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 authorizes the Department of Ecology to initiate this adjudication by filing a report in the superior court of Stevens County, which includes a statement of facts and a map of the area. The bill outlines specific procedures for serving summons to federal and tribal claimants, as well as potential claimants identified by the department. It also allows for settlement negotiations and mandates annual status reports to the court during these negotiations.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify that certain provisions do not apply to the upper Columbia River area adjudication pilot process. It emphasizes the use of innovative practices and technologies in conducting the adjudication and specifies that the state will bear the expenses incurred during the process. The pilot program is set to expire on December 31, 2035, and the department is required to report to the legislature by June 15, 2035, to evaluate the pilot and recommend any necessary changes to streamline future adjudications statewide.

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