Bill > HB0415

This bill modifies the employment status and benefits for water commissioners in Utah by clarifying their official employment classification and eligibility for benefits. Specifically, the bill updates the legal definition of water commissioners to explicitly state that they are employees of the Division of Water Rights and are now considered appointed officers eligible for health and retirement benefits if they meet the definition of a regular full-time employee. The bill also exempts water commissioners from the Utah State Personnel Management Act, which provides them with more flexible employment terms. The bill maintains the existing process for appointing water commissioners, which involves consulting with water users and allows the state engineer to make final determinations about appointment, duties, and compensation if water users cannot agree. Water commissioners will continue to be responsible for distributing water from river systems or water sources, and their salary and expenses will still be pro-rated among water users based on their established water rights. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, providing clarity and potentially improved employment conditions for water commissioners across Utah.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0415.html