Enacts temporary water rights permitting reforms to enable the department of ecology's water permitting staff to focus on substantive permitting matters that do not duplicate other permit review procedures. Until December 31, 2016, the times for construction and the application of water to beneficial use are both extended for five years.   Official Text and Analysis.

Clarifies the board’s option to issue a final decision. Qualifiers are placed on the board's authority to make a final decision. The board may elect to issue a final decision if requested to do so by the applicant and if the applicant and the board agree in advance that the party defending the board's decision in case of appeal will be either the board; the applicant; or the board and applicant jointly.

Removes the option of the water conservancy boards to issue a final water right decision.