This bill amends and reenacts several sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning the hearing and appeals processes of the Department of Water Resources. Key changes include the requirement for written comments regarding proposed appropriations to be submitted electronically with a signature to be considered valid. Additionally, the bill specifies that notifications for public hearings and adjudicative proceedings must be sent by certified mail at least twenty days prior to the event. It also clarifies that if multiple municipal or public use permitholders request a public hearing, it must be held in the county seat where the proposed water appropriation site is located.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the appeal process for decisions made by the board regarding noncomplying dams, dikes, or drains. It establishes that aggrieved parties can appeal board decisions to the Department of Water Resources within thirty days and mandates that the department must conduct an independent investigation. The bill also introduces new provisions for notifying parties of record if a complaint is dismissed and allows for appeals to the district court following a hearing by the department. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the processes and enhance communication between the department, the board, and the public.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 61-04-05.1, 61-16.1-53.1, 61-32-08
PREFILED: 61-04-05.1, 61-16.1-53.1, 61-32-08