Bill

Bill > HB3112


OR HB3112

Relating to the voluntary relinquishment of water rights; declaring an emergency.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025 Legislative Measures

Bill Summary

The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act tells an agency to create a program for paying people to give up certain ground water rights. The Act gives money for the program. (Flesch Readability Score: 79.7). Directs the Water Resources Commission to establish a program for compensating ground water right holders for voluntarily relinquishing all or portions of ground water rights in basins designated as critical ground water areas. Appropriates moneys to the commission for the purpose of funding the program. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a voluntary ground water rights relinquishment program administered by the Water Resources Commission, targeting basins designated as critical ground water areas. The program will compensate water right holders up to the market value of their water rights if they choose to give up all or part of their rights, with the goals of reducing ground water use, providing environmental and economic benefits, and improving ground water conditions. The commission is authorized to accept funding from various sources, including governmental and private entities, and will be appropriated an unspecified amount from the General Fund to support the program's establishment and implementation. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, reflecting the urgent need to address ground water management in critical areas. The program is designed to incentivize voluntary participation by water right holders, particularly those in agricultural sectors, to help mitigate ground water usage challenges.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water with subsequent referral to Ways and Means. (on 01/17/2025)

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