Transcript Highlights:

• </c> there any discussion Senator water there any discussion Senator water thank<01:18:56.280><c> you
• the water, but with more fresh water that buffering is not there, so what do we get?
• :21:32.560><c> the</c><01:21:32.760><c> water</c><01:21:33.080><c> warming</c><01:21:33.440><c> water
• </c><01:21:33.639><c> is</c> seems like the water warming water is seems like the water warming water
• </c> of the water but with more fresh water of the water but with more fresh water that<01:22:50.440>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We keep working on it, and that's because the human right to water isn't just about clean and safe water
• It's also about affordable water.
• Water Act, and part of the Safe Drinking Water Act is establishing health-protective standards.
• But yes, there is a cost of providing safe drinking water, and there is a cost to water systems.
• A community benefits program, the use of recycled water and water-efficient technology, full responsibility

Summary: The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision. SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension. SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact. The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ernie La, Board of Water Supply.
• </c> Okay, water is life.
• You drink water, I drink water. I'm a farmer.
• You drink water, I drink water. I'm a farmer.
• Board of Water Supply once again. Mahalo, Ernie La, Board of Water Supply.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt. The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:09:30.520><c> Waters.</c> Senator Waters. Senator Waters. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
• > a</c><00:14:25.800><c> long</c> operating water water systems for a long operating water water systems
• </c> the water line and maybe failing? the water line and maybe failing?
• Representative<00:56:25.040><c> Waters.</c> Representative Waters. Representative Waters. Yeah.
• Senator Waters.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that state land in The Boundary Waters that state land in The Boundary Waters the<00:05:03.520><
• With respect to the Boundary Waters lands, he said the exchange is not viable.
• </c> with respect to the Boundary Waters with respect to the Boundary Waters lands<00:09:45.120><c> as
• lived in The Boundary Waters uh almost lived in The Boundary Waters uh for<00:29:20.320><c> lck</c><00
• <00:35:23.560><c> is</c><00:35:23.800><c> that</c> Waters is that Waters is that $325<00:35:25.560><c

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HF 1425, which would prohibit the sale of state-owned school trust lands in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the federal government and instead require a land trade. Representative Skraba argued the federal wilderness law requires an exchange, not a sale, and said the state should trade Boundary Waters school trust lands for federal lands elsewhere, citing potential benefits for logging, mining, and school trust revenue. He said the current proposed sale price was too low and moved to lay the bill over for possible inclusion in a future bill. Later, he withdrew a DE1 amendment and instead moved to re-refer the bill to the Education Finance Committee, but that motion failed. Testimony was largely opposed to the bill. Aaron Vandal of the Office of School Trust Lands said the exchange option was no longer viable, that the lands have produced no revenue for education for decades, and that selling them is the trust’s last opportunity to generate returns for schoolchildren. Bob Meyer of the DNR supported Vandal’s position and said the agency could not negotiate mineral rights in the way suggested. Aon Clems of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and Amanda Hefner of Save the Boundary Waters both opposed HF 1425, though they emphasized different reasons: Clems argued a sale best fulfills the state’s fiduciary duty to maximize long-term returns for education, while Hefner said a sale would harm public education funding, align with the trust’s original purpose, and help consolidate federal ownership in the wilderness. Members then questioned the valuation and the practical differences between a sale and an exchange. Representative Jacob challenged the low per-acre price and asked about the federal government’s set-aside amount, while Representative Fischer asked how the appraisal was determined. DNR lands and minerals director Joe Henderson explained the valuation came from an independent appraiser, was based on the wilderness restrictions and lack of development potential, and was from a 2020 appraisal that is now being updated. Representative Schultz supported the sale approach and said the state should not transfer the land at such a low price. The committee did not advance the bill to the Education Finance Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> protect enhance and restore water protect enhance and restore water quality<00:14:11.040><c> in<
• </c> protect drinking water protect drinking water sources<00:14:22.639><c> there</c><00:14:22.759><c
• or border waters.
• or border waters.
• Minnesota Waters or border Waters and Minnesota Waters or border Waters and the<01:09:49.120><c> council

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:34.959><c> that</c> our peer utility Louisville Water that our peer utility Louisville Water
• It was so old that we had lots of infiltration from water, you know, high water events or stream weather
• It was so old that we had lots of infiltration from water, you know, high water events or stream weather
• It was so old that we had lots of infiltration from water, you know, high water events or stream weather
• <00:22:00.120><c> Act</c><00:22:00.320><c> in</c> Water Act in Water Act in 1972<00:22:02.559><c> uh<

