The 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 by a specified date, with electronic submissions needing to include the submitter's name and mailing address. The bill also stipulates that if a public hearing is requested, the Department must notify the applicant and those who submitted comments by certified mail at least twenty days prior to the hearing. Additionally, the bill clarifies the process for appeals of board decisions, allowing aggrieved parties to appeal to the Department of Water Resources within thirty days of receiving the board's decision, and outlines the Department's responsibilities in investigating and determining the matter.

Further amendments include the removal of certain procedural requirements, such as the need for a hearing demand within fifteen days of notice from the Department, and the establishment of new provisions for notifying parties when a complaint is dismissed. The bill also introduces a requirement for the Department to notify all parties of record if a complaint is dismissed, including the investigation report if applicable. Lastly, it allows any aggrieved party to request a hearing and appeal decisions to the district court, with a hearing by the Department being a prerequisite to an appeal.

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