Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  "A new section is added to chapter 90.54 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department shall act on all water rights applications that rely on the reservation of water established in WAC 173-545-090, as it existed on the effective date of this section. The legislature declares that the reservation of water established in WAC 173-545-090, as it existed on the effective date of this section, is consistent with legislative intent and is specifically authorized to be maintained and implemented by the department.

(2) This section does not affect the department's authority to lawfully adopt, amend, or repeal any rule, including WAC 173-545-090.

(3) This section may not be construed to prejudice any reservation of water not referenced in this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately."

On page 1, beginning on line 1 of the title, after "Relating to" strike the remainder of the title and insert "reservations of water in water resource inventory area 45; adding a new section to chapter 90.54 RCW; and declaring an emergency."

EFFECT: Clarifies that the rule specific to WRIA 45 is the subject of the bill, not the whole chapter of rules that create all state WRIAs.