SB 17-026

Senate Bill 17-026, titled "State Engineer Statutes Cleanup," makes several changes to how the state engineer's office operates. It updates where the state engineer’s office is located and allows for more cost-effective technology in water infrastructure monitoring. The bill also simplifies some fee structures and removes outdated requirements like posting bonds or conducting certain surveys. This means that the state can now use modern methods to monitor water resources, charge a flat $75 fee for rating water infrastructure instead of daily rates plus expenses, and streamline administrative processes. Since it has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect.

Official Summary

Water Resources Review Committee. Section 8 of the bill restructures the fee that the state engineer may charge for rating certain types of water infrastructure from $25 per day plus actual expenses incurred in determining the rating to a flat fee of $75. Section 1 specifies the location of the state engineer's office as within the capitol complex. Section 2 permits the state engineer to use new technology that can accomplish the same functions as satellite or telemetry-based monitoring systems and is more cost effective. The bill repeals certain requirements as follows: In sections 1, 4, and 11 , the requirement that certain officials take an oath and post bond; In section 8, certain fee requirements; and In section 14 , the requirement that the state engineer survey, lay out, and locate a ditch or canal along the Arkansas river. Section 16 increases the amount of time for filing comments on a substitute water supply plan from 30 days after the state engineer mails the notice to 35 days after mailing the notice. The bill updates language within the statutes related to the state engineer and the division of water resources. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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