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@@-LEGISLATURE+REVISED+ST+A+TEMENTOF-THE-STATE-OF-IDAHO-Sixty-eighth-Legislature-Second-Regular-Session---2026-IN-THE-SENATE-SENATE-BILL-NO.-1304-BY-RESOURCES-AND-ENVIRONMENT-COMMITTEE-AN-ACT-1-RELATING-TO-IRRIGATION-CONDUIT-RIGHTS---OF---WAY;-AMENDING-SECTION-42---1102,-2-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-THE-RIGHTS-ASSOCIATED-WITH-3-AN-IRRIGATION-EASEMENT-OR-RIGHT---OF---WAY;-AMENDING-CHAPTER-12,-TITLE-42,-4-IDAHO-CODE,-BY-THE-ADDITION-OF-A-NEW-SECTION-42---1201,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-5-DEFINE-A-TERM;-AMENDING-SECTION-42---1201,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-PROVI---6-SIONS-REGARDING-THE-OPERATION-AND-MAINTENANCE-OF-IRRIGATION-CONVEYANCE-7-FACILITIES-AND-TO-REDESIGNATE-THE-SECTION;-AMENDING-SECTION-42---1207,-8-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-THE-PLACEMENT-OF-IRRIGATION-9-CONDUITS,-TO-PROVIDE-FOR-A-RIGHT-OF-AN-OWNER-OR-OPERATOR-OF-AN-IRRIGA---10-TION-EASEMENT-OR-RIGHT---OF---WAY,-TO-REDESIGNATE-THE-SECTION,-AND-TO-MAKE-1-1-TECHNICAL-CORRECTIONS;-AMENDING-SECTION-42---1208,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-12-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-EASEMENTS,-RIGHTS---OF---WAY,-AND-OTHER-REAL-PROPERTY-13-NOT-SUBJECT-TO-ADVERSE-PROPERTY-AND-TO-REDESIGNATE-THE-SECTION;-AMEND---14-ING-SECTION-42---1209,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-REVISE-PROVISIONS-REGARDING-EN---15-CROACHMENTS-ON-EASEMENTS-AND-RIGHTS---OF---WAY-AND-TO-REDESIGNATE-THE-SEC---16-TION;-AMENDING-SECTION-18---4308,-IDAHO-CODE,-TO-PROVIDE-A-CORRECT-CODE-17-REFERENCE;-AND-DECLARING-AN-EMERGENCY-AND-PROVIDING-AN-EFFECTIVE-DATE.-18-Be-It-Enacted+PURPOSE+RS33307+/+S1304+This+legislation+clarifies+that+the+rights+of+an+irrigation+easement+extend+to+structure+on+the+ditches+(including+headgates,+check+boxes,+etc.)+and+that,+when+work+is+done+within+an+irrigation+easement+the+ditch+owner+is+not+required+to+obtain+written+permission+from+the+underlying+landowner+.+FISCAL+NOTE+Since+this+amendment+involves+ditch+easements,+it+will+have+no+impact+on+the+general+fund.+Contact:+Paul+Arrington+,+Idaho+W+ater+User's+Association+(208)+344-6690+Senator+V+an+T+.+Burtenshaw+(208)+332-1000+DISCLAIMER:+This+statement+of+purpose+and+fiscal+note+ar+e+a+mer+e+attachment+to+this+bill+and+pr+epar+edby-the-Legislature+a+pr+oponentofthe-State+bill.+It+is+neither+intended+as+an+expr+essionof-Idaho:-19-SECTION-1.-That-Section-42---1102,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-20-amended-to-read-as-follows:-21-42---1102.-OWNERS-OF-LAND-----RIGHT-TO-RIGHT---OF---WAY.-(1)-Owners-or-22-claimants-to-land-that-do-not-have-sufficient-length-of-frontage-on-a-stream-23-to-afford-the-requisite-fall-for-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-other-24-conduit-on-their-own-premises-for-the-proper-irrigation-or-drainage-thereof,-25-or-where-the-land-proposed-to-be-irrigated-is-back-from-the-banks-of-such-26-stream,-and-convenient-facilities-otherwise-for-the-watering-of-said-lands-27-cannot-be-had,-such-owners-or-claimants-are-entitled-to-a-right---of---way-28-through-the-lands-of-others-for-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-conduit-to-29-convey-water-to-the-place-of-use-for-the-purposes-of-irrigation-or-to-provide-30-drainage-of-irrigated-land.-31-(2)-The-right---of---way-for-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-other-con---32-duit-shall-include-but-is-not-limited-to-the-reasonable-exercise-of-the-fol---33-lowing-rights:-34-(a)-The-right-to-enter-the-land-across-which-the-right---of---way-extends-35-for-the-purposes-of-accessing,-inspecting,-operating,-cleaning,-main---36-taining,-and-repairing-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-conduit,-37-embankments,-and-irrigation-structures-and-to-occupy-such-width-of-the-38-land-along-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-conduit,-and-embankments-39-as-is-necessary-to-properly-perform-such-work-with-personnel-and-with-40-such-equipment-as-is-commonly-used-or-is-reasonably-adapted-to-that-41-work.