Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 1379
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: Defining "crop rotation" for the purposes of RCW 90.14.140(1)(k).
Sponsors: Representatives Warnick, Blake, Hinkle, Taylor, Haler, McCune, Armstrong, Condotta, Johnson, Kenney and Parker.
Brief Summary of Bill | |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/11
Staff: Courtney Barnes (786-7194).
Background:
Water rights may be relinquished when a person, for five or more consecutive years, abandons or voluntarily fails without sufficient cause to beneficially use water in accordance with their recorded right's terms. The water code provides a list of "sufficient causes" for voluntary nonuse that protect a water right from relinquishment. One of the sufficient causes to negate relinquishment is the reduction of irrigation water resulting from crop rotation. "Crop rotation" is the temporary change in the type of crops grown resulting from the exercise of generally recognized sound farming practices [RCW 90.14.140(1)(k)].
Summary of Bill:
The definition of "crop rotation" is modified. "Crop rotation" is defined as the short-term or long-term change in the type of crops grown.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/28/11.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.