Idaho Bills

Amends and repeals existing law relating to the administrative determination of adverse claims, hearings and orders of local ground water boards, appeals from certain actions, and penalties.

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding certain authority of the Water Resource Board and the Department of Water Resources.

Adds to existing law to provide for irrigation corporation boundary adjustments.

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding notices of claim associated with the use of stockwater on federal land and to revise provisions regarding the director's determination of specified elements to define and administer the water rights acquired under state law.

Adds to existing law to provide for cloud seeding in Idaho.

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding extensions of time for construction, work, or application of water to full beneficial use.

This legislation amends Section 42-204 to provide that the Department of Water Resources may extend the time required for development of a water right to accommodate delays caused by litigation relating to the land or water development. Further, to amend Section 42-204 to clarify that a 10-year extension of development for a water permit may be granted for multiple permits relating to a common diversion or distribution system.

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the water management account.

This legislation amends section 42-1760, which establishes the Idaho Water Resource Board’s Water Management Account. Amendments include (1) replacing the list of potential projects with authority for projects which “conserve or increase water supply, improve drought resiliency, address water sustainability or support flood management;” (2) including aquifer recharge above Milner Dam on the list of specific projects for consideration; (3) confirming that all water rights, including hydropower water rights, must be protected, and that identified water uses must be considered in the approval of projects; and (4) providing additional information as part of the board’s annual report.