CO HB1190

Adds section 37-92-305(20) to Colorado Revised Statutes to limit the applicability of the Colorado Supreme Court's St. Jude's Co. v. Roaring Fork Club decision to water rights with decrees entered before July 15, 2015.

Water rights that would otherwise be subject to the St. Jude's Co. interpretation of section 37-92-103(4) are declared valid and shall be given full force and effect under this exemption.

Permits absolute and conditional water rights with pre-July 15, 2015 decrees to be maintained through findings of reasonable diligence and made absolute, with augmentation plans approved in accordance with Colorado law.

Limits changes to such water rights to modifications of points of diversion made in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on August 9, 2017 (or following the 90-day period after final adjournment), unless subject to a successful referendum petition requiring voter approval at the November 2018 general election.