The bill modifies the timelines and procedural actions related to water rights adjudication in Washington State, specifically amending several sections of RCW 90.03. Key changes include establishing a return day for summons that is not less than 100 days and not more than 130 days after the order is made, with provisions for adjudications filed in water resource inventory area 1 after June 1, 2023, allowing a return day of at least one year. Additionally, the bill stipulates that summons must state that adjudication claims must be filed within the timeframe set by the court, and it introduces a requirement for the department to distribute a draft version of the adjudication claim form for public comment prior to finalization.

Further amendments encourage the use of innovative practices and technologies in the adjudication process, such as electronic filing and teleconferencing. The bill also emphasizes the importance of early settlement of contested claims, urging the court to facilitate discussions and alternative dispute resolution methods among parties. It establishes that the latest date for filing evidence to support claims shall be no less than three years after the adjudication claims filing date for cases in the specified water resource inventory area, unless special court rules dictate otherwise.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 90.03.120, 90.03.130, 90.03.140, 90.03.625, 90.03.635, 90.03.645
Bill as Passed Legislature: 90.03.120, 90.03.130, 90.03.140, 90.03.625, 90.03.635, 90.03.645
Session Law: 90.03.120, 90.03.130, 90.03.140, 90.03.625, 90.03.635, 90.03.645