Relating to water rights.

HB 3501 modifies Oregon water law to streamline transfers of water rights by removing a requirement for agencies to evaluate whether transfers might impair public interest. It directly affects water right holders, transfer applicants, and the Water Resources Department by prohibiting consideration of public interest impacts during transfer reviews, as specified in amended ORS 540.510(6)(d). Key provisions require the Water Resources Director to approve transfers without assessing public interest harm - unless the transfer would injure existing rights - speeding up the process. This change aims to reduce delays and costs in water right transfers while maintaining existing protections against injury to other rights.