Transcript Highlights:

• But we're regulating business in a big way. We are. Thank you. Senator Menendez, for what purpose?
• Senate Bill 2477 relating to certain municipal regulations of conversion of certain office buildings
• Committee substitute Senate Bill 2337, relating to the regulation of the provision of proxy advisory.
• to the Texas Water Development Board. reading.
• We'll read the caption to the Texas Water Development Board.

Bills: HJR98 , HJR99 , HB29 , HB136 , HB142 , HB166 , HB353 , HB1399 , HB2000 , SJR59 , SCR19 , SB128 , SB261 , SB317 , SB383 , SB393 , SB397 , SB466 , SB517 , SB571 , SB612 , SB705 , SB715 , SB731 , SB748 , SB801 , SB867 , SB913 , SB945 , SB946 , SB986 , SB1013 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1117 , SB1181 , SB1250 , SB1263 , SB1285 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1528 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1608 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1986 , SB1999 , SB2043 , SB2056 , SB2082 , SB2105 , SB2133 , SB2138 , SB2177 , SB2203 , SB2221 , SB2311 , SB2334 , SB2337 , SB2340 , SB2373 , SB2417 , SB2446 , SB2452 , SB2477 , SB2532 , SB2565 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2622 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2681 , SB2713 , SB2717 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB2835 , SB2841 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2943 , SB2994 , SB2995 , SB3016 , SB3047 , SB3057 , SB3059 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB72 , SB509 , SB616 , SB963 , SB985 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1273 , SB1759 , SB1786 , SB2361 , SB1025 , SB1080 , SB1245 , SB1355 , SB1422 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , HJR98 , HJR99 , HJR2 , HJR1 , HB1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HB3093 , HB517 , HB1130 , HB142 , HB1689 , HB2018 , HB136 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2730 , HB1399 , HB1244 , HB467 , HB331 , HB2559 , HB29 , HB26 , HB166 , HB353 , HB2000 , HB2756 , HB3248 , HB3513 , HB3204 , HB3135 , HB3012 , HB2763 , HB2523 , HB2457 , HB2415 , HB2198 , HB2143 , HB1708 , HB1672 , HB767 , HB1327 , HB2723 , HB451 , HB140 , HB109 , HB3096 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB1957 , SB2615 , SB2138 , SB3016 , SB1999 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2681 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB715 , SB1640 , SB2538 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB410 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB1856 , SB1528 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB1237 , SB1586 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB2477 , SB3029 , SB375 , SB777 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2452 , SB2835 , SB1602 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB2373 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB383 , SB705 , SB748 , SB1117 , SB2340 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2782 , SB2781 , SB2637 , SB2633 , SB2337 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB946 , SB945 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB571 , SB1263 , SB3058 , SB612 , SB2221 , SB2587 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2713 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB466 , SB2611 , SB2794 , SB2105 , SB2017 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB1730 , SB2995 , SB2847 , SB205 , SB2619 , SB1903 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB1581 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB876 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2137 , SB2519 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB2764 , SB2878 , SB1884 , SB111 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB1835 , SB2751 , SB2959 , HB206 , HB1238 , HB1089 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB2081 , HB4215 , HB2970 , SB2063 , SB1400 , SB2058 , SB2260 , SB2928 , SB1310

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection

Transcript Highlights:

• and Water Resources Division as well.
• and Water Resources Division as well.
• </c><00:15:52.440><c> that</c> water land habitats and regulating that water land habitats and regulating
• </c> protect Minnesota's Land and Water protect Minnesota's Land and Water Resources<00:53:03.280><c>
• </c> there along with the Soil and Water there along with the Soil and Water Conservation<01:10:04.480

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• During rainy seasons, there could be standing water, and under the bill that standing water can be six
• Here, uh of regulation and legislation.
• But my complain about regulations.
• </c> be a bill that regulates vernal pools. be a bill that regulates vernal pools.
• ><c> special</c><00:53:01.000><c> fund</c> regulation travel services special fund regulation travel

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, granted, I know in my mind that this is an area that can use reform and regulations, but that should
• Now, granted, I've known down in my mind that this is an arena that can use reform and regulations, but
• that should be done with the consultation, the experts in the field, regulations, but that should be
• This is starting small, pardon me, I need some water, starting small, but getting your footing in this
• Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or a water

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum calls, and several recognitions before taking up a series of Senate messages and House motions. Members also recognized House Sergeant at Arms staff, visitors in the gallery, and family members. The chamber approved the journal and then moved into message lists and concurrence motions on several bills. On CS/CS/SB 1668, relating to the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), the House concurred in a Senate amendment that clarified that if the NICA plan lacks adequate cash flow, the Office of Insurance Regulation may authorize a cumulative transfer of up to $20 million over the life of the plan and removed a proposed time limit on provider assessments. The bill then passed 96-2. The House also concurred in a Senate amendment to CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the foreign influence bill, after debate over a proposed strike-all amendment that would have removed surrogacy-related language; that amendment failed. Supporters said the bill still retained key foreign-influence restrictions, while opponents objected to the surrogacy provisions and other remaining restrictions. The bill passed 83-17. The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1279 on education. The Senate amendment added provisions on tuition residency for certain military and State Department families, a one-year deferral option for Benacquisto Scholarship recipients, virtual school notifications, educational emergency authority for persistently low-performing schools, epinephrine flexibility, VPK and New Worlds Reading changes, math pathways, dance credit, IEP service notifications, charter school safety officer options, and FEFP adjustments for Florida advanced courses, while removing several House provisions including the 95% Florida resident requirement for preeminent universities, the 5% cap on undergraduate international enrollment, and DEI-related provisions. Debate focused heavily on the educational emergency and collective bargaining language for persistently low-performing schools, with supporters saying it would help districts improve student performance and opponents warning it would weaken unions and affect schools that are not truly failing. The bill passed 81-16. Finally, the House considered CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. An amendment to repeal portions of last year’s SB 180 was ruled not germane. The House then took up a Senate amendment on compost facilities that would bar local governments from conditioning compost-facility approval on the purchase of additional property to expand a privately owned road and would limit local revocation of permits when facilities comply with state or regional environmental regulation; debate began on that motion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> their water resources and electricity. their water resources and electricity.
• </c> regulate firearms businesses. Okay? regulate firearms businesses. Okay