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HB 4367

Waters and water rights; creating the Waters and Water Rights Modernization Act of 2026; effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Moore

Oklahoma bill modernizes state water law and rights framework to address competing agricultural, municipal, and environmental demands; currently in committee review.

Second Reading referred to Rules
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Bill Summary · HB 4367

Legislative bill overview

HB 4367, the Waters and Water Rights Modernization Act of 2026, proposes to update Oklahoma's water law and management framework. The bill is currently in early legislative stages and has been referred to the Rules Committee following its first reading. The specific provisions and detailed changes are not yet publicly detailed in the legislative record provided.

Why is this important

Water rights and management directly affect agriculture, municipalities, industry, and environmental conservation across Oklahoma. Modernizing water law can address outdated statutes, adapt to climate variability, clarify usage rights, and improve water allocation efficiency—issues increasingly critical in semi-arid regions facing competing demands.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural vs. municipal interests: Disputes likely over whether modernization prioritizes farmers' historical rights or reallocates water toward growing urban populations
  • Groundwater management authority: Clarifying state oversight of groundwater extraction, which has been contentious in agricultural regions relying on aquifer depletion
  • Tribal water rights: Negotiations with Native American nations over sovereignty and reserved water rights claims, particularly regarding the Arkansas River and Canadian River basins

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

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