-42--2-(b)-The-right-to-remove-from-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-conduit,-1-embankments,-and-irrigation-structures-the-debris,-soil,-vegetation,-2-and-other-material-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-conduit-owner-3-or-operator-reasonably-deems-necessary-to-properly-access,-inspect,-op---4-erate,-clean,-maintain,-and-repair-them.-The-owner-or-operator-has-the-5-right-and-discretion-to-transport-the-material-from-the-right---of---way,-6-to-utilize-the-material-for-reconstruction,-repair,-or-maintenance-of-7-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-conduit,-embankments,-irrigation-8-structures,-and-related-roads-and-access-areas,-and-to-deposit-and-leave-9-the-material-within-the-right---of---way,-provided-that-the-deposits-occupy-10-no-greater-width-of-land-along-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-con---1-1-duit,-and-embankments-than-is-reasonably-necessary.-12-(c)-The-right-to-occupy-the-right---of---way-during-any-season-of-the-year-13-to-perform-the-work-of-operating,-cleaning,-maintaining,-and-repair---14-ing-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-conduit,-embankments,-and-irri---15-gation-structures-without-prior-notice-to-the-owner-or-occupant-of-the-16-land-across-which-the-right---of---way-extends.-17-(d)-The-right-to-construct,-install,-modify,-maintain,-or-relocate-any-18-structure,-headgate,-siphon,-measuring-device,-road,-fence,-gate,-or-19-other-appurtenance-within-the-right---of---way-that-facilitates-the-deliv---20-ery-or-drainage-of-water-or-is-used-to-access,-protect,-inspect,-oper---21-ate,-clean,-maintain,-or-repair-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-22-other-conduit.-23-(d)-(e)-The-owner-or-operator-of-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-24-conduit-is-not-obligated-to-maintain-or-control-the-right---of---way-or-veg---25-etation-for-the-benefit-of-the-owners-or-claimants-of-lands-of-others.-26-(f)-A-servient-estate-owner's-permission-shall-not-be-required-to-exer---27-cise-the-rights-described-in-this-section.-28-(3)-Any-servient-estate-owner-shall-be-deemed-to-have-notice-that-the-29-owner-of-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-conduit-has-the-right---of---way-30-and-all-incidental-rights-confirmed-or-granted-by-this-section-if:-31-(a)-The-servient-estate-owner-has-actual-or-constructive-knowledge-of-32-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-conduit;-or-33-(b)-The-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-conduit-or-any-feature-thereof-34-is-visible-or-reasonably-discoverable.-35-(4)-Rights---of---way-provided-by-this-section-are-essential-for-the-op---36-erations-of-the-ditches,-canals,-laterals,-drains,-and-conduits.-No-person-37-or-entity-shall-cause-or-permit-any-encroachments-onto-the-right---of---way,-38-including-public-or-private-roads,-utilities,-fences,-gates,-pipelines,-39-structures,-landscaping,-trees,-vegetation,-or-other-construction-or-place---40-ment-of-objects,-without-the-written-permission-of-the-owner-or-operator-41-of-the-right---of---way-in-order-to-ensure-that-any-such-encroachments-will-42-not-unreasonably-or-materially-interfere-with-the-use-and-enjoyment-of-the-43-right---of---way.-Such-written-permission-shall-not-be-unreasonably-withheld.