SB16-145 Summary

• Creates an alternative procedure for organizing subdistricts within the Colorado River Water Conservation District requiring board approval and a majority of affected electors' signatures, instead of only landowner petition requirements.

• Requires unanimous approval from county-appointed board members whose counties lie wholly or partially within the proposed subdistrict boundaries.

• Establishes that subdistricts cannot regulate entities outside their geographic boundaries but may enter voluntary contracts with other water districts and users.

• Allows subdistrict territory to be non-contiguous if promoting multiple purposes under the statute, and permits boundaries to include any portion of cities, counties, or city-county combinations regardless of size.

• Takes effect August 10, 2016, and applies to petitions filed on or after the effective date, subject to potential voter referendum approval in November 2016.