SB 6279-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Recognizes that water rights are appurtenant to land and can be transferred along with the land or can be transferred separately, becoming appurtenant to other land.

     Recognizes that the department of ecology administers water rights records and counties administer real property records.

     Declares an intent to establish a source of funds to help improve and integrate records relating to water rights ownership that the department of ecology and counties each administer.  Revenue collected by the state from that portion of the existing real estate excise tax that is attributable to sales of water rights is dedicated to this purpose.  Use of the revenue by the departments of ecology and revenue and counties to develop and implement improvements in administration of records relating to water rights ownership is authorized.

     Provides that, by November 1, 2004, the department of ecology shall report to the appropriate standing committees of the senate and house of representatives regarding implementation of this act and make recommendations for administrative and legislative actions to improve records and information management regarding water rights ownership.