UT HB0473

Moves the Colorado River Authority of Utah from the governor's office to the Department of Natural Resources, effective July 1, 2026

Expands the authority's membership from 7 to 10 members, including adding a Southeastern Area representative appointed by Grand and San Juan County water conservancy districts, and making the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources and state engineer nonvoting members

Changes the appointment process so that after June 30, 2027, the governor appoints authority members (with Senate consent) from three nominations submitted by regional water conservancy districts, rather than direct appointments by those districts

Allows the river commissioner to receive compensation by repealing the prohibition and sets the river commissioner's term at four years (reduced from six years) with appointment by the governor with Senate consent after June 30, 2027

Appropriates $1,638,500 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2027 operating budget and repeals the Colorado River Authority Restricted Account, transferring remaining balances to the new departmental line item