Bill > HB0243

This bill modifies Utah's Agricultural Water Optimization program by updating two key sections of state law. It adjusts the Agricultural Water Optimization Account, which can receive funds from legislative appropriations, federal sources, and grants, to now explicitly allow funding for research in addition to issuing grants for improving agricultural water efficiency. The bill also modifies the Agricultural Water Optimization Committee's composition and responsibilities, including reducing the matching fund requirements for certain types of irrigation and research projects (from 50% to 25% for subsurface drip, automated surge irrigation, and measurement/telemetry projects). The committee is now tasked with overseeing research that examines farm economics, identifies obstacles to water optimization, and develops methods for measuring water savings and program effectiveness. The bill establishes requirements for grant recipients, such as installing water measurement devices and reporting water use to the state engineer. Importantly, the bill takes effect on May 7, 2025, giving stakeholders time to prepare for the new provisions. The overall goal appears to be improving agricultural water use efficiency and supporting farmers in adopting more sustainable water management practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0243.html