This bill proposes significant revisions to Idaho's water delivery laws by repealing Chapter 9 of Title 42 and amending Chapters 12 and 13. It introduces new sections that establish liability for damaging headgates and wasting water, imposing triple damages for wrongful acts related to water diversion and potential civil liability for willful waste causing property damage. The bill also streamlines the organization and management of lateral ditch water users' associations by repealing several existing sections and introducing new definitions and provisions, including the election and duties of a lateral manager and the responsibilities of water users in maintaining laterals.

Additionally, the bill outlines guidelines for the assessment, collection, and management of funds by lateral water users' associations, requiring assessments to be made by April 15 each year, with payments due by May 1. It includes penalties for late payments and stipulates that water users with delinquent assessments may be denied water delivery. The bill also allows associations to borrow money, mortgage assets, and levy assessments for repayment, while ensuring that a user's withdrawal does not affect existing delinquent assessments. It mandates that water delivery organizations provide necessary diversion structures and measuring devices, with the bill set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 42-1301, 42-1302, 42-1303, 42-1304, 42-1305, 42-1306, 42-1307, 42-1308, 42-1309, 42-1313, 42-1311, 42-1312, 42-1310, 18-4310, 43-404A