HB1582 Summary

• Amends 60 O.S. 2011, Section 60 to establish that beginning November 1, 2013, all public water standing or flowing within Oklahoma becomes the property of Regional Water Authorities in their respective regions, subject to preexisting rights and permits.

• Designates thirteen Water Planning Regions as defined by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board: Panhandle, Upper Arkansas, Middle Arkansas, Grand, Lower Arkansas, Eufaula, Southeast, Lower Washita, Blue Boggy, Beaver-Cache, Southwest, West Central, and Central regions.

• Regional Water Authorities gain control, permitting, and management authority over public water for the use and benefit of people within their regions.

• Amends 82 O.S. 2011, Section 110.3 (Oklahoma Dam Safety Act) to define "Region" as areas drained by particular stream or river systems designated as Water Planning Regions.

• Effective date: November 1, 2013.