ID HCR057

Request that the Governor and Attorney General negotiate with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe to resolve the nature and extent of the tribe's reserved water rights claims in the Coeur d'Alene-Spokane River Basin Adjudication (CSRBA).

Establish that negotiated agreements are the preferred policy of the Idaho Legislature to resolve federal reserved water right claims without extensive and expensive litigation.

Require meaningful opportunity for good faith participation in the negotiation process by holders of valid existing water rights in the CSRBA or their representatives.

Direct the Governor and Attorney General to report to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Speaker of the House regarding negotiation status, with legislative leadership keeping members informed.

Note that the Coeur d'Alene Tribe has expressed willingness to enter into full and frank negotiations, and members of the Idaho Legislature from affected districts have expressed unanimous support for negotiations.