Bill > HB2803

This bill increases various fees related to water rights and water resource management administered by the Water Resources Department and Water Resources Commission. The bill substantially raises fees across multiple categories, including fees for examining water right applications, permit processing, water use registrations, and other administrative services. For example, the base fee for examining a water appropriation application increases from $1,090 to $1,635, and fees for additional water appropriation units increase from $410 to $615. The fee increases apply to a wide range of water-related services, such as examining applications for water storage, water right changes, temporary transfers, protests, and various types of permits. The bill also increases annual dam ownership fees based on hazard ratings and adjusts fees for water use registration by type (irrigation, power, mining). The fee increases are intended to help cover the department's administrative costs. The bill declares an emergency and is set to take effect immediately upon passage, with an intention that the new fee structure apply retroactively to July 1, 2025, and that fees charged consistent with the amendments be ratified as valid.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2803