Oregon House Bill HB2971

Oregon 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Report Pass: 5/26/23
• Engrossed: 6/15/23
• Refer: 6/15/23
• Report Pass: 6/24/23
• Enrolled: 6/25/23
• Passed: 7/31/23
• Chaptered: 8/15/23
• Passed: 8/15/23

Caption

Relating to voluntary in-stream leasing of water rights; and prescribing an effective date.

Impact

By allowing landowners to maintain their special property assessment status while leasing water rights, HB 2971 provides an incentive for farmers to engage in water conservation efforts. This measure not only supports the agricultural sector but also promotes environmental stewardship by encouraging the sustainable use of water resources. The change is expected to have positive implications for both agricultural productivity and water conservation efforts in the state.

Summary

House Bill 2971 focuses on voluntary in-stream leasing of water rights and aims to amend existing property tax regulations related to specially assessed irrigated farmland. The bill stipulates that farmland will not be disqualified from special property tax assessment if the landowner has an active in-stream lease for the associated water rights, provided that the farmland is used according to established farming practices. This adjustment emphasizes the importance of sustainable agricultural practices while ensuring that farmers can retain the benefits of special property tax assessments even when they engage in water leasing agreements.

Contention

While the bill is supported by some agricultural groups advocating for flexibility within the farming industry, there may be contention regarding the scope of the conservation requirements. Critics may argue that it could enable practices that may undermine long-term water conservation initiatives. The nuances entailed in implementing water leasing agreements and the stipulations for what constitutes 'accepted farming practices' are likely to be areas of debate among stakeholders, particularly between agricultural interests and environmental advocates.