The bill establishes a pilot process for the general adjudication of water rights in the upper Columbia River area, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce costs for water users. It introduces a new section to chapter 90.03 RCW, which allows the Department of Ecology to initiate a general adjudication specifically for this region, bypassing certain existing provisions under RCW 90.03.110 through 90.03.130 and 90.44.220. The process includes filing a report in the superior court of Stevens County, consulting with the administrative office of the courts, and issuing summons to federal and tribal claimants. The bill also outlines procedures for serving summons, filing claims, and conducting settlement negotiations, while encouraging the use of innovative practices and technologies.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify that the new adjudication process does not apply to the upper Columbia River area adjudication pilot process. It specifies that the expenses incurred by the state during this adjudication will be covered by state funding, and it mandates a report to the legislature by June 15, 2035, to evaluate the pilot process and recommend improvements. The section establishing this pilot process is set to expire on December 31, 2035.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 90.03.110, 90.03.120, 90.03.130, 90.44.220