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 HB 387 Discussion 01:06 HB 387 Roll Call Vote 28:30 HCR 22 Discussion 29:26 HCR 22 Roll Call Vote 31:09 HB 519 Discussion 35:36 HB 519 Roll Call Vote 38:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 387, which would amend MSD governance and spending rules in Louisville. The sponsor said the bill was intended to add oversight and accountability in response to large MSD rate increases, though the original rate-approval provision had been removed because of concerns about contracts and bond ratings in Oldham and Bullitt counties. MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott testified that MSD is a public utility serving more than 800,000 people through wastewater, stormwater, and flood protection services, and argued that most rate pressure comes from federal and state mandates tied to a consent decree and other orders. He said MSD already provides annual notice and bond approvals through Metro Council, offers customer assistance programs, and needs flexibility for advertising, public notices, recruitment, and compliance. Members discussed stormwater funding, aging infrastructure, flood control, and the bill’s limits on advertising and other expenditures. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed on a roll call vote. The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 22, as substituted, which expressed support for exploring nuclear energy and included language noting Kentucky’s ability to use nuclear waste, uranium tailings, and spent fuel in ways described by the sponsor as cleaner. Supporters said Kentucky faces an energy shortage and that nuclear, including small modular reactors, should be part of the state’s future energy mix. Some members said they would support the resolution but wanted a feasibility study or noted that it does not carry the force of law. The resolution passed. Finally, the committee began House Bill 519, sponsored by Representative Fugate, which would prevent utility companies from passing demolition costs for retired coal-fired or fossil-fuel plants on to ratepayers. The sponsor cited sharply rising electricity bills in eastern Kentucky, the decline in coal employment, and the burden of demolition costs from the Big Sandy plant being placed on customers. He argued that utilities should absorb those costs rather than shifting them to ratepayers. The bill was introduced with a motion and second, and the committee was preparing to hear further questions and testimony when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate, uh, the committee members and Senator Weber for your continued support in water rural water
• quality and treatment change raw water quality and treatment needs. needs. needs.
• </c><00:04:24.680><c> rural</c> your continued support in water rural your continued support in water
• <00:04:26.080><c> health,</c> water infrastructure and public health, water infrastructure and public
• &gt;&gt; water treatment facility in Fort Ridgely Township.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:42.880><c> Senator</c><00:24:43.200><c> Waters.</c> Further discussions? Senator Waters.
• Drinking water. right, further discuss. Drinking water.
• Seeing none, Senator Waters, discussion. Seeing none, Senator Waters, no.
• Senator Waters moves approval. Okay. Senator Waters moves approval. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
• Senator Waters. Thank you. Uh, Mr.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that directed by the Fish and Wildlife, or Division of Water? >> Division of Water.
• Division of Water regulation. >> Okay.
• </c><00:25:28.320><c> from</c> And that those w that water from And that those w that water from Carolton
• </c> the water bowling up under there. the water bowling up under there.
• </c> from the division of water. from the division of water.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:30 Office of the Attorney General 00:01:50 Kentucky River Authority 00:12:50, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met without a quorum at first, then heard an update on child exploitation enforcement efforts from the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Criminal Investigations. The presenters described the specialized investigation and prosecution unit funded in House Bill 6, saying the added resources allowed them to hire four staff members and expand work on cyber tips, search warrants, arrests, forensic processing, victim advocacy, and training for local law enforcement. They highlighted a recent rescue of a 5-year-old victim from a Discord-related case and said the office had also filed a civil lawsuit against Roblox, alleging the platform lacked adequate age verification and allowed predators access to children. Senators asked about the lawsuit, and the presenters said Kentucky was one of only two states to sue Roblox and that the complaint was based on evidence collected by the office. The committee then received an update from the Kentucky River Authority on lock and dam repairs funded in the 2024-2026 budget. The authority reported progress on three capital projects: upper guide repairs at Locks 2 and 3, design and repair work at Dam 7, and design work to reopen Lock 5 for navigation. Officials explained that river construction is limited by flooding and fish-spawn restrictions, and they described the engineering and safety issues involved in replacing guide walls and repairing Dam 7’s spillway. They also said the authority had demolished three obsolete lockmaster houses and filled a fifth lockmaster position, while continuing to work on pay retention for those employees. Members asked about the transfer of the lock and dam properties from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the permitting process through the Division of Water, and the timeline for reopening navigation. The authority said the Corps had transferred the properties to Kentucky, that permits for river work are handled through the Division of Water and the Army Corps, and that Locks 1 through 4 are open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October. Officials said Lock 5 would add 14 miles of navigation if reopened, but that it would still take a few more years before that project is complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• During drought, we need stored water to provide water to communities and the environment.
• to store water that can support both water users and environmental flows in dry times.
• and water user protections.
• CEQA and the lake and streambed alteration agreement laws for a water diversion program and certain water
• water.

