Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Agriculture & Ecology Committee

HB 1769

Brief Description:  Changing the time period for relinquishment of a water right.

Sponsors:  Representatives G. Chandler, B. Chandler, Clements, Armstrong, Lisk, Delvin and Mulliken.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Extends the period of non-use that causes a relinquishment of a water right to 10 years.

Hearing Date:  2/15/01

Staff:  Kenneth Hirst (786‑7105).

Background: 

In general, if a person abandons his or her water right or voluntarily fails to use the right for 5 successive years, the person relinquishes the right or the portion of the right abandoned or not used.  (RCW 90.14.160 - 90.14.180.)  Exemptions, referred to a "sufficient causes" for the non-use, are provided by the relinquishment statutes.  (RCW 90.14.140.)

Summary of Bill: 

The period of non-use of a water right without a sufficient cause that constitutes a relinquishment of the right is now 10 years, rather than 5 years.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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