Joint Committee reports HB 3544B out as amended to coordinate water-right contested-case process

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means on June 27, 2025, voted to report House Bill 3544B with a conflict amendment to establish a uniform process for contested-case proceedings on new water-right and water-right transfer applications administered by the Water Resources Department.

Senator Frederick, speaking at the committee's work session, said HB 3544B “establishes a uniform process and timeline for contested case proceedings on new water right and water right transfer applications administered by the Water Resources Department.” He recommended that the bill be amended by the “-B8” conflict amendment and reported out “do pass as amended.”

The committee discussion focused on the conflict amendment’s role in reconciling HB 3544B with provisions of another measure. According to the committee record, the conflict amendment repeals sections 5, 32, 33 and 39 of House Bill 3342 (referred to in the transcript as “House Bill 33 42”) and inserts language into HB 3544 so both bills “function together” to address contested-case proceedings regarding water rights. The committee chair called for objections; none were sustained, several members were noted as excused, and the motion was declared passed.

Committee members were recorded as excused for the work session: Senator Anderson; Representative Kate; Representative Draesen; Representative Ruiz; and Representative Valderrama. The chair then recessed the committee, asking members to remain available to return as needed.

No additional amendments, vote tallies, or subsequent instructions to staff were recorded in the work-session excerpt provided.