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Bill

HB 1813

Waters and water rights; authorizing the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to enter into memorandums of understanding or contracts with certain entities; effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Darcy Jech and 1 co-sponsor

Bill grants Oklahoma Water Resources Board expanded authority to contract with unspecified entities on water management and rights issues, pending clear stakeholder definition.

Authored by Senator Jech (principal Senate author)
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Bill Summary · HB 1813

Legislative bill overview

HB 1813 authorizes the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to enter into memorandums of understanding (MOUs) or contracts with various entities regarding water management and water rights. The bill expands the OWRB's contractual authority without specifying the particular entities or terms involved in these agreements, suggesting enabling legislation rather than addressing a specific water issue.

Why is this important

Water rights and management are economically and politically significant in Oklahoma, affecting agriculture, municipal water supplies, and energy production. Expanding the OWRB's authority to contract directly impacts how water resources are allocated and managed across the state, with potential consequences for farmers, cities, and industries dependent on water access.

Potential points of contention

  • Vagueness of scope: The bill's reference to "certain entities" without definition creates uncertainty about which organizations (private companies, out-of-state entities, tribes, federal agencies) the OWRB could contract with, potentially leaving oversight gaps
  • Accountability and transparency concerns: Broad contracting authority without explicit public notice or approval requirements could reduce legislative oversight and public input on major water agreements
  • Water rights prioritization: Unclear whether MOUs could circumvent established water rights laws or create preferential allocation arrangements that disadvantage existing water users or agricultural interests

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

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