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Senate Approves SB 15, Clarifying Forfeiture Exemptions in Water Law
Summary
Senate Bill 15, a broadly supported water law measure, clarifies that water rights can be forfeited only through official action and lists protected categories of rights and owners; sponsor Senator Dayton said the bill is supported by the water task force, and the Senate passed it (28–0, 1 absent).
Senate Bill 15, a water law measure described as unanimously supported by the state water task force, passed the Senate after sponsor Sen. Dayton outlined the bill’s purpose and scope.
Dayton said the bill clarifies that water can be forfeited only with official action and that the bill’s reach applies statewide. To illustrate the scope of rights and owners that would be protected or considered under the bill, Dayton offered a lengthy, nonexhaustive list that included irrigation companies, municipalities, towns, farmers and ranchers, conservancy districts, special service districts, public and private water companies, colleges and education entities, federal agencies, tribes, golf courses, ski resorts and other water users.
After floor discussion and a motion to pass, the Senate recorded 28 yes, 0 no and 1 absence and directed that SB 15 be sent to the House for its consideration.
Why it matters: Water forfeiture rules affect agricultural, municipal and industrial water users across Utah. Clarifying the process and enumerating protected categories may reduce uncertainty for rights holders and influence water transactions or change-of-use applications.
Sponsor quote: "This is a unanimously supported bill by the water task force," Senator Dayton said, and he offered to provide senators a written list of groups affected.
What’s next: SB 15 proceeds to the House; administrative and rule implications will depend on final statutory language.
