HB 2050 - DIGEST

Requires intensive water users, who hold a water right document for industrial, agricultural, or commercial purposes, to annually remit a water right protection fee.

Requires the department of ecology to: (1) Provide notice by mail of the requirement to pay fees;

(2) Widely publicize the requirement for water right holders and claimants to pay the fees; and

(3) Establish and maintain up-to-date records of the entities that hold water rights and claimed rights.

Authorizes the department of ecology to: (1) Issue orders and civil penalties as a result of unpaid fees;

(2) Contract with the department of revenue or other appropriate entities for administration and collection of fees; and

(3) Adopt rules to modify and update the fees.

Changes the name of the water rights tracking system account to the water rights protection account.