The House is set to debate a measure that would offer protections to the herd of wild horses living near Arizona's Salt River.
Rep. Kelly Townsend of Mesa is sponsoring a proposal that would establish the herd of about 100 horses as state property under care of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
The Republican lawmaker's measure comes after the U.S. Forest Service planned to remove the horses. The Forest Service has since reversed its decision facing public pressure.
The measure would also opt the state out of paying for management of the herd.
Advocates for the horses say the bill doesn't do enough to protect the animals.
The House is set to debate House Bill 2340 Wednesday afternoon.