-44-(5)-Encroachments-of-any-kind-placed-in-such-right---of---way-without-ex---45-press-written-permission-of-the-owner-or-operator-of-the-right---of---way-shall-46-be-removed-at-the-expense-of-the-person-or-entity-causing-or-permitting-such-47-encroachment,-upon-the-request-of-the-owner-or-operator-of-the-right---of---way,-48-in-the-event-that-any-such-encroachments-unreasonably-or-materially-inter---49-fere-with-the-use-and-enjoyment-of-the-right---of---way.-50--3-(a)-The-person-or-entity-that-caused-or-permitted-the-encroachment-1-shall-perform-such-removal,-modification,-repair,-or-restoration-2-within-a-reasonable-time-after-request-from-the-owner-or-operator-of-the-3-easement-or-right---of---way-or-immediately-upon-such-request-in-the-event-4-of-reduced-delivery-or-drainage-of-water,-property-damage,-safety-risk,-5-or-other-emergency.-What-constitutes-a-reasonable-time-to-respond-to-6-the-request-depends-on-the-circumstances-affecting-the-use,-operation,-7-maintenance,-and-repair-of-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-conduit-8-and-associated-easement-or-right---of---way.-9-(b)-If-the-person-or-entity-that-caused-or-permitted-the-encroachment-10-fails-to-timely-perform-the-requested-actions,-or-in-the-event-of-re---1-1-duced-delivery-or-drainage-of-water,-property-damage,-safety-risk,-or-12-other-emergency,-the-owner-or-operator-of-the-easement-or-right---of---way-13-may-proceed-to-perform-such-actions-at-the-expense-of-the-person-or-en---14-tity-causing-or-permitting-the-encroachment,-as-long-as-no-work-is-per---15-formed-on-any-municipal-or-public-utility-line.-16-(6)-Any-person-or-entity-that-causes-or-permits-an-encroachment-shall-17-be-responsible-for-its-use,-operation,-maintenance,-repair,-and-replace---18-ment-to-prevent-unreasonable-or-material-interference-with-the-ditch,-canal,-19-lateral,-drain,-or-conduit-and-the-associated-easement-or-right---of---way-and-20-shall-be-liable-for-all-damages-that-may-accrue-therefrom.-21-(7)-Nothing-in-this-section-shall-in-any-way-affect-the-exercise-of-the-22-right-of-eminent-domain-for-the-public-purposes-set-forth-in-section-7---701,-23-Idaho-Code.-24-(8)-This-section-shall-apply-to-ditches,-canals,-laterals,-drains,-25-conduits,-and-embankments-existing-on-the-effective-date-of-this-act,-as-26-well-as-to-ditches,-canals,-laterals,-drains,-conduits,-and-embankments-27-constructed-or-existing-after-such-effective-date.-28-SECTION-2.-That-Chapter-12,-Title-42,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-29-hereby-amended-by-the-addition-thereto-of-a-NEW-SECTION-,-to-be-known-and-des---30-ignated-as-Section-42---1201,-Idaho-Code,-and-to-read-as-follows:-31-42---1201.-DEFINITIONS.-As-used-in-this-chapter,-"irrigation-conduit"-32-means-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-pipeline,-or-other-surface-channel-or-33-buried-conduit-that-is-used-to-convey-water-to-the-place-of-use-for-the-pur---34-poses-of-irrigation-or-to-provide-drainage-of-irrigated-land.-35-SECTION-3.-That-Section-42---1201,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-36-amended-to-read-as-follows:-37-42---1201-42---1202-.-OPERATION-AND-MAINTENANCE-OF-IRRIGATION-CONVEYANCE-38-FACILITIES.-(1)-Every-person-or-entity-owning-or-controlling-any-ditch,-39-canal,-lateral,-or-irrigation-conduit-for-the-purpose-of-irrigation-shall:-40-(a)-During-the-time-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-or-irrigation-conduit-is-41-operated-to-deliver-water-for-irrigation,-keep-a-flow-of-water-therein-42-sufficient-to-meet-the-needs-of-the-persons-or-entities-entitled-to-the-43-use-of-water-therefrom.