ID H0382

Authorizes the director of the Department of Water Resources to petition district court to commence a comprehensive adjudication of water rights in the Bear River basin under the McCarran amendment, 43 U.S.C. 666.

Defines the Bear River basin as all surface and ground waters in Idaho flowing into or toward the Bear River or toward the Great Salt Lake in the Great Basin.

Assigns jurisdiction for the adjudication to the Snake River Basin Adjudication district court in Twin Falls County, with the supreme court designating the presiding judge.

Extends accomplished transfer provisions to allow water rights changes made prior to the Bear River basin adjudication commencement date to be claimed without formal transfer compliance, provided no injury or enlargement occurred.

Amends enlargement provisions to include the Bear River basin adjudication and clarifies that enlargements occurring before an adjudication commencement date may be decreed if the diversion rate and water availability to other rights are not reduced.