Transcript Highlights:

• Our mission is to protect land and water for people and wildlife.
• Water rights is as much a part of our work protecting the water rights.
• If your conservation value is agriculture and it relies on water, water is a real property right.
• The water is included in the easement, so the water rights will stay with the property.
• and how water protection would be served by a given project.

Summary: The committee’s final day focused first on a historical overview of New Mexico tax packages by Pam Stokes of Legislative Council Services. She described how tax packages have alternated over the decades between tax relief, revenue raising, and tax reform, with examples ranging from the creation of the gross receipts tax in 1966 to major packages in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1994, 2005, 2019, 2022, 2024, and the vetoed 2025 package. Members discussed how tax policy often tracks revenue conditions, how packages can combine increases and decreases, and how local government gross receipts taxes and hold-harmless distributions have affected communities differently. Several members reflected on past packages, especially the 2004 food tax repeal and the 2013 film tax and manufacturing changes, and noted that tax policy can have major economic and political effects even when it is not “sexy” legislation. The committee then heard a proposal to expand the health care practitioner gross receipts tax deduction to include co-insurance, and to extend the sunset date. Sponsor Senator Figueroa said the bill was intended to help recruit and retain medical providers and build on prior deductions for co-pays and deductibles. Testimony explained that co-insurance is the patient’s share after the deductible, that providers currently absorb the gross receipts tax on those payments, and that the proposal would cost about $30 million to the state plus about $20 million to municipalities and counties, with the exact fiscal impact likely to be updated. Members raised concerns about the effect on local governments, whether insurers could be required to reimburse providers, whether the bill would actually attract doctors, and whether better evaluation measures and sunsets should be added. The sponsor said the bill was part of a broader set of efforts to address provider shortages and that the discussion would continue. Representative McQueen then presented a bill to update the Land Conservation Incentives Act. He and conservation partners said the program has protected more than 500,000 acres but has not kept pace with rising land values, especially for irrigated agricultural land in the Middle Rio Grande. The proposal would increase the percentage of conservation value eligible for the credit, raise the per-transaction cap from $250,000 to $2 million, and make the credit refundable rather than only transferable. Testimony emphasized that the program is voluntary, keeps land in private ownership and production, and helps land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve farmland and water rights. Members asked about average credit amounts, how easements work, whether landowners could effectively buy land and then use the credit, and whether there should be inflation indexing or a statewide cap. The discussion also touched on water rights, fencing, and the role of conservation easements in protecting agricultural land and compact water deliveries. Finally, Senator Sharer previewed his 2% tax proposal with a historical presentation on New Mexico tax law, using props to illustrate the evolution from early territorial tax codes to the modern tax system. He argued that the state’s current tax structure is overly complex and that recent federal changes have disrupted the personal income tax base. The committee did not take any votes on the day’s presentations; the meeting was primarily informational, with members offering feedback and raising policy concerns for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on pages 14 through 50 come out of water on pages 14 through 50 come out of water development<00
• </c> easiest ways to increase the the water. easiest ways to increase the the water.
• </c> operations, the Wyoming Water operations, the Wyoming Water Development<00:39:07.599><c> Office<
• I'm also really water in Wyoming.
• </c> the uh um water conservancy districts. the uh um water conservancy districts.

Keywords: 916, 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:

