The Regional Watershed Advisory Task Force of the South Dakota Legislature agreed on two pieces of legislation Monday that were approved unanimously by the committee. State Senator Jason Frerichs of Wilmot says one of the bills creates a new framework for managing the state’s water resources.

He says the legislation has wide support among the farm, conservation, and water development community. One of the issues resolved Monday targeted membership as to whether urban and rural districts should be separated or combined.

The other piece of legislation they approved tackles the thorny issue of water drainage disputes that have resulted in lawsuits. He says the committee was in agreement that anyone discharging water should be required to disclose their plans. He says approximately 8-10 counties currently have ordinances on the books to address these kinds of water issues.

The two bills will be forwarded to the 2015 South Dakota Legislature for consideration.