OR SB1153

Water Resources Department must evaluate whether water right transfers will cause loss of in-stream habitat for sensitive, threatened, or endangered aquatic species in unprotected stream reaches, or contribute to water quality impairment in water quality limited streams

Federally recognized Indian tribes may opt in to review water right transfer applications in specific counties and have 30 days to provide information on potential impacts to tribal water rights, cultural resources, habitat, or water quality

Applicants must confer with tribes within 30 days if a tribe requests consultation, and tribes that submit comments gain legal standing to protest the department's final order

Water Resources Department may condition any water right transfer with requirements for water use measurement and reporting, water level measurement and reporting, or installation of fish screening or by-pass devices

Amends ORS 537.211, 537.803, 540.510, 540.520, 540.523, 540.530, and 540.531 to add public interest considerations including habitat protection and water quality impacts to transfer approval criteria