Projects To Restore Natural Stream Systems

The act states that the following projects within a natural stream system for certain restoration purposes (stream restoration project) do not cause material injury to a vested water right and are not an unnecessary dam or other obstruction:

• A stream restoration project that is limited to certain minor restoration activities; and
• A stream restoration project that has obtained any applicable permits or is under construction or completed by August 1, 2023.

The act prohibits the owner or proponent of a stream restoration project from installing the stream restoration project in a manner that adversely affects water diversion or measurement structures without the permission of the owners of the structures.

APPROVED by Governor June 5, 2023

EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023

NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)