SB 1271 Summary

• Establishes a joint legislative study committee on canal safety and usage consisting of 10 voting members (3 House representatives, 3 Senate members, and representatives from agricultural improvement districts, water conservation districts, irrigation districts, cities/towns, counties, and Indian tribes) plus 2 public members with canal safety interests.

• Committee must identify affected stakeholders, safety issues related to canal usage including drowning risks, current canal safety efforts, legal issues regarding canal ownership and public/private access, and opportunities to improve canal safety through education and partnerships.

• Committee shall submit a draft report by December 1, 2012 and a final report by June 30, 2013 to the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and Secretary of State.

• Committee members receive no compensation or expense reimbursement, with the Department of Water Resources director serving as a nonvoting advisory member.

• Committee is repealed effective September 30, 2013.