ID H0241

Amends Idaho Code Section 42-108B to revise the Director of the Department of Water Resources' authority regarding water lease approvals and denials.

Changes the Director's approval standard from mandatory approval (unless senior/junior rights injured) to discretionary approval that may be rejected, partially approved, or approved with conditions based on specified criteria.

Adds new grounds for rejecting or conditioning water leases, including conflicts with local rental pool procedures, local public interest, watershed economy impacts, and enlargement of authorized water use.

Maintains existing application fees of $30.00 filing fee and $50.00 publication fee, with all fees deposited into the water administration fund.

Declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.