HB 2396 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

Declares an intent to direct state agencies to work with watershed planning units and other local groups to develop action programs that implement responsibilities for achieving and protecting instream flows.

Declares an intent to: (1) Commit the state to achieving and protecting instream flows statewide;

(2) Identify stream flows that are needed to ensure a healthy watershed and that can be achieved, and establish these as instream flows;

(3) Require the development of instream flow programs that identify and schedule the actions needed to achieve and protect instream flows;

(4) Build on the implementation of watershed plans and similar programs, and make the state agencies accountable to work jointly with governments and water users to achieve and protect instream flows; and

(5) Evaluate funding for state water management programs, including for the public share of instream flow programs.