$ Allows local watershed planning units to receive additional grant funding for certain planning components, and allows a more flexible funding schedule.
$ Allows applications for modifying existing water rights to be processed separately from applications for new water rights and does not protect the latter applications from being impaired by decisions regarding the existing rights.
$ Expressly allows water conservancy boards to process the same types of modifications of water rights as may be processed by the Department of Ecology (DOE), waives certain liability of such a board and its members and employees, establishes new conflict-of-interest requirements for board members, and requires the review of board decisions to deny applications.
$ Increases the number of acres that may be irrigated under a family farm permit, and expressly allows changes in the purpose of use of an agricultural irrigation water right secured under a family farm permit under specified circumstances.
$ Reduces public utility taxes regarding certain reclaimed water and water conservation services.
$ Alters requirements for donating water rights to the trust water right systems for instream flows in areas where aquatic species have been listed under state or federal law.
From the Substitute House Bill Report (SHB 1832), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