Bill > SF0043

This bill amends Wyoming state law to extend and clarify temporary water rights transfers, increasing the maximum duration of temporary water use agreements from two to five years, with the potential for successive five-year renewals. The total length of any temporary transfer, including extensions, cannot exceed ten years. Importantly, the bill requires that after a temporary transfer expires, the original water right must be used for its original purpose for at least half the duration of the temporary transfer before another temporary transfer can be sought. The state engineer is given discretion to approve renewals but is prohibited from approving any transfer that would negatively impact the water rights of other water users. The bill broadens the acceptable purposes for temporary water transfers from specific uses like highway construction to more general "temporary beneficial purposes," while maintaining protections for existing water rights holders. The amendment will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing water right holders with more flexibility in managing their water resources while maintaining safeguards for long-term water use.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources (J)

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/SF0043