Senate Bill 1083 Summary

• Prohibits encroachments (roads, utilities, fences, pipelines, structures) onto irrigation rights-of-way without written permission from the ditch, canal, or conduit owner/operator, with violators required to remove encroachments at their own expense if they materially interfere with operations.

• Limits liability of irrigation ditch, canal, and conduit owners to reasonable care standard only, exempting them from liability for damages caused by third-party actions, unauthorized water diversions, or acts of God including fire, earthquake, or storms.

• Allows landowners to relocate or bury ditches, canals, laterals, or drains in pipe on their property at their own expense, provided written permission is first obtained and standard specifications are met, with increased maintenance costs borne by the landowner.

• Permits ditch and conduit owners to place buried conduits within easements or rights-of-way on others' property using standard specifications and requiring property restoration within 30 days of construction completion.

• Extends encroachment prohibitions and written permission requirements to easements or rights-of-way operated by irrigation districts, Carey Act operating companies, nonprofit irrigation entities, lateral ditch associations, and drainage districts.