UtahH.B. 632026 General SessionHouse

Livestock Watering Amendments

Sponsored By: Scott H. Chew (Republican)

Signed by Governor

LivestockAnimalsNatural ResourcesWater RightsAgriculture & FoodWater

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Ranchers gain water claims with limits

Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah recognizes qualifying historical livestock-watering rights across existing surface sources within an approved drainage area, called a sub-basin. Claims cover private land the claimant owns or public land where the claimant holds a grazing permit. Documented use must have begun before the governing state water law and continued consistently since then. Claimants can file a diligence claim, corrected diligence claim, change application, or statement of claim. The State Engineer must approve the mapped boundary in writing, and the beneficial user must give written consent. Boundaries and uses cannot harm existing water rights; transfers between sub-basins also cannot harm another person's right. Claims cannot exceed historical use or increase beneficial use, and total water depletion—including pond evaporation—must stay within the claim's limit. Existing notice, protest, proof-of-use, and nonuse or forfeiture rules apply as relevant.

Ranch pond approvals depend on size

Beginning May 6, 2026, water-right holders can build ponds of 2 acre-feet or less within approved livestock-watering claim areas without filing a change application. Larger ponds within those areas need an approved change application. They must also meet dam-safety rules and obtain any required dam permit. Outside an approved claim area, ponds of any size need an approved change application.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Scott H. Chew
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Scott D. Sandall
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 150 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

Yes: 28 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Senate/ uncircled

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 26 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Senate/ circled

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 2/3/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 69 • No: 0

House vote • 1/23/2026

House Comm - Amendment Recommendation

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 1/23/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation