The bill amends Section 1020.17 of Title 82 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to groundwater use and well spacing rules. It authorizes the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to establish proper spacing of wells necessary for the orderly withdrawal of water, allowing for the adoption of specific spacing as part of determining a maximum annual yield. The amendment removes the requirement for the Board to conduct at least one public hearing in proximity to each major basin or subbasin before adopting these rules.
The effective date for this legislation is set for November 1, 2026. The changes aim to streamline the process for establishing well spacing regulations while ensuring that the Board retains the authority to manage water resources effectively.