UtahH.B. 4732026 General SessionHouse

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

10 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.

Water suppliers face planning and funding rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, covered water providers must adopt, file, publish, and update conservation plans at least every five years. Plans need reduction goals, steps, timelines, reviews, notice procedures, meeting minutes, and retail suppliers’ current water rates. Providers must hold public hearings and choose regional goals, stronger goals, or weaker goals with reasonable justification. Only providers following these requirements can receive state water-development funds. The Division sets regional goals considering Colorado River plans, Great Salt Lake needs, and agricultural water use. It must review those goals by December 31, 2030, and every 10 years afterward.

Water owners protected from forced takings

Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah divisions cannot take water rights through eminent domain. The ban covers stream flows, uses on sovereign lands, and every other purpose. It protects water-right owners from forced acquisition by those divisions.

Water users gain reservoir delivery options

Beginning July 1, 2026, water users can request fixed-time or temporary changes to deliver water to Colorado River System reservoirs. The reservoir must lie partly or entirely within Utah. Projects must follow the federal drought contingency law, a Bureau of Reclamation-funded conservation program, or a state-authorized conservation program. Applicants need the Colorado River Authority executive director’s approval before filing, a reservoir description, and evidence of public benefits.

River authority receives state operating money

The law provides $1.6385 million from Utah’s General Fund for Colorado River Authority operations through the Department of Natural Resources. The money covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Beginning July 1, 2026, the law also ends the Authority’s restricted account. Any balance left after fiscal year 2026 closes transfers to the Department’s budget line for the Authority.

State gains shared transit purchasing options

Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah’s Transportation Department gains a procurement exemption for transit vehicles bought through shared purchasing or interagency agreements. The contracting buyer must be a public entity, another state government, or an out-of-state public transit district. Vehicles must serve public transit in Utah, and purchases must be in the state’s best interest. Unlawful-conduct rules and penalties still apply.

Public access limited for water negotiations

Some Utah water agent records about water-use claims and related court proceedings, agency proceedings, or negotiations are protected from disclosure. Protection applies when release reveals legal strategy, harms the agent’s negotiating ability, or gives another government an advantage in negotiations.

River authority must adopt purchasing rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Colorado River Authority must adopt purchasing procedures by resolution. They must closely follow Utah’s procurement code or a code used by an authority that nominates a board member. The Authority can hire a nominating authority to handle purchases only when its procedures match the adopted resolution.

New options and limits for stream water

Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah divisions can request permanent, fixed-time, or temporary water-right changes for stream flows or sovereign lands. Water users can request fixed-time or temporary changes, but need the relevant division director’s approval before filing. State Engineer approval requires benefits for wildlife, state parks, or the natural water environment; applications need site descriptions and supporting studies. Divisions can use owned rights or obtain rights through specifically funded purchases, leases, agreements, gifts, exchanges, contributions, or land purchases. Donated rights need no legislative approval, but no one can claim previously unclaimed water for these uses.

River board adds representation, raises voting threshold

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Colorado River Authority has 10 members, including the river commissioner as chair. Members include five area representatives, a tribal representative, the Water Resources director, and two nonvoting members. Appointed members need Utah residency and specified river experience; the tribal member must belong to a federally recognized tribe within Utah and the river system. For vacancies or terms beginning July 1, 2027, or later, the governor chooses area representatives from three local nominees, with Senate approval. Appointed members serve four-year terms after staggering begins and can be removed only for neglect of duty or malfeasance. Five voting members must be present, and five votes must approve business, up from four.

River authority gains tools, narrows mission

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Colorado River Authority’s mission is protecting Utah’s right to use Colorado River System water. This replaces its broader mission to protect, conserve, use, and develop those waters. To support its mission or management plan, it can seek resources, provide matching money, award grants, and fund river infrastructure. It can also lease water rights or shares, make contracts, and sue or be sued. The Authority can assist the Utah water agent and coordinate possible litigation with the Attorney General; no grant or project amount is set.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Scott H. Chew
Republican • House

Cosponsors

David P. Hinkins
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 113 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

Yes: 25 • No: 1

Senate 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