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Bill

Bill

SR 16

Confirm supreme court chief justice appointee for water judge

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Barry Usher

SR 16 confirms a Chief Justice as a water judge, enhancing the judicial system's ability to manage water rights and disputes, impacting farmers, municipalities, and environmental groups.

(S) Filed with Secretary of State
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Bill Summary · SR 16

Summary of SR 16: Confirm Supreme Court Chief Justice Appointee for Water Judge

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SR 16
Title: Confirm Supreme Court Chief Justice Appointee for Water Judge
Status: Filed with Secretary of State
Introduced Date: February 19, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Subject: Judges and Justices (also related to Courts), Legislature

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SR 16 is to confirm the appointment of a Chief Justice to serve as a water judge within the state’s judicial system. This resolution aims to ensure that the appointed individual possesses the necessary qualifications and expertise to handle water-related legal matters, which are critical given the importance of water rights and management in the state.

Key Provisions

  • Appointment Confirmation: The resolution specifically confirms the appointment of the Chief Justice as the water judge, which is a specialized role focused on adjudicating water rights and related disputes.
  • Judicial Oversight: The water judge will oversee cases that involve water resource management, ensuring that legal decisions are made in accordance with state laws and regulations governing water use.

Impact

  • Judicial System: The resolution will directly impact the state's judicial system by establishing a dedicated water judge, which is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of handling water-related legal issues.
  • Stakeholders: Various stakeholders, including farmers, municipalities, and environmental groups, may be affected by the decisions made by the water judge, as these decisions will influence water allocation and usage rights.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 19, 2025: Bill introduced and assigned to a drafter for legal review.
  • February 25, 2025: Bill referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration.
  • April 3, 2025: A hearing was held by the Judiciary Committee.
  • April 7, 2025: The Judiciary Committee adopted the resolution as amended.
  • April 9, 2025: The resolution was adopted by the Senate.
  • April 10, 2025: The resolution was sent to enrolling and scheduled for a second reading.
  • April 21, 2025: The resolution was signed by the President.
  • April 22, 2025: The resolution was filed with the Secretary of State.

Related Legislation

  • LC 4378: This bill is noted as a replacement for SR 16, indicating that it may contain similar provisions or address related issues.

This summary provides a concise overview of SR 16, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on the judicial system and stakeholders involved in water resource management.

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

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