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Long hearing on HB 886 divides water users over creating permanent water division courts
Summary
HB 886 would create permanent water division courts and a process for appointing water division judges to handle post-adjudication disputes. Supporters said subject-matter expertise and timeliness justify the change; opponents warned it would centralize power, reduce local control, and impose procedural burdens for water commissioners.
Representative Ken Walsh opened the hearing on House Bill 886, which would establish a permanent water division court structure to handle post-adjudication water disputes, specify nominee and appointment procedures for water division judges, and update jurisdictional language related to water-divisions and enforcement.
Proponents including Clayton Elliott (who worked on the comprehensive stakeholder review), attorneys who assisted the work group, and representatives of agriculture and municipal organizations said the current mix of final…
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