SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2614

                    As of February 18, 2000

Title:  An act relating to the effect on water rights of water use restrictions in response to listing of species as threatened or endangered under federal law.

Brief Description:  Expanding sufficient cause for nonuse of water rights.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives G. Chandler, Parlette, Linville, Sump, Schoesler and Ruderman).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  2/22/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background:  In general, any person who abandons or voluntarily fails to beneficially use a water right for five successive years relinquishes the water right and it reverts to the state, unless there is sufficient cause for the nonuse.  Sufficient cause includes restrictions imposed by federal laws, either directly or through voluntary enrollment in a federal program.

Summary of Bill:  Any restriction imposed by federal, state, or local government in response to listing under the federal Endangered Species Act is an example of restriction imposed directly by federal laws.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.