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SB20-048

Study Strengthening Water Anti-speculation Law

Concerning a study to consider the strengthening of the prohibition on speculative appropriations of water.
Session:
2020 Regular Session
Subject:
Water
Bill Summary

Current law specifies that an appropriation of water cannot be based on speculation. Speculation may be evidenced by either of the following:

  • The applicant for an appropriation of water does not have either a legally vested interest or a reasonable expectation of procuring such an interest in the lands or facilities to be served by the appropriation, unless the appropriator is a governmental agency or an agent in fact for the persons proposed to be benefitted by the appropriation; or
  • The applicant does not have a specific plan and intent to divert, store, or otherwise capture, possess, and control a specific quantity of water for specific beneficial uses.

The act requires the executive director of the department of natural resources to convene a work group to explore ways to strengthen current anti-speculation law and to report to the water resources review committee by August 15, 2021, regarding any recommended changes.


(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Status

Introduced
Passed
Became Law

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Bill Text

  • All Versions (7 )
    Date Bill Type Documents
    03/11/2020 Signed Act PDF
    03/04/2020 Final Act PDF
    02/27/2020 Rerevised PDF
    02/24/2020 Revised PDF
    01/29/2020 Reengrossed PDF
    01/28/2020 Engrossed PDF
    01/08/2020 Introduced PDF

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