SB 1334 Summary

• Prohibits transfer of water from one basin to another in Oklahoma without first obtaining a permit from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

• Requires permit applicants to submit detailed information including contract price, proposed uses, diversion/conveyance costs, and projected effects on utility rates.

• Mandates at least one public meeting in both the origin and receiving basins with notice to water permit holders, county judges, city mayors (1,000+ population), groundwater conservation districts, and state legislators.

• Allows the Board to grant applications only if benefits to receiving basin exceed detriments to origin basin and applicant has implemented water conservation and drought contingency plans, with contract-based transfers limited to the contract term.

• Establishes misdemeanor penalties (up to $1,000 fine and 6 months jail) for unauthorized water transfers, with each day of violation counted as a separate offense.