Summary: The committee heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 2026 on groundwater recharge. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for recharge projects, codify long-standing CEQA exemptions for flood diversions to recharge, and add tribal consultation and other guardrails. Water agencies and local districts supported the measure as a way to capture high-flow water and reduce groundwater subsidence, while environmental groups and some irrigation districts opposed it, warning that the bill’s exemptions and broader diversion authority could harm rivers, Delta resources, and public trust values. The bill was discussed but not voted on because the committee lacked a quorum at that point. The committee then took up AB 1577 on data center energy accountability, which would require monthly reporting of energy-use data and permit-related estimates of energy and water demand. The author and the Little Hoover Commission argued the bill would improve transparency, help protect ratepayers, and give regulators better information for grid planning. Data center industry representatives opposed it as duplicative, burdensome, and uniquely targeted, while local governments, environmental groups, and some utilities supported it or supported it if amended. The bill was later reported out with a due pass recommendation once a quorum was established. Members also heard AB 2245 on a producer responsibility program for lubricant products and containers, AB 2170 on CEQA language-access and environmental review protections for overburdened communities, AB 2059 on rural transportation and VMT mitigation, AB 1808 on Western Joshua tree permitting and fee relief, AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency program changes, and AB 2231 on streamlining two hospital projects. Testimony was mixed on most of these bills: supporters emphasized affordability, local control, environmental justice, or project urgency, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA scope, regulatory duplication, costs, and environmental impacts. Several measures received due pass recommendations and roll-call votes, including AB 2170, AB 2059, AB 1808, AB 2182, and AB 2231, with some members voting no or not voting and some bills left open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• During drought, we need stored water to provide water to communities and the environment.
• to store water that can support both water users and environmental flows in dry times.
• and water user protections.
• Water Authority, two minutes each.
• water.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Water Resources Control Board, SWRCB, also has the authority to develop and enforce water quality
• objectives for copper in water bodies.
• And second, by June 1, 2028, the State Water Resources Control Board, Regional Water Control Boards,
• Conversely, the state's water board, a sister agency to DPR, is enforcing regulatory copper water quality
• can be in the water.

Summary: The Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard four measures and approved one consent item. AB 1617 was taken up on consent and passed to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1604, which would phase out bisphenol A in paper receipts by 2027 and all bisphenols by 2028. The author and supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and Californians Against Waste argued receipts are a source of worker and consumer exposure and waste contamination, while no opposition testified. The bill passed to Judiciary. AB 1642, dealing with post-wildfire smoke and contamination standards for returning to homes, workplaces, and schools, drew extensive testimony. The author, a Caltech professor, and Eaton Fire survivors described heavy metals and other contaminants found in smoke-damaged homes and said California lacks clear science-based clearance standards. Insurance and real estate groups opposed or expressed concern, arguing the bill could overlap with insurance claims handling and add costs, while the author and supporters said it only sets scientific standards and does not regulate claims. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 5-2 vote. AB 1691 addressed copper-based anti-fouling paint on boats and conflicting state water quality and pesticide regulations. The author and the City of Newport Beach said the bill would require DPR and the State Water Resources Control Board to coordinate on studies and consistent standards, while boating groups warned about unintended consequences and the possibility of a de facto ban. The committee also heard AB 1744, a truth-in-labeling bill sponsored by a high school eco club that would prohibit sunscreen from being marketed as reef-safe or reef-friendly if it contains chemical UV filters; it passed unanimously to Privacy and Consumer Protection. After add-on votes, the committee confirmed the earlier actions and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• WATER YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SEEING OUT THERE IN THE MEDIA REGARDING WATER USAGE AND SOME CONCERNS REGARDING
• SO WATER CONTINUES TO THE SYSTEMS THAT UTILIZE WATER CONTINUE TO BECOME MORE EFFICIENT AND THE USAGE
• LESS WATER.
• THEY HAVE HUMBLE STATS OUT THERE WHEN IT COMES TO INDUSTRY WATER USE INCLUDING IN VIRGINIA IN THE WATER
• YOU CAN SEE THERE ARE OTHER SECTORS OF YOUR WATER LEAKS AND SYSTEMS THAT ARE HIGHER INSTANCES OF WATER

