Bill > HB0174

This bill modifies the Water Rights Restricted Account, a state fund designed to support water rights management activities. The bill expands the allowable uses of the account's funds to include obtaining legal support, which was previously not explicitly permitted. The account, which is part of the General Fund, receives money from a specific source (Subsection 59-12-103 (5)(e)) and can now be used for additional purposes such as employing technical staff, acquiring equipment, conducting studies, installing and maintaining measurement infrastructure, sharing costs of stream gauge operations, and acquiring and analyzing surface and groundwater data. The bill maintains the existing $8,000,000 cap on the account balance, with any excess funds to be transferred to the Water Resources Conservation and Development Fund. The changes aim to provide more flexibility for the Division of Water Rights in managing water-related activities and legal support. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for the new provisions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0174.html