The bill amends existing water allocation laws in Iowa, specifically focusing on the definition and determination of "beneficial use" in the context of water permits. It removes the current definition of beneficial use, which is defined as the application of water to a useful purpose that benefits the user while prohibiting waste or pollution. Instead, the bill stipulates that the Department of Natural Resources will assess beneficial use on a case-by-case basis when evaluating applications for water diversion, storage, or withdrawal permits, and this assessment will not rely on predefined categories of use.

Additionally, the bill modifies the processing priority for permit applications, changing the language to indicate that priority will be given based on the order applications are received, except when such a system would delay routine approvals or threaten public health, safety, or welfare. It establishes a timeline for the approval or denial of permits, requiring decisions within ninety days for new applications and thirty days for renewals, while allowing for extensions if additional information is needed. The bill also mandates that all permits issued after July 1, 1986, include conditions for routine conservation practices and emergency measures as necessary.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 455B.261, 455B.265