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> cost unfortunately in increased water cost unfortunately in increased water rates.<00:09:01.839>
• </c><00:19:38.400><c> are</c><00:19:38.559><c> the</c> water and waste water, which are the water and
• PFAS or non-water-soluble PFAS.
• on uh water soluble PAS or<00:25:22.400><c> non-water</c><00:25:23.039><c> soluble</c><00:25:23.520>
• </c> such as clean air and clean water. such as clean air and clean water.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Brian Gold continued that the cost differential exists because solar water heaters and heat pump water
• Solar water heaters are required to handle substantially all of a home’s water heating load, defined
• as 90 to 10% of the water heating load, whereas heat pump water heaters are not.
• </c> water heaters and heat pump water water heaters and heat pump water heaters<00:14:31.000><c> and
• </c> heating load whereas heat pump water heating load whereas heat pump water heaters<00:14:48.440><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several energy- and environment-related measures. HB 242 HD1 on electric vehicle batteries drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, SERFCO, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; the Energy Office suggested a broader working group covering all lithium-ion batteries, and members later adopted amendments including a date change and revised timing language. HB 751 HD2 on statewide organic waste reduction and diversion received mixed testimony, with the Department of Health opposing it over concerns about compostable food packaging and incomplete testing data; the committee nonetheless moved the bill forward with amendments removing compostable food packaging from the definition of organic waste and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees also considered HB 1020 HD1 on a statewide program to characterize carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Ulupono supported the measure as part of a broader geothermal and energy security effort, while members raised concerns about overlapping roles between agencies and the need for a single coordinated voice. The committee ultimately amended the bill to place DBEDT in charge, with technical changes, and passed it. In a separate portion of the hearing, HB 350 HD2 on energy was heard with support from the State Energy Office, industry, and advocacy groups; opponents argued the existing solar water heater law is working and that variances already allow flexibility. The committee passed HB 350 unamended. Later, the committee heard HB 977 HD1 on energy financing, HB 1017 HD1 on the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, and HB 1406 HD1 on government procedures. HB 977 received support from the Public Utilities Commission, DCCA, and others and was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. HB 1017, which would repeal the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, and HB 1051, which sets energy efficiency benchmarks, were both passed unamended. HB 1406, a task force bill aimed at improving permitting and regulatory processes, was amended to add a Senate representative, include the State Energy Office, make the bill effective on approval, and note prior funding requests in the committee report; it was then adopted. Votes were recorded on each measure, with some members excused and HB 751 drawing one no vote from Senator Rhoads.

Transcript Highlights:

• , in the amount of $4,522,000, is for their water main assessment replacement planning and design water
• Waters stands for Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems
• in the amount of $4,522,000 is for their water main assessment replacement planning and design water
• Waters stands for Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems
• 39.880><c> Kentucky</c><00:18:40.280><c> waters</c> emergency fund and so Kentucky waters emergency fund

