Bill > HB0473

This bill reorganizes and renames the Colorado River Authority of Utah, moving it from the Governor's office to the Department of Natural Resources, and expands its membership to include the river commissioner as chair, representatives from five Colorado River authority areas, the director of the Division of Water Resources, the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources (as a non-voting member), and the state engineer (as a non-voting member). It also clarifies the authority's powers and mission to protect Utah's right to use waters from the Colorado River system, allows it to enter into contracts and agreements, and coordinate with other entities, including tribal governments and the Utah water agent. The bill also makes changes to procurement laws, ensuring the Colorado River Authority is not subject to the Utah Procurement Code but must adopt similar procedures, and modifies provisions related to protected records, water conservation plans, and the powers and duties of various water-related boards and divisions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0473.html