OR HB3112

Water Resources Commission must establish a program to compensate ground water right holders who voluntarily relinquish all or part of their rights in basins designated as critical ground water areas under ORS 537.730 to 537.740

Compensation may equal up to the appraised market value of the relinquished ground water right or portion thereof

Program must promote repurposing of ground water used for irrigated agriculture, reduce overall ground water use, and provide measurable environmental, economic, or community benefits

Commission may accept federal grants and private funding to support the program in addition to the General Fund appropriation for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025

Declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage