This bill amends Chapter 18, Title 42 of the Idaho Code by adding a new section, 42-1807, which establishes regulations regarding the distribution of water between districts. Specifically, it prohibits the director from curtailing surface water usage in one district to satisfy water rights claims in another district unless the affected surface water users have the opportunity to seek relief within their own district. This relief includes the appropriation of various water sources, such as surface water, groundwater, and springs, that are owned and administered by the state of Idaho.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that once both surface and groundwater districts within a tributary district are fully operational and managed by the department, the priority doctrine of "first in time, first in right" and the rules for conjunctive management will apply to all water sources within the state. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.