| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
HB 2245
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Clarifying when a water right is relinquished.
Sponsors: Representatives Grant, Newhouse, Chandler, Williams, Kretz and Warnick.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/08
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
If a person abandons or voluntarily fails to use beneficially all or any part of the person's water
right for five successive years, the right or unused portion is relinquished and reverts to the state.
A procedure has been established under which the Department of Ecology (DOE) may determine
and the Pollution Control Hearings Board may confirm that a water right has reverted to the State
for non-use. A number of exemptions from this relinquishment requirement are listed by statute.
Summary of Bill:
Full or partial non-use of a water right occurring prior to 15 years preceding a request to the DOE
for a change, transfer, or amendment of a water right is exempt from relinquishment. This
exemption does not apply to surface water rights undergoing adjudication.
The exemption goes into effect on July 1, 2008.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/16/2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.