• You have to check off on the water, correct?
• Their attestation that they're providing enough water for X number of years, firm water.
• done and that they do have enough water so that the homes they build will have water for the next 25
• Well, we work certainly with the waters of the state where there's— We work, certainly, with the waters
• from the waters of the state.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met with a quorum and first took up pending nominations from an earlier agenda. Members severed Douglas McReecken, nominated to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, from the rest of the list and then voted to report the remaining nominees to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote. The committee then voted on the severed nomination itself and reported Douglas McReecken to the full Senate as well, by a 5-2 vote. The committee heard testimony from Brooke Pop, reappointed as chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and later from Commissioner Katarina Gonzalez, also of TCEQ. Questions focused on whether TCEQ rules comply with state law, ex parte restrictions, public transparency, concrete batch plant permitting, MUD approvals, water availability, illegal dams, enforcement, and the agency’s role in local environmental disputes. Both nominees said they follow the law as written, described internal legal review of rules, and emphasized transparency, public outreach, and enforcement; Gonzalez said she had already sent back two rules she believed did not comply with legislation. Members also discussed TCEQ’s authority limits and the need for clearer public communication about what the agency can and cannot regulate. The committee also considered Alethea Sullivan, nominated to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents. Questions centered on TSU’s status as an independent institution, the role of HBCUs amid DEI-related legal changes, and student outcomes. Sullivan said she would focus on ensuring taxpayer and student resources produce valuable credentials and noted concerns from her review of graduation and bar passage rates. The committee then heard from Benjamin Barkley, appointed chief executive and public counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel. Barkley said OPUC’s main need is additional funding to recruit and retain attorneys and expert witnesses, reduce turnover, and continue representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility rate cases; he said the office was involved in 73 contested cases and saved Texans $2.2 billion in FY 2024. No final action was taken on the later nominees, and the committee recessed with nominations left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you have to have water and sewer.
• And again, only areas where there is water and sewer.
• That includes water supply, which is often subject to water withdrawal limits from DEP, wastewater infrastructure
• You mentioned the access to those services of sewer and water, right?
• For example, have water and sewer, are at or near capacity.

Bills: H5009

Keywords: collective bargaining, worker rights, labor relations, public counsel services, state employees, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or salt water or some other liquid such as that into those cavities.
• or salt water or some other liquid such as that into those cavities.
• or salt water or some other liquid such as that into those cavities.
• or salt water or some other liquid such as that into those cavities.
• or salt water or some other liquid such as that into those cavities.

Bills: SB174, SB174

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, SB174, alternative energy, alternative energy wells, alternative energy facility, geothermal, geothermal energy, subsurface energy, energy storage, energy capture, energy generation, hydropower, solar energy, oil and gas well conversion, well conversion, plugging and abandonment

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.
• water needs.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hawaii water resources research center. Hawaii water resources research center.
• ><c> Resources</c> University of Hawaii Water Resources University of Hawaii Water Resources Research
• Because it still can approve—you want to protect the water. We want to protect the water.
• Because it still can approve—you want to protect the water. We want to protect the water.
• act issue and They just had a free water act issue and dump<00:20:59.919><c> water</c> dump water dump

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 643, House Draft 2, which would create short-term management initiatives and appropriate funds for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Committee discussion focused on biocontrol efforts, including fungus and virus-based treatments, the need for a biosecure facility, and the timeline for testing and range studies. Department of Agriculture officials said initial testing is underway at the University of Hawaii, but full testing requires a higher-biosafety facility that is not yet available on island. Members also discussed funding levels, the possibility of a mobile facility, and whether the work could be accelerated. The committees later voted to pass HB 643 unamended. The committees also heard House Bill 736, House Draft 1, which would establish a three-year wastewater system and individual wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center. Supporters said the bill could help certify new, lower-cost decentralized wastewater technologies and reduce the cost of cesspool upgrades while improving water quality. University of Hawaii witnesses explained that the center would test technologies, collect samples, analyze results, and provide reports to the Department of Health for certification. Members raised concerns about whether the program would help communities facing immediate wastewater issues, the length of the testing timeline, and whether technologies like the Genki ball could be included. The committee was told the pilot would likely test one technology at a time over about nine months each, though multiple tests could run in parallel later. The committees voted to pass HB 736 unamended. After those measures, the joint committee moved to an AEN-only agenda and began hearing STR 111 / SR 92, which declares a public health emergency relating to climate change and calls for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Testimony in support came from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others. Supporters said climate change affects public health through heat, wildfire risk, invasive mosquitoes, and other impacts, and argued that the response should involve agriculture, planning, transportation, and emergency management, not just the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• Get some water.
• Six-gill sharks, like we heard earlier, are really deep-water sharks.
• We actually don't have any six-gill sharks because they're deep-water sharks.
• Waters? Nay without recommendation. Representative Waters votes nay without recommendation. Walsh?
• Waters? Aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh? Aye. Representative Walsh votes aye. Chase?

