John Nelson, has consistently said throughout this session that protecting the state’s military bases is necessary for Arizona’s continued economic growth.

“There has been talk by the federal government of seriously decreasing defense spending over the coming years, so it’s imperative that we take steps to safeguard our military bases,” says Senator Nelson.

The bill allows the State Land Department, with voter approval, to conduct exchanges of state trust land to prevent encroachment that could endanger the bases’ ability to perform their assigned missions. The bill, along with a corresponding amendment to the state constitution, would also increase the value of state trust land, thus creating additional new revenue forArizona’s schools and universities.

“Everyone benefits with this bill. Our military bases, schools, the state and all of its residents, because of a growing economy,” says Senator Nelson.