-Such-duty-may-be-adjusted-when-there-is-insuffi---44-cient-water-in-the-public-streams-or-other-natural-water-sources-or-when-45-the-board-of-directors-or-governing-body-of-an-entity-furnishing-water-46--4-deems-it-in-the-best-interests-of-that-entity-to-reduce-the-water-supply-1-or-dates-of-availability;-2-(b)-Construct-the-necessary-outlets-in-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-or-3-irrigation-conduit-for-proper-delivery-of-water-to-persons-and-entities-4-having-rights-to-the-use-of-the-water;-5-(c)-Not-permit-a-greater-quantity-of-water-to-be-turned-into-the-ditch,-6-canal,-lateral,-or-irrigation-conduit-than-it-will-contain-or-than-can-7-be-used-for-beneficial-or-useful-purposes-to-prevent-the-wasting-and-8-useless-discharge-and-running-away-of-water;-and-9-(d)-Carefully-keep-and-maintain-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-or-10-irrigation-conduit-in-good-repair-and-condition-so-as-not-to-damage-or-1-1-in-any-way-injure-the-property-or-premises-of-others-and-to-prevent-the-12-water-conveyed-therein-from-wasting-during-the-irrigation-season.-13-(2)-The-duties-to-operate-and-maintain-an-irrigation-ditch,-canal,-lat---14-eral,-or-conduit,-whether-statutory-or-common-law,-require-reasonable-care-15-only-and-shall-not-be-construed-to-impose-strict-liability-or-to-otherwise-16-enlarge-the-liability-of-the-owners-or-operators-thereof.-The-owners,-con---17-structors,-or-operators-of-irrigation-ditches,-canals,-laterals,-or-con---18-duits,-while-responsible-for-their-own-acts-or-omissions,-shall-not-be-liable-19-for-damage-or-injury-caused-by:-20-(a)-The-diversion-or-discharge-of-water-into-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-or-21-irrigation-conduit-by-a-third-party-without-the-permission-of-the-owner-22-or-operator-thereof;-23-(b)-Any-other-act-or-omission-of-a-third-party,-other-than-an-employee-24-or-agent-of-the-owner-or-operator-of-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-or-25-irrigation-conduit;-or-26-(c)-An-act-of-God,-including-but-not-limited-to-fire,-earthquake,-storm,-27-or-similar-natural-phenomenon.-28-(3)-The-provisions-of-this-section-shall-not-be-construed-to-impair-any-29-defense-that-an-owner,-constructor,-or-operator-of-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-30-or-irrigation-conduit-may-assert-in-a-civil-action.-31-SECTION-4.-That-Section-42---1207,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-32-amended-to-read-as-follows:-33-42---1207-42---1203-.-RELOCATION-AND-PIPING-OF-IRRIGATION-CONVEYANCE-34-FACILITIES-AND-DRAINAGE-FACILITIES.-(1)-Where-any-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-35-drain,-or-buried-irrigation-conduit-has-heretofore-been,-or-may-hereafter-36-be,-constructed-across-or-beneath-the-lands-of-another:-37-(a)-The-servient-estate-owner-may,-at-his-own-expense,-relocate-or-pipe-38-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-irrigation-conduit-to-any-39-other-part-of-his-land,-but-such-change-must-be-made-in-such-a-manner-40-as-not-to-impede-the-flow-of-the-water-therein,-or-to-otherwise-injure-41-any-person-or-entity-using-or-interested-in-such-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-42-drain,-or-buried-irrigation-conduit-.-;-or-43-(b)-The-servient-estate-owner-may,-at-his-own-expense,-place-the-ditch,-44-canal,-lateral,-or-drain-irrigation-conduit-in-a-pipe,-culvert,-or-other-45-conduit-on-his-land,-provided-that-the-pipe,-culvert,-or-other-conduit-46-installation-and-backfill-reasonably-meet-standard-specifications-for-47-such-materials-and-construction,-as-set-forth-in-the-Idaho-standards-for-48--5-public-works-construction-or-other-standards-recognized-by-the-city-or-1-county-in-which-the-burying-is-to-be-done.-2-(2)-The-right-and-responsibility-for-operation-and-maintenance-of-a-3-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-an-irrigation-conduit-that-is-re---4-located-or-placed-in-conduit-by-the-servient-estate-owner-shall-remain-with-5-the-owner-of-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral-irrigation-conduit-,-or-drain,-but-the-6-servient-estate-owner,-his-heirs,-executors,-administrators,-successors,-7-and-assigns-shall-be-responsible+legislative+intent+nor+intendedforany-increased-operation-and-maintenance-8-costs,-including-rehabilitation-and-replacement,-unless-otherwise-agreed-9-in-writing-with-the-owner-of-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-10-irrigation-conduit.