NV SB36

Creates the Nevada Voluntary Water Rights Retirement Program allowing the Director of Conservation and Natural Resources to purchase decreed or certificated groundwater rights from willing sellers or accept donations for permanent retirement, with a deadline of June 30, 2035 for accepting applications or donations.

Establishes the Account for Retiring Water Rights in the State General Fund to fund groundwater purchases, which may receive legislative appropriations, grants, federal money, and donations, with the account expiring June 30, 2035.

Requires the State Engineer to permanently retire all groundwater rights purchased or donated through the program, precluding that water from any future appropriation in perpetuity.

Expands eligible uses for water conservation grants to include permanent retirement of groundwater rights to protect natural resources, address declining groundwater levels, or resolve conflicts with existing water rights.

Changes the calculation basis for required matching funds from grant recipients from average household income to median household income of customers.