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HB 2116

appropriation; Colorado River litigation fund

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Gail Griffin

HB 2116: Appropriation; Colorado River Litigation Fund OverviewBill Number: HB 2116 Title: Appropriation; Colorado River Litigation Fund Status: Prefiled Introduced: January 27,

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Bill Summary · HB 2116

HB 2116: Appropriation; Colorado River Litigation Fund

Overview

Bill Number: HB 2116
Title: Appropriation; Colorado River Litigation Fund
Status: Prefiled
Introduced: January 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill seeks to establish the Colorado River Litigation Fund, a dedicated funding source to support the state's legal efforts in ongoing disputes over the allocation and management of Colorado River water resources. The intent is to ensure the state has the necessary financial resources to effectively represent its interests and protect its water rights in complex interstate litigation and negotiations.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriates $20 million from the state's general fund to create the Colorado River Litigation Fund
  • Allows the fund to be used for legal fees, expert witness costs, and other expenses related to Colorado River water rights litigation and negotiations
  • Requires the state Attorney General's office to oversee and administer the fund
  • Authorizes the Attorney General to accept additional donations and grants to supplement the fund
  • Stipulates that any unused funds at the end of a fiscal year will roll over to the next year

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • The state government, particularly the Attorney General's office, will be responsible for managing the litigation fund and representing the state's interests in Colorado River disputes
  • Water users and stakeholders across the state, including agricultural, municipal, and industrial consumers, may be impacted by the outcomes of the state's legal efforts funded by this bill
  • Neighboring states that share the Colorado River basin could also be affected by the state's legal strategies and positions

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill has been prefiled for the upcoming legislative session and will need to go through the standard legislative process, including committee hearings, floor votes in both chambers, and potential amendments before reaching the governor's desk for signature or veto. If enacted, the $20 million appropriation would be available for the Attorney General's office to utilize immediately in ongoing and future Colorado River litigation.

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

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