NV AB485

Appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to the Division of Water Resources for updating groundwater basin water budgets, monitoring water resources and ecosystems, digitizing Division records, and hiring staff for water rights adjudication

Prohibits county special assessments or general fund appropriations from being used to pay salaries and expenses of State Engineer employees subject to Chapter 284 of NRS (state personnel system)

Removes the existing $1 minimum charge for special assessments on agricultural water users and establishes a maximum charge equal to the June 30, 2025 rate plus annual Consumer Price Index increases, with State Engineer able to exceed the cap with county commissioner approval

Requires the State Engineer to provide annual reports on Water District Account expenditures to county commissioners who levy special assessments or appropriate funds, upon written request

Effective date: July 1, 2025; appropriated funds must be committed by June 30, 2027 and spent by September 17, 2027 or revert to the State General Fund