Bill No.: SF0028                  Drafter:  MRW

 

LSO No.:  05LSO-0342              Effective Date:  7/1/2005

 

Enrolled Act No.:  SEA0049

 

Chapter No.:       82

 

Prime Sponsor:     Senator Geis

 

Catch Title:       Water rights-penalties.

 

Subject:  Amends various water rights penalties.

 

Summary/Major Elements:

 

·        Combines various water rights penalties by creating a new water rights penalty statute.

 

·        Conforms water rights penalty statutes to be consistent with the new provision.

 

·        Provides a grace period for certain reservoir permits.

 

·        Under the previous language of 41-3-614, in order to prosecute a person who willfully opens, closes, changes or interferes with the use of the water essentially required the person to be caught in the act.  The new language puts the burden on the person who is unlawfully using or possessing water and makes it easier for the water commissioner to determine the unlawful use.