-1-1-(3)(a)-The-written-permission-of-the-owner-or-operator-of-a-ditch,-12-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-an-irrigation-conduit-must-first-be-13-obtained-before-it-is-relocated-or-placed-in-a-pipe,-culvert,-or-other-14-conduit-by-the-owner-of-the-servient-estate,-in-order-to-ensure-that:-15-(i)-Such-change-will-not-impede-the-flow-of-water-therein,-un---16-reasonably-or-materially-interfere-with-access,-use,-operation,-17-maintenance,-cleaning,-or-repair,-or-otherwise-injure-any-person-18-or-entity-using-such-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-irri---19-gation-conduit;-20-(ii)-Adequate-provision-is-made-for-the-payment-of-any-increased-21-operation-and-maintenance-costs,-including-rehabilitation-and-re---22-placement,-unless-otherwise-agreed-in-writing-with-the-owner-or-23-operator-of-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-irrigation-24-conduit;-and-25-(iii)-Adequate-provision-is-made-documenting,-protecting,-and-26-perpetuating-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-irri---27-gation-conduit-right---of---way-pursuant-to-section-42---1102,-Idaho-28-Code.-29-(b)-Such-written-permission-shall-not-be-unreasonably-withheld.-30-(4)-A-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-An-irrigation-conduit-31-that-is-relocated-or-placed-in-a-pipe,-culvert,-or-other-conduit-without-32-such-express-written-permission-shall-be-removed,-modified,-repaired,-33-or-restored-to-its-prior-location-or-condition,-as-directed-by-the-owner-34-thereof,-at-the-expense-of-the-person-or-entity-that-caused-or-permitted-such-35-relocation-or-placement-in-pipe,-culvert,-or-other-conduit,-in-the-event-36-it-unreasonably-or-materially-interferes-with-theuse-and-enjoyment-of-the-37-easement-or-right---of---way.-38-(a)-The-person-or-entity-that-caused-or-permitted-the-relocation-or-39-the-placement-in-pipe,-culvert,-or-other-conduit-shall-perform-such-re---40-moval,-modification,-repair,-or-restoration-within-a-reasonable-time-41-after-request-from-the-owner-or-operator-of-the-easement-or-right---of---42-way,-or-immediately-upon-such-request-in-the-event-of-reduced-delivery-43-or-drainage-of-water,-property-damage,-safety-risk,-or-other-emergency.-44-What-constitutes-a-reasonable-time-to-respond-to-the-request-depends-on-45-circumstances-affecting-the-use,-operation,-maintenance,-and-repair-of-46-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral-drain,-or-buried-irrigation-conduit-and-asso---47-ciated-easement-or-right---of---way.-48-(b)-If-the-person-or-entity-that-caused-or-permitted-the-relocation-or-49-the-placement-in-pipe,-culvert,-or-other-conduit-fails-to-timely-perform-50--6-the-requested-actions,-or-in-the-event-of-reduced-delivery-or-drainage-1-of-water,-property-damage,-safety-risk,-or-other-emergency,-the-owner-2-or-operator-of-the-easement-or-right---of---way-may-proceed-to-perform-such-3-actions-at-the-expense-of-the-person-or-entity-that-caused-or-permitted-4-the-relocation-or-piping.-5-(5)-The-owner-or-operator-of-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-6-An-irrigation-conduit-that-has-been-constructed-across-or-beneath-the-lands-7-of-another-may-relocate-or-pipe-the-facility.