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the January minutes and then received several informational reports on school district tax levies, revenue bonds, lease advertisements, and previously rejected lease transactions. Members were told that one rejected lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Hardin County would be canceled and rebid, while a Perry County lease modification for the Energy and Environment Cabinet would proceed. The Kentucky Communications Network Authority also submitted its quarterly capital projects report, and Eastern Kentucky University reported revisions to asset preservation projects. Janice Thomas, Deputy State Budget Director, presented four capital project action items. These included a Kentucky State University Betty White Building renovation funded by USDA grant money, a Department of Education state schools dormitory and cottage renovation appropriation increase because bids exceeded estimates, a restricted-funds scope increase for the Elizabethtown CTC science building expansion, and a pool project report for the Department of Corrections’ KCIW kitchen drain line repair and replacement. Representative Petrie asked about how often the statutory authority for midstream project increases is used and whether bids are typically competitive; Thomas said the increases are used often when bids come in above estimates and that bids are generally competitive, though construction costs have been difficult to gauge. The committee unanimously approved the first three action items, and the KCIW project was reported with no action required. H. Sandy Williams of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority then presented six loans and one emergency grant. The items included loans for Frankfort’s East Frankfort Interceptor wet weather facility project, Sturgis wastewater improvements, Scottsville inflow and infiltration work, Morganfield wastewater treatment plant planning and design, Western Pulaski County Water District transmission improvements, and Springfield water system planning and replacement work, plus an emergency Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville following a sewer treatment plant failure and local emergency declarations. After no questions, the committee unanimously approved the seven KIA transactions. Chelsea Couch then presented a Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for $38.4 million to finance a multifamily rental project in Jefferson County; members asked how the committee participates and were told it was a conduit issuance rather than state debt. The committee approved that item. Finally, the committee heard an informational Turnpike Authority refunding issuance of about $53 million for present value savings, then approved four SFCC debt issues for Henderson, Pulaski, Scott, and Trimble counties to finance school renovations and construction. The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting date and location.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natural resources, energy and water. HB 2151, surface water definition.
• HB 2054, water provider. HB 2055, brackish water recovery.
• HB 2094, assured water supply. HB 2095, assured water supply well depth.
• HB 2102, domestic water improvement. HB 2103, water improvements program.
• HB 2102, domestic water improvement. HB 2103, water improvements program.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:36.880><c> It</c> around the water. It's been amended. It around the water.
• Is that public water or is it private water?
• </c> the water and the bill says overwater. the water and the bill says overwater.
• </c><00:15:18.320><c> And</c><00:15:18.480><c> with</c> water or is it private water?
• And with water or is it private water?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 27FN, which would change how improvements to dwellings over water are handled and align those projects more closely with the state building code. The bill was presented by Trisha Milo on behalf of Senator Lang, and attorney John Cronin explained that it arose from a specific New Hampshire Supreme Court case involving the Newcombs’ lakeside property, but that it could affect a small number of older waterfront homes statewide. He said the intent was to give the Department of Environmental Services (DES) limited waiver authority for improvements that do not harm water quality, plant life, or fish, while still requiring DES review and local permits. Committee members asked several questions about the scope of the bill, including whether it was tied to one case, how many properties might be affected, what counts as “living space,” and whether the language could allow larger decks or other expansions. Cronin said the bill was meant to be narrow, focused on access and egress and not on creating new living space, and that DES would still be able to deny unreasonable requests. He also described the Newcombs’ project as a rehabilitation of an older structure that had been approved locally and later challenged by DES, leading to the current dispute. Darlene Forst, the Wetlands Bureau administrator at DES, testified in opposition. She said the department was surprised the bill was being heard because it believed the Senate had sent it to interim study, and she argued the language was unclear and could have broader statewide effects than intended. Forst also said the underlying case was still active and should not be effectively re-litigated through this bill. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the value of that water is about $3.3 million in one year.
• You realize that without water, the land is useless, priceless value.
• Yes, there was a memo some years before about water and the value of the water, especially concerning
• ... ...before about water and the value of the water, especially concerning this being located in a transportation
• So the value of that water, based on the Fondomonte, is a recent transaction of water at $208 per acre-foot

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committees of Reference heard the Arizona Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also identified weaknesses in continuing-education verification and other sunset-factor areas, and the board agreed to implement all 21 recommendations. Board staff said complaint volume has risen sharply since the pandemic, that the board’s process is slower because every case goes through an investigative committee and then the full board, and that it has already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues and is adding tools to improve continuing-education audits. The committee then heard testimony from the board’s executive director and from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. The executive director emphasized the board’s public-protection mission, described the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and said the board is working to improve efficiency through a new e-licensing system and staff training. Members asked about the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, complaint backlogs, and whether the board could do more to recruit rural practitioners; the board said it lacks direct recruiting authority but supports multiple licensure pathways and loan-assistance efforts. The veterinary association supported the board’s oversight and said it is also working on rural and large-animal workforce issues through partnerships and advocacy. The committee then voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next took up the Arizona State Land Department, beginning with the Auditor General’s presentation on the department’s sunset review and prior special audit. The audit found the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan since 2011, had sold more than 48,000 acres without an active plan, had allowed agricultural rental rates to go unchanged since 2006 despite market increases, and had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases or properly managed reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues created risks of lost revenue, reduced transparency, and public-safety hazards, and recommended 18 corrective actions in the main review plus 34 additional recommendations on other issues; the department agreed to most recommendations but declined to adopt a written policy for commissioner-initiated land sales. Commissioner Robin Sahid said the department is working through audit recommendations, has created a rules team, improved its customer portal, and is pursuing new policies on water use, transportation-basin leases, and disposition planning. Members questioned the department about agricultural leases, groundwater valuation, the Fondomonte leases and reimbursement for improvements, the canceled Coyotes land auction, backlog and processing times, and the use of consultants and administrative funds. The commissioner said the department had over 2,000 applications in queue when she arrived, that it has made progress reducing the backlog, and that it is conducting stakeholder outreach on water-efficiency standards and lease addenda. No final vote on the land department continuation was taken in the portion provided.