This bill amends existing Wyoming water law to allow for private ownership of water rights specifically for instream flow purposes. Previously, only the state of Wyoming could own instream flow water rights, but the new language permits any person to own these rights. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that allows individuals to acquire existing water rights or petition for a change of use for instream flow purposes, thereby expanding access to water rights for private entities.

The amendments also include a renumbering of existing subsections within the law to accommodate the new provisions. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025, allowing time for the necessary adjustments to be made in the legal framework governing water rights in Wyoming.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-3-1002, 41-3-1007