The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the withdrawal of groundwater for domestic purposes and stock watering by individuals holding a certificate of irrigation grandfathered right (IGFR). Under current law, only those with an IGFR in an initial active management area (AMA) can withdraw up to 10 acre-feet of groundwater annually for these purposes. The bill would expand this right to include holders of IGFRs in any AMA, thereby broadening access to groundwater for domestic use and stock watering, provided certain conditions are met. Specifically, it would replace the term "initial" with "any" in the relevant statute, allowing for greater flexibility in groundwater use across different AMAs.

Additionally, the bill makes several technical and conforming changes, including the clarification of terms and the removal of outdated references, such as the specific date of June 12, 1980, which is currently used to determine eligibility for withdrawals. Instead, the bill would establish the date of designation of the active management area as the relevant reference point. The overall effect of these changes would be to modernize the legal framework governing groundwater withdrawals, ensuring that it reflects current practices and needs while maintaining the necessary regulatory oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-465.03
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-465.03