1. (1) Notwithstanding ORS chapter 537, 540 or 541, a proposed final order issued by the Water Resources Department under ORS chapter 537, 540 or 541 for an application requesting that the department approve a new water right or a change to an existing water right or permit, registration or license, shall become, without further department action, a final order as a matter of law 33 days after the close of the time period for submitting a protest if:

   1. (a) The department includes a provision in the proposed final order explaining that the proposed final order will become a final order under this section; and
   2. (b) A protest is not received by the department within the 33 days.
2. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the department may withdraw a proposed final order for reconsideration and issuance of a superseding proposed final order not more than 33 days after the close of the time period for submitting a protest.

Note: 537.623 becomes operative April 1, 2026. See section 48, chapter 282, Oregon Laws 2025, as amended by section 21c, chapter 575, Oregon Laws 2025.

Note: 537.623 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 537 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

[2025 c.282 §31]