All Roll Calls
Yes: 113 • No: 3
UtahH.B. 4732026 General SessionHouseWALLET
Colorado River Authority Amendments
Sponsored By: Scott H. Chew (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Natural ResourcesDepartment of Natural ResourcesWater
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.
Colorado River roles and project funding
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Board of Water Resources no longer acts over Colorado River waters where the Colorado River Authority governs. The Division of Water Resources stays the state’s water authority except for those Colorado River matters, and the Utah water agent may negotiate out‑of‑state water importation within legal limits. The Authority can get and match grants, award grants, lease water rights, contract with federal agencies, sue or be sued, and fund river‑related infrastructure when it furthers its mission.
Funding and budget rules for Authority
For FY 2027, the law gives $1,638,500 from the General Fund to the Colorado River Authority line item. The Division of Finance may transfer $1,638,500 into the Colorado River Authority restricted account, and remaining FY 2026 balances are intended to move to the DNR line item. Appropriations to the Authority do not lapse at year‑end. The Authority must adopt an annual budget and cannot spend beyond it. The prior statute for the old restricted account is repealed.
Colorado River Authority moves into DNR
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Colorado River Authority and the river commissioner are part of the Department of Natural Resources. The Authority’s mission is to protect Utah’s right to use Colorado River water. DNR must share data with the Authority on request, and the Authority may hire an executive director, staff, and consultants (outside counsel needs AG consent). The Authority adopts policies by resolution (not formal state rulemaking), must follow open‑meeting laws, can form advisory councils, and must report yearly to the Governor and lawmakers. The Authority also seeks government‑to‑government relations with federally recognized tribes on relevant matters.
Flexible hiring and purchasing for Authority
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Authority is not under the state procurement code but must adopt similar purchasing rules by resolution. It may also use a local appointing authority’s purchasing process by contract. The Authority follows state personnel rules but can exempt certain jobs; the executive director job is exempt. The executive director sets salaries for exempt jobs within Authority‑approved ranges after consulting state HR.
More confidentiality for water negotiations
Beginning July 1, 2026, records about interstate Colorado River claims, Great Salt Lake water claims, and Utah water agent work are protected if release would reveal legal strategy or hurt negotiations. The Colorado River Authority must keep its records and may classify them under Utah’s public‑records law. These limits protect Utah’s negotiating position but reduce public access to some records.
New rules for Utah’s river commissioner
Beginning July 1, 2026, five votes are needed to pass Authority business. The current chair (appointed before March 16, 2021) serves until June 30, 2027. Starting July 1, 2027, the Governor appoints the river commissioner with Utah Senate consent for a four‑year term. The Authority can remove the commissioner for neglect or malfeasance, and the commissioner cannot also be the DWR director, DNR executive director, or state engineer. Before suing on Colorado River matters, the commissioner must ask the Governor and Attorney General to act; the AG represents the Authority and commissioner. The commissioner may negotiate compacts and represent Utah in multi‑state and federal talks, but any compact binds Utah only after approval by the Legislature, the Governor, and any required federal agency.
Stronger water conservation plans statewide
Beginning July 1, 2026, retail water suppliers and conservancy districts must adopt and file water conservation plans. Plans must set a clear reduction goal, timelines, and give at least 14 days’ notice before a public hearing. Retail suppliers must also disclose their rate structure. The Division sets regional goals by rule, reevaluates them by December 31, 2030 and every 10 years, and providers must update plans at least every five years. State water‑development money can be withheld if providers do not comply.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Scott H. Chew
Republican • House
Cosponsors
David P. Hinkins
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/5/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 25 • No: 1
House vote • 2/24/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 5 • No: 1
House vote • 2/19/2026
House/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/19/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 65 • No: 1
House vote • 2/11/2026
House Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 0
House vote • 2/11/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/25/2026House/ to Governor
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/11/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/11/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/6/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
3/6/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/5/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd Reading Calendar to Rules
3/4/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
2/25/2026SenateSenate/ committee report favorable
2/25/2026SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/24/2026Senate/ to standing committee
2/23/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/20/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/19/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/19/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/19/2026HouseHouse/ substituted
2/19/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
2/19/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Substitute #2
2/18/2026
Substitute #1
2/10/2026
Introduced
2/3/2026
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