-be-relocated-or-piped-by-its-8-owner-or-operator-as-follows:-9-(a)-Prior-to-relocating-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-irri---10-gation-conduit,-the-written-permission-of-the-owner-of-the-servient-es---1-1-tate-shall-be-obtained-The-irrigation-conduit's-owner-or-operator-shall-12-obtain-the-servient-estate-owner's-written-permission-prior-to-relocat---13-ing-or-piping-the-conduitoutsideofthe-easement-or-right--+legislative+pr+ocess,+including+judicial+r+eview+(Joint+Rule+18).+Statementof---way-.-14-(b)-The-irrigation-conduit's-owner-or-operator-shall-have-the-right-to-15-relocate-or-pipe-an-irrigation-conduit-within-the-easement-or-right---of---16-way-without-obtaining-the-servient-estate-owner's-permission.-17-(b)-(c)-The-owner-or-operator-of-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-18-buried-irrigation-conduit-an-open-surface-channel-used-for-irrigation-19-or-drainage-shall-have-the-right-to-place-it-in-a-buried-conduit-within-20-the-easement-or-right---of---way,-without-the-permission-of-the-servient-21-estate-owner,-in-accordance-with-standard-specifications-for-pipe,-22-materials,-installation,-and-backfill,-as-set-forth-in-the-Idaho-stan---23-dards-for-public-works-construction-or-other-standards-recognized-by-24-the-city-or-county-in-which-the-burying-is-to-be-done,-and-as-long-as-25-the-construction-is-accomplished-in-a-manner-that-the-surface-of-the-26-servient-estate-outside-the-easement-or-right---of---way-and-the-owner's-27-use-thereof-is-not-disrupted-and-is-restored-to-its-prior-condition-as-28-expeditiously-as-possible,-but-no-longer-than-thirty-(30)-days-after-the-29-completion-of-construction.-30-(c)-(d)-The-owner-of-the-servient-estate-may-request-that-the-conduit-be-31-installed-along-a-different-route-than-the-existing-route-of-the-ditch,-32-canal,-lateral,-or-drain-irrigation-conduit-,-provided-that:-33-(i)-The-conditions-of-subsection-(3)-of-this-section-are-satis---34-fied;-and-35-(ii)-The-servient-estate-owner,-his-heirs,-executors,-adminis---36-trators,-successors,-and-assigns-shall-be-responsible-for-any-in---37-creased-construction-or-future-maintenance-costs-necessitated-by-38-said-relocation.-Maintenance-of-the-buried-conduit-shall-be-the-39-responsibility-of-the-conduit-owner-or-operator.-40-(6)-This-section-shall-apply-to-ditches,-canals,-laterals,-drains,-and-41-buried-irrigation-conduits-existing-on-or-established-after-July-1,-2024.-42-SECTION-5.-That-Section-42---1208,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-43-amended-to-read-as-follows:-44-42---1208-42---1204-.-EASEMENTS,-RIGHTS---OF---WAY,-AND-OTHER-REAL-PROPERTY-45-NOT-SUBJECT-TO-ADVERSE-POSSESSION.-(1)-The-easements,-rights---of---way,-or-46-real-property-owned-by-irrigation-districts,-Carey-act-operating-companies,-47-nonprofit-irrigation-entities,-lateral-ditch-associations,-and-drainage-48-districts-are-not-subject-to-adverse-possession.-49--7-(2)-No-person-shall-prevent-free-access-of-authorized-personnel-on-such-1-easements,-rights---of---way,-or-other-real-property,-or-construct-any-obstruc---2-tion-on-such-easements,-rights---of---way,-or-other-real-property-in-an-effort-to-3-adversely-possess-said-easement,-right---of---way,-or-other-real-property.-4-SECTION-6.-That-Section-42---1209,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-5-amended-to-read-as-follows:-6-42---1209-42---1205-.-ENCROACHMENTS-ON-EASEMENTS-AND-RIGHTS---OF---WAY.-(1)-7-Easements-or-rights---of---way-operated,-maintained,-controlled-,-or-owned-by-8-irrigation-districts,-Carey-act-operating-companies,-nonprofit-irrigation-9-entities,-lateral-ditch-associations,-and-drainage-districts-are-essential-10-for-the-operations-of-such-irrigation-and-drainage-entities.