A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 61-32-03.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to smaller subsurface water management systems; and to provide a penalty.

SB 2283 requires agricultural landowners to notify water resource boards and downstream neighbors before installing subsurface drainage systems covering less than 80 acres. It mandates specific installation standards (like 25-foot setbacks from drains, erosion controls, and pump shutdowns during floods) and creates a 30-day objection period for neighbors. If objections are filed, the system owner must apply for a permit; otherwise, mediation is required before lawsuits over drainage damage can proceed. Violations would be punishable as infractions. The bill applies only to agricultural drainage systems and excludes privately owned water bodies.