Bill > HB0046

This bill amends Utah's water rights law to modify the process for reinstating lapsed water right applications. Specifically, the bill changes the procedure for how the state engineer handles applications that have lapsed due to an applicant's failure to comply with requirements. Under the new provisions, an applicant can request reinstatement within 60 days of receiving a lapse notice by filing a reinstatement form and requesting an extension of time. The bill modifies the priority date rules, generally changing the priority date to the date of the reinstatement request, with an exception allowing the original priority date to be reinstated only in cases of mistake by the state engineer or fraud. The bill also clarifies existing rules about assigning water right applications, including requirements for recording assignments and the implications of not properly recording such assignments. These changes aim to provide more clarity and structure to the water rights application process while maintaining protections for existing rights. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0046.html