-Accordingly,-1-1-no-person-or-entity-shall-cause-or-permit-any-encroachments-onto-the-ease---12-ments-or-rights---of---way,-including-any-public-or-private-roads,-utilities,-13-fences,-gates,-pipelines,-structures,-landscaping,-trees,-vegetation,-or-14-other-construction-or-placement-of-objects,-without-the-written-permis---15-sion-of-the-irrigation-district,-Carey-act-operating-company,-nonprofit-16-irrigation-entity,-lateral-ditch-association,-or-drainage-district-owning,-17-operating,-maintaining,-or-controlling-the-easement-or-right---of---way,-in-18-order-to-ensure-that-any-such-encroachments-will-not-unreasonably-or-mate---19-rially-interfere-with-the-use-and-enjoyment-of-the-easement-or-right---of---way-20-and-the-incidental-rights-and-protections-described-in-sections-42---1102-and-21-42---1207-42---1203-,-Idaho-Code.-Such-written-permission-shall-not-be-unreason---22-ably-withheld.-23-(2)-Encroachments-of-any-kind-placed-in-such-easement-or-right---of---way,-24-without-such-express-written-permission,-shall-be-removed-or-modified,-and-25-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-irrigation-conduit,-easement,-or-right---26-of---way-shall-be-repaired-or-restored-at-the-expense-of-the-person-or-entity-27-causing-or-permitting-such-encroachments,-upon-the-request-of-the-persons-28-operating,-maintaining,-or-controlling-the-easement-or-right---of---way-or-the-29-owner-of-the-easement-or-right---of---way,-in-the-event-that-any-such-encroach---30-ments-unreasonably-or-materially-interfere-with-the-use-and-enjoyment-of-the-31-easement-or-right---of---way.-32-(a)-The-person-or-entity-that-caused-or-permitted-the-encroachment-33-shall-perform-such-removal,-modification,-repair,-or-restoration-34-within-a-reasonable-time-after-request-from-the-owner-or-operator-of-35-the-easement-or-right---of---way,-or-immediately-upon-such-request-in-the-36-event-of-reduced-delivery-or-drainage-of-water,-property-damage,-safety-37-risk,-or-other-emergency.-What-constitutes-a-reasonable-time-to-respond-38-to-the-request-depends-on-circumstances-affecting-the-use,-operation,-39-maintenance,-and-repair-of-the-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-drain,-or-buried-40-irrigation-conduit-and-associated-easement-or-right---of---way.-41-(b)-If-the-person-or-entity-that-caused-or-permitted-the-encroachment-42-fails-to-timely-perform-the-requested-actions,-or-in-the-event-of-re---43-duced-delivery-or-drainage-of-water,-property-damage,-safety-risk,-or-44-other-emergency,-the-owner-or-operator-of-the-easement-or-right---of---way-45-may-proceed-to-perform-such-actions-at-the-expense-of-the-person-or-en---46-tity-that-caused-or-permitted-the-encroachment,-as-long-as-no-work-is-47-performed-on-any-municipal-or-public-utility-line.-48--8-(3)-Any-person-or-entity-that-causes-or-permits-an-encroachment-shall-be-1-responsible-for-its-use,-operation,-maintenance,-repair,-and-replacement-to-2-prevent-unreasonable-or-material-interference-with-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-3-drain,-or-an-irrigation-conduit-and-the-associated-easement-or-right---of---way-4-and-shall-be-liable-for-all-damages-that-may-accrue-therefrom.-5-(4)-Nothing-in-this-section-shall-in-any-way-affect-the-exercise-of-the-6-right-of-eminent-domain-for-the-public-purposes-set-forth-in-section-7---701,-7-Idaho-Code.-8-SECTION-7.-That-Section-18---4308,-Idaho-Code,-be,-and-the-same-is-hereby-9-amended-to-read-as-follows:-10-18---4308.-CHANGE-OF-DITCH,-CANAL,-LATERAL,-DRAIN,-OR-BURIED-IRRIGATION-1-1-CONDUIT.-Any-person-who-relocates-or-places-in-pipe,-culvert,-or-other-con---12-duit-or-buries-a-ditch,-canal,-lateral,-or-drain-contrary-to-the-provisions-13-of-section-42---1207-42---1203-,-Idaho-Code,-shall-be-guilty-of-a-misdemeanor.-14-SECTION-8.-An-emergency-existing-therefor,-which-emergency-is-hereby-15-declared-to-exist,-this-act-shall-be-in-full-force-and-effect-on-and-after-16-July-1,-2026.-17+Purpose+/+Fiscal+Note+Bill+SOP/FN+REVISED:+03/16/2026,+1:25+PM
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