Bill would bar feds from tying land permits to water rights transfers
Placed on the calendarH.R. 302Latest action
Sponsor: Celeste Maloy · Representative · UT
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Water Rights Protection Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The Water Rights Protection Act stops federal agencies from requiring water rights transfers as a condition for land-use permits.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 302 would prevent the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from requiring people, businesses, or Indian Tribes to surrender state-held water rights as a condition of getting or renewing federal permits, leases, or licenses. It also requires these agencies to coordinate with states and follow state water law definitions rather than imposing stricter federal rules.
Who does it affect?
Farmers, ranchers, water utilities, businesses, and Indian Tribes who hold state water rights and also use federal lands under permits like grazing leases or rights-of-way.
Why does it matter?
The bill would limit federal agencies' leverage in linking land-use approvals to water rights, reinforcing state authority over water while leaving other major water laws, tribal reserved rights, and interstate compacts unchanged.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported in House” text of Nov 25, 2025.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 9, 2025
- House committee
- House voteYou are here · Nov 25, 2025
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 334.