WA People
BILL · 2015–16 SESSION · LATEST VERSION ESSB 5407

SB 5407: Instream flow rules, effects

Concerning the effects of instream flow rules on water use.

Summary

  • Provides express language to specify that permit exempt wells are in no way affected by the establishment of an instream flow by the Department of Ecology (Department) unless it can be demonstrated that the particular groundwater withdrawal from the specific permit exempt well at issue will in fact cause impairment to the levels or flows protected by the instream flow.
  • Makes a legislative declaration that it serves the overriding consideration of the public interest to ensure that reservations of uninterruptable water for domestic uses are included in rules related to instream flows.
  • Requires the Department to review the instream flow rule for the Skagit River Basin and determine whether the rule has set aside sufficient water reservations to satisfy year-round human domestic needs in the Upper and Lower Skagit River Sub-basins.
  • Requires the Department to amend the instream flow rule for the Skagit River Basin if the Department determines that adequate reserves have not been made.

From the Engrossed Substitute House Bill Analysis 2015 (ESSB 5407), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
  1. IntroducedJan 21, 2015
  2. Out of committeeFeb 13, 2015
  3. Passed SenateMar 11, 2015
  4. Passed Housestopped here
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Kirk Pearson (R-39)
Introduced
January 21, 2015 in the Senate
Last action
March 10, 2016
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5407, ESSB 5407

AN ACT Relating to the effects of instream flow rules on water use;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Kirk Pearson (R-39)

2 co-sponsors (0 Democrats, 2 Republicans)

Barbara Bailey R-10Don Benton R-17

Votes

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed March 11, 2015
Version voted on: ESSB 5407
26 Yea 23 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat22200
Republican24100
How each member voted
Permalink to this vote

History

  1. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (ESSB 5407)
  2. Senate Rules "X" file. (ESSB 5407)
  3. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (ESSB 5407)
  4. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (ESSB 5407)
  5. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (ESSB 5407)
  6. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (ESSB 5407)
  7. By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (ESSB 5407)
  8. First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources (Not Officially read and referred until adoption of Introduction report). (ESSB 5407)
  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 26; nays, 23; absent, 0; excused, 0. (ESSB 5407)
  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5407)
  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted. (ESSB 5407)
  12. 1st substitute bill substituted. (ESSB 5407)
  13. 1st substitute bill substituted.
  14. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (ESSB 5407)
  15. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
  16. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (ESSB 5407)
  17. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
  18. AWRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (ESSB 5407)
  19. AWRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  20. First reading, referred to Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development.

SB 5407 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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