HB 2924-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/13/98)

     Provides that, if a person placed surface or ground water to beneficial use for irrigation or stock watering purposes before January 1, 1993, for which a permit or certificate was not issued by the department or its predecessors, the person or the person's successor holds a water right in the amount beneficially used and with a priority date that is the date a statement of claim is filed for the right under this section if:  (1) The person or the person's successor files with the department of ecology a statement of claim for the right during the period beginning September 1, 1998, and ending midnight June 30, 1999, using the standard form prescribed by RCW 90.14.051;

     (2) the person or the person's successor files with the statement of claim evidence that the water described in the claim was used beneficially before January 1, 1993; and

     (3) the person or the person's successor has used the water to the full extent stated in the statement of claim during at least each of three of the five years preceding the date the statement is filed and the person attests to having done so on the statement.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.