UtahH.B. 2512026 General SessionHouse

Diligence Claims Water Amendments

Sponsored By: Scott H. Chew (Republican)

Signed by Governor

LivestockAnimalsNatural ResourcesWater RightsAgriculture & FoodState EngineerWater

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Farm pond protections come with filing costs

For claims submitted starting May 6, 2026, Utah presumes qualifying historic livestock ponds have water rights, even without certificates. Ponds must form from precipitation, not diverted water, and serve livestock watering or related care. They must support a federally patented homestead of 640 acres or less. Each pond must predate the patent and have been used as surface water before 1903. All qualifying ponds supporting the parcel together must use less than 20 acre-feet annually. The water right’s priority date is when the parcel first supported livestock, even before the patent. Claimants must file a complete claim and deposit enough money to cover state field investigations and public notice. Challengers can defeat the presumption by showing, more likely than not, that the claim harms their water rights. Written agreements to reduce that harm can enter the claim file and serve as evidence in proceedings.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Scott H. Chew
Republican • House

Cosponsors

David P. Hinkins
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 140 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 19 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 24 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 68 • No: 0

House vote • 2/2/2026

House Comm - Substitute Recommendation

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 2/2/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation