All Roll Calls
Yes: 63 • No: 0
NevadaAB2683rd Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET
AN ACT relating to water; exempting the State Engineer from liability for certain damages resulting from the performance of certain duties; revising provisions relating to the construction, reconstruction or alteration of a dam; exempting certain works under the jurisdiction of the United States Bureau of Reclamation or the United States Army Corps of Engineers from certain requirements relating to dams; requiring that certain applications relating to dams be made available to the Department of Wildlife; authorizing the State Engineer to enter certain parcels of land to access a dam or other obstruction; revising provisions relating to the removal of any dam, diversion works or obstruction; revising provisions relating to the removal of certain animals interfering with the flow of water; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Sponsored By: Assembly Committee on Natural Resources
Signed by Governor
BDR 48-261
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 3 mixed.
Higher dam fines and fast court orders
After notice and a hearing, the State Engineer can fine you up to $10,000 per day for each violation. You can also be charged investigation costs and attorney fees. The State Engineer can ask a court to quickly stop violations or require action, including temporary orders without bond. Courts may require a performance bond. These court orders are in addition to other penalties.
Illegal dams face removal and liens
The State Engineer can order removal of any dam, diversion, or obstruction not legally established by a vested right, court decree, or State approval. After 30 days’ written notice, if you do not remove it or appeal, the State Engineer may remove it. The State charges the actual removal cost to a water account, and the county bills you. If you do not pay within 30 days, the amount becomes a lien on your property and is collected like delinquent taxes.
Tighter approval rules for building dams
You must get State Engineer approval before you build, rebuild, or change a dam. You must submit plans if the dam is 20 feet or taller, will hold more than 20 acre-feet, or is rated high or significant hazard. Starting work without required notice or approval is a misdemeanor, and each day is a separate offense. The State Engineer must notify the Department of Wildlife about new, change, or decommissioning filings and share the plans. You must also follow fishway and fish-protection laws when you build or alter a dam.
More state power over dam safety
The State Engineer inspects dams from time to time at state expense to check safety. Owners must pay for any information, maintenance, or work the State requires to protect life and property. The State Engineer and agents can enter your land and needed neighboring parcels during daytime to reach and inspect a dam or obstruction. In an emergency, the State Engineer can act at once, including lowering or emptying a reservoir. If a failure results from an inspection, emergency action, or enforcement, you cannot collect damages from the State Engineer or assistants.
Federal dam projects skip some state rules
Projects under the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are exempt from Nevada’s dam approval and inspection rules. These federal works must still file duplicate plans with the State Engineer. They are also excluded from certain state inspection and emergency‑remedy authorities. Oversight for these dams stays with the federal agencies.
Beaver removal when they block water
If beaver block lawful water flow, the State Engineer must investigate after a water user complains. The State Engineer, water officials, and wildlife agents can enter private land to investigate and remove or trap beaver. You get written notice and have 10 days to file a written objection. After a waiver or final decision, the Department of Wildlife removes the beaver, and the State Engineer may remove beaver dams that obstruct flow.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Assembly Committee on Natural Resources
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/21/2025
Final Passage - Senate (1st Reprint)
Yes: 21 • No: 0
House vote • 4/15/2025
Final Passage - Assembly (1st Reprint)
Yes: 42 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chapter 64.
5/28/2025legislatureApproved by the Governor.
5/28/2025legislatureEnrolled and delivered to Governor.
5/27/2025legislatureIn Assembly. To enrollment.
5/22/2025HouseRead third time. Passed. Title approved. (Yeas: 21, Nays: None.) To Assembly.
5/21/2025SenateTaken from General File. Placed on General File for next legislative day.
5/20/2025SenateRead second time.
5/19/2025SenateFrom committee: Do pass.
5/16/2025SenateRead first time. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources. To committee.
4/16/2025SenateIn Senate.
4/15/2025SenateRead third time. Passed, as amended. Title approved. (Yeas: 42, Nays: None.) To Senate.
4/15/2025HouseTaken from General File. Placed on General File for next legislative day.
4/14/2025HouseFrom printer. To engrossment. Engrossed. First reprint.
4/11/2025HouseRead second time. Amended. (Amend. No. 52.) To printer.
4/10/2025HouseFrom committee: Amend, and do pass as amended.
4/7/2025HouseRead first time. To committee.
2/4/2025HouseFrom printer.
11/14/2024HousePrefiled. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources. To printer.
11/12/2024House
Bill Text
As Enrolled
As Introduced
Reprint 1
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