Utah legislature approves amendments to water rights applications under Chief Sponsor Doug Owens

On December 19, 2024, the Utah House of Representatives introduced H.B. 46, titled Water Rights Applications Amendments, aimed at refining the process surrounding water rights applications in the state. Sponsored by Representative Doug Owens, the bill seeks to address specific procedural issues related to the reinstatement of lapsed applications before the state engineer.

The primary focus of H.B. 46 is to clarify the time frames associated with reinstating applications that have lapsed due to non-compliance with state regulations or orders. The bill proposes technical amendments to existing legislation, specifically targeting Section 73-3-18 of the Utah Code, which governs the lapse and reinstatement of water rights applications. Notably, the bill allows the state engineer to reinstate a lapsed application upon a showing of reasonable cause, streamlining the process for applicants who may have faced unforeseen challenges.

The Legislative Water Development Commission recommended the bill, which received unanimous support during the legislative vote, with nine members voting in favor and four absent. There were no recorded votes against the bill, indicating a strong consensus among lawmakers regarding its necessity.

While the bill does not allocate any funding or introduce significant new provisions, its implications could be substantial for individuals and entities seeking water rights in Utah. By simplifying the reinstatement process, H.B. 46 may help reduce delays and uncertainties in water rights applications, which are critical in a state where water resources are increasingly strained.

As Utah continues to grapple with water scarcity and management challenges, the passage of H.B. 46 could represent a step toward more efficient governance of water rights. The bill is expected to be discussed further in upcoming legislative sessions, where its potential impact on water management practices will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the state.