This bill amends Section 42-1701A of the Idaho Code, specifically addressing the authority of the Director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources regarding the issuance of orders related to water rights. The new language stipulates that the director shall not issue an order establishing a new or revised methodology for determining material injury under the rules for conjunctive management of surface and ground water resources without first providing affected persons with notice and an opportunity to request a hearing. This requirement is excepted in cases of emergency proceedings or informal dispositions. Additionally, any final order issued under this new provision must be completed by December 1 of the year prior to its effective date.

The bill also clarifies that if a hearing is held regarding the new methodology, individuals aggrieved by the final order will not be entitled to a subsequent hearing as outlined in subsection (3) of the same section. Furthermore, the new provisions do not apply to orders that implement or apply the methodology steps for conjunctive water right administration. The bill declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2025, for its provisions.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 42-1701A