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Debate Over Water‑License Reform Focuses on Ownership Transparency and Farmer Protections
Summary
DLNR and the Attorney General flagged vagueness and public‑trust risks in HB 2434’s approach to non‑county water license applicants; scientists and county advocates urged clarity to protect public trust and enable county intervention, while farm groups warned short license terms would undermine financing.
Lawmakers examined HB 2434 (sometimes cited in testimony as HB 2,434), a measure that would let the state place limits and create presumptions for certain non‑county water license applicants, with testimony sharply divided over legal risk and practical impact.
Kara Kahane of DLNR urged caution, saying requirements for rebuttable presumptions and other presumption‑based rules would add administrative work and could create bottlenecks in water licensing, particularly where DLNR already works collaboratively with counties on set‑asides and prioritization. Deputy…
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