This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding irrigation and water conservation districts. It introduces new provisions that allow for the apportionment of water not only to the lands of the district but also to municipalities within the district that have a contractual entitlement to water. Additionally, it mandates that districts prepare and publish an annual report detailing the month-to-month accounting of water available for distribution, including any deliveries to entities outside the district. Starting in tax year 2025, municipalities are entitled to refunds for any water tax paid during years when water was available but not delivered.

The bill also clarifies the distribution of available water when supply is insufficient, ensuring that contractual entitlements held by municipalities are considered. It establishes that a district cannot retain or accumulate credits for stored water unless it has met its obligations to supply water to all lands and municipalities within its boundaries. Overall, these changes aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of water resources within the districts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 48-2990, 48-2991