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H 193

An Act to improve warning labels on THC products

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Keenan and 1 co-sponsor

HB 193 requires Idaho to revise the State Water Plan, setting a mandatory ESPA recharge goal of 350,000 acre-feet per year, effective July 1, 2025, guiding recharge projects.

Accompanied a study order, see H5396 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 193

Summary: Idaho House Bill 193 (HB 193)

Overview

HB 193 would amend Idaho law to solidify an Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) managed recharge goal within the State Water Plan. The bill requires the Idaho Water Resource Board to revise the plan to establish a mandatory recharge target of 350,000 acre-feet per year as an average annual goal. An emergency clause makes the act effective July 1, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • Address the decline of the ESPA by codifying a higher, measurable recharge target.
  • Provide a clear, enforceable objective within the State Water Plan to guide recharge projects and groundwater management going forward.
  • Accelerate and standardize actions intended to replenish the ESPA.

Key Provisions

  • New Section 42-1734J added to Title 42, Chapter 17 of Idaho Code.
  • The Idaho Water Resource Board must revise the State Water Plan to establish an ESPA managed recharge goal of at least 350,000 acre-feet on an average annual basis.
  • Effective date: The act includes an emergency clause, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Affected Entities

  • Idaho Water Resource Board: tasked with revising the State Water Plan to meet the new recharge goal.
  • State agencies and programs involved in ESPA recharge, groundwater management, and water planning.
  • Water users (irrigators, municipalities, industries) and stakeholders affected by ESPA recharge planning and related water allocation decisions.

Fiscal and Procedural Details

  • Fiscal Note accompanying the bill states that the proposal does not change general fund appropriations; no explicit funding provision is included in the bill.
  • The proposed target aligns with the plan’s existing recharge discussions, with the fiscal note noting a current ESPA recharge figure of 240,000 acre-feet in the plan (the bill elevates the target to 350,000 acre-feet per year).
  • Legislative status:
    • Introduced: February 10, 2025
    • Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation: February 11, 2025

Timeline and Process

  • If enacted, the new requirement would be implemented starting July 1, 2025 due to the emergency clause.
  • The bill would amend Idaho Code to add 42-1734J and otherwise maintain existing water planning processes.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Administrative: Requires updates to the State Water Plan and potential alignment of recharge projects, water storage, and groundwater management programs with the higher target.
  • Water management: The higher annual recharge goal could influence decisions on groundwater pumping, recharge infrastructure, and allocation priorities.
  • Economic and environmental: Increased recharge efforts may incur costs or require funding for projects; potential long-term benefits for ESPA sustainability and drought resilience.
  • Legal/Policy: Establishes a formal statutory target, which could interact with existing water rights allocations, interstate compacts, and permitting processes.

Note: This summary focuses on the bill text and stated provisions. It does not reflect any subsequent amendments or legislative decisions beyond the introduced version and status listed.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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