WA HB2544

Establishes a pilot process for general adjudication of water rights in the upper Columbia River area, to be filed in Stevens County Superior Court with a phased approach that addresses federal and tribal water rights claims before engaging other claimants.

Requires the Department of Ecology to serve federal and federally recognized tribal governments first, with a return day of 100-130 days, allowing settlement negotiations with annual status reports to the court by December 31st each year.

Mandates a second phase of service to all other potential claimants by the earlier of 180 days after a federal/tribal settlement motion is filed or June 1, 2033, with service by personal delivery, first-class mail, or publication.

Directs the department to report to the legislature and Office of Financial Management by June 15, 2035, evaluating the pilot process and recommending statewide changes to streamline adjudications and reduce costs.

Pilot provisions expire December 31, 2035, and state expenses for the proceeding are borne by the state, with funding to cover extraordinary costs imposed on Stevens County Superior Court.