SB36

Under existing law, any person who wishes to appropriate public waters, or to change the place of diversion, manner of use or place of use of water already appropriated, must apply to the State Engineer for a permit to do so. (NRS 533.325) Existing law further provides that all underground waters within the boundaries of the State are subject to appropriation for beneficial use only under the laws of this State relating to the appropriation and use of water. (NRS 534.020) Section 10.5 of this bill creates the Account for Retiring Water Rights, to be administered by the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and requires that the money in the Account only be used for the purchase of decreed or certificated groundwater rights for certain purposes. Section 10.7 of this bill establishes the Nevada Voluntary Water Rights Retirement Program in the Nevada Conservation and Recreation Program, to be administered by the Director and establishes requirements for: (1) the purchase and retirement of decreed or certificated groundwater rights; and (2) the acceptance of donations of decreed or certificated groundwater rights. Section 10.7 also prohibits the Director from accepting donations or applications for the purchase and retirement of such groundwater rights after June 30, 2035. Section 16 of this bill makes conforming changes to reflect that the Director may not accept applications or donations after this date. Section 8 of this bill: (1) requires the