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Senate approves water-rights bill to shield public suppliers from forfeiture
Summary
After extended debate, the Senate passed fifth substitute House Bill 51 to define 'public water supplier,' extend forfeiture timelines and protect municipal planning from automatic water-rights forfeiture; the measure passed 26-0 and included intent language clarifying state policy.
Senator Dayton moved and the Senate approved fifth substitute House Bill 51, a comprehensive package of water-rights amendments intended to protect public water suppliers from automatic forfeiture while they plan and build infrastructure. The bill defines a "public water supplier," extends the forfeiture period and lists exceptions and protections for municipalities and other public suppliers.
Supporters said the change responds to confusion over nonuse and forfeiture rules that had prompted cities to avoid filing nonuse applications. "This fifth substitute…
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