HB 2836 Summary

• Allows designation of interim water review areas outside existing active management areas through petition signed by at least one-fourth of groundwater users or ten percent of registered voters in the proposed area.

• Requires the Department to hold a public hearing within 60 days after publishing notice in local newspapers, where the director describes proposed boundaries and effects of the interim water review area.

• Establishes an election process where registered voters residing in the proposed area and all private land owners are eligible to vote; formation requires majority approval.

• Prohibits new groundwater uses and limits continued uses to those occurring within five years before establishment for a five-year moratorium period.

• Requires the Department to review groundwater status upon completion of the five-year period, submit findings to the Legislature and Governor, and allow expanded and new groundwater uses to resume.