Bill
LC 912
Creates an instream flow protection fund to finance projects that preserve natural stream flows, benefiting ecosystems, fisheries, and water resource planning.
Status: Draft Died in Process
Introduced: November 6, 2024
Classification: Bill
Subject: Water
Legislative Action Timeline
- 2024-11-06: Drafter Assigned
- 2025-01-14: Draft On Hold
- 2025-05-23: Draft Died in Process
Overview and Purpose
- LC 912 is a bill intended to create an instream flow protection fund. Based on the title, its central aim would be to establish a dedicated financial mechanism to support the protection and maintenance of natural stream flows within the state. The exact statutes, governance structure, and eligible activities would be specified in the bill’s text, which is not provided here.
Key Provisions (as implied by the title)
- Establishment of a fund: Creation of a distinct funding source dedicated to instream flow protection.
- Funding sources: Potentially involves state appropriations, grants, fees, or private contributions. The bill would specify eligible funding streams and any limitations on deposits or uses of funds.
- Eligible uses: Likely to cover activities such as protecting ecological instream flows, habitat conservation, monitoring and reporting, and related water management programs. Specific permissible activities and priorities would be defined in the bill.
- Governance and administration: The bill would designate an administering agency or board, set eligibility criteria for projects, and establish application and review processes, funding priorities, and accountability measures.
- Reporting and oversight: Provisions for annual reporting, performance metrics, and financial oversight are commonly included in such funds; the exact requirements would be defined in the text.
Potential Impact and Affected Stakeholders
- Environmental and conservation interests: Could increase resources for maintaining or restoring natural stream flows, benefiting aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, and habitat.
- Water users and rights holders: May influence how water resources are allocated or prioritized, depending on fund programs and project selections.
- Local governments and municipalities: Could access funding for instream flow projects, habitat restoration, or related water planning initiatives.
- Tribal interests and rural communities: Depending on program design, may have opportunities for project support or collaboration.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
- Status indicates the draft has died in process as of May 23, 2025, with an earlier pause on January 14, 2025. If revived, the bill would need reintroduction, committee consideration, and potential fiscal analysis before any floor vote.
Notes
- The available information does not include the bill’s full text or specific provisions. For a precise understanding of authorities, funding mechanics, project eligibility, and reporting requirements, the full bill language and any fiscal notes or committee analyses would be necessary.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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