Bills: HB2447, HB1364, HB2632, HB2637, HB2520, HB2235, HB2401, HB2574

Keywords: shark conservation, marine life, state symbol, ecological importance, biodiversity, bingo, raffles, charity, nonprofit, amusement games, revenue threshold, licensing, fundraising, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, public records, public disclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• , and water resources; water, ground, everything that you deal with.
• Their attestation that they're providing enough water for X number of years, firm water.
• , that you have to prove up water?
• Do you have enough water so that the homes they build will have water for the next generation?
• from the waters.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> including gas, water and sewer. including gas, water and sewer.
• loans for the clean water program water grant allocation requiring action and a line item water grant
• 29:00.480><c> water</c><00:29:00.880><c> grant</c><00:29:01.600><c> allocation</c> water program water
• water main project.
• County Water District. This regional County Water District.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> amounts of land electricity and water amounts of land electricity and water thank<00:47:45.680><
• hogs causing both water depletion and water pollution.
• hogs causing both water depletion and water pollution.
• hogs causing both water depletion and water pollution.
• c><01:16:02.719><c> and</c><01:16:02.880><c> water</c> causing both water depletion and water causing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:41.480><c> Fund</c> changes being made to Clean Water Fund changes being made to Clean Water
• </c> that water? Is it is it for the farmer? that water? Is it is it for the farmer?
• </c><00:42:26.520><c> And</c> you store the water? Who's affected? And you store the water?
• Good, appropriately named, has no water, so they don't have any water politics.
• Um, but the water, you know, the water politics is real.

Bills: HF3879

Keywords: outdoor heritage, conservation, habitat restoration, natural resources, wildlife management, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anyone from the Board of Water Supply? >> Yes. Board of Water Supply.
• Is there anyone from the Board of Water Supply? >> Yes. Board of Water Supply.
• I guess Board of Water Supply.
• Is there anyone from the Board of Water Supply? >> Yes. Board of Water Supply.
• </c> doing that kind of water testing? doing that kind of water testing?

Bills: SB3253, SB3154, SB3254

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a long series of resolutions focused largely on waste reduction, energy planning, and environmental protection. Early measures included HR 12/HCR 10 on a permanent landfill host benefits program for Honolulu, HCR 148/HCR 157 on a demolition waste reduction working group, and HR 184/HCR 194 on a mattress stewardship program working group. Testimony on these waste-related measures was generally supportive from environmental groups and some individuals, while the Department of Health supported the mattress stewardship proposal. The Department of Health also commented that a proposed study on recyclable/biodegradable/compostable labeling was very broad and would require additional resources to carry out effectively. The committee then took up several energy-related resolutions. HR 192/HCR 202 would create a task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, and HR 194/HCR 204 would ask the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cost reductions and financial risk. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered support or comments on these measures, with environmental and industry groups also submitting testimony. Members questioned the Energy Office and PUC at length about errors in prior analyses, competitive bidding, and whether utility proposals could proceed through waiver processes; the PUC said any proposal would still be reviewed and that it generally prefers competitive bidding, while the Energy Office said some issues were being characterized differently and would follow up on waiver standards. Additional measures addressed data centers, liquefied natural gas, and utility oversight. HR 196/HCR 206 would convene a working group on the impacts of large data centers, and HR 197/HCR 207 would require conditions before the PUC approves LNG-related costs; testimony on LNG was split, with supporters urging caution and opponents arguing LNG should not be pursued. HR 193/HCR 2003 sought a written status update on implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, and HR 191/HCR 201 and HR 33/HCR 33 dealt with sewage and wastewater issues, both drawing support from environmental and community groups. The committee also heard strong support for HR 141/HCR 149 on Red Hill remediation meetings and HR 190/HCR 200 on reassessing military PFAS cleanup decisions; the Board of Water Supply testified in support and described ongoing PFAS testing and concerns beyond Red Hill. The transcript ends as the committee moved into decision-making, with the chair indicating a recommendation to pass HR 12/HCR 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lucie River Water Control District. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• In 2000, we again found the town under consent order by DEP for failing water wells and a water treatment
• We still are drinking water running through asbestos pipes and don't have the way to fix this. ...water
• They cut grass, they read meters, if the water break, the one guy, he does the water plant and the sewer
• And in my house alone, I paid $250 a month for water.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 8, 2025, and first took up several local bills that were presented briefly and then approved without public opposition. HB 4035 would merge the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District and the Lee County Mosquito Control District, contingent on approval by voters in both districts at the 2026 election; it passed 15-0. HB 307 would extend to county property appraisers the same authority tax collectors already have to use salary savings for employee bonuses or incentives, and it passed 17-0 after testimony from property appraisers and their associations in support. HB 4047 and HB 4049 would adjust assessment caps for the Fort Pierce Farms Water Control District and the North St. Lucie River Water Control District, respectively, with inflation indexing, annual increase limits, and referendum approval requirements; both passed unanimously. The committee also adopted an amendment to the committee substitute for HB 1169, a broader water management district bill covering quorum and meeting rules, lobbying restrictions, ad valorem taxing authority for certain capital projects by referendum, budget reporting, bidding preferences, and additional oversight and funding information; the amended bill passed 16-0 and was reported favorably with committee substitute. The final and most heavily debated item was HB 4079, which would dissolve the Town of White Springs and return it to unincorporated Hamilton County. The sponsor argued the town had a pattern of mismanagement, including financial problems, audit findings, canceled elections, and public safety concerns, and said dissolution would lower taxes and preserve services through the county. Committee members asked about the town’s finances, audits, law enforcement, fire protection, debt, and whether the county could absorb services and liabilities. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of dissolution cited audit findings, alleged illegal gambling operations, double taxation for law enforcement, high administrative costs, and intimidation at meetings. Opponents, including current and former town officials and residents, said the town had made progress, had corrected audit issues, maintained reserves, and was working to restore services and governance; they asked for more time and pointed to an upcoming election. No vote was taken on HB 4079 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> increase or not any increase in water increase or not any increase in water usage<00:04:53.920><
• water use needs.
• or river<00:15:27.839><c> water.
• </c><00:15:28.079><c> Body</c><00:15:28.400><c> to</c><00:15:28.520><c> water.</c> river water.
• Body to water. river water. Body to water.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Waters: aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh: nay, without representation.
• Waters? Waters votes aye. Walsh? Representative Walsh votes nay, without recommendation. Chase?
• Waters. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Waters. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh.
• Waters? Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh? Representative Walsh votes aye.

Bills: SB5000, SB5325, SB6044, SB6313

Keywords: state nickname, evergreen state, identity, cultural heritage, tourism, state cactus, symbolic designation, ecological significance, state symbols, SB 6044, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Washington state holidays, RCW 1.16.050, state holiday recognition, religious observance, Hindu holiday, Sikh holiday, cultural recognition, paid holiday

Transcript Highlights:

• With an article to the Clean Water Fund, there's about $304 million to clean up our waters.
• The phrase "water is life" very much applies to the provisions within the Clean Water Fund portion of
• Rule, also known as Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, and gutting the Clean Water Act, defanging
• The past few years, amazing projects in the water space, you know, every year making our water more swimmable
• water comes from up north.

Transcript Highlights:

• . water. water.
• </c> use of the public waters. use of the public waters.
• So, and water depth, we'll look at water depths as reasons.
• . water. water.
• </c> a high water mark of a surface water. a high water mark of a surface water.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all