OR SB1192

Amends ORS 543A.305 to protect hydroelectric water rights from forced conversion to in-stream water rights when electricity generation ceased due to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission instructions

Requires three conditions for protection: the holder stopped generating due to FERC instruction, the project retains capacity to generate at maximum authorized rate, and the holder is ready and willing to resume power generation

Allows Water Resources Director to convert hydroelectric water rights to in-stream water rights after 5 years of non-use, upon expiration, or with holder's written consent, provided conversion won't injure other existing water rights

Applies retroactively to water uses that ceased before, on, or after the Act's effective date if all protection criteria are met

Contains a sunset provision repealing the retroactive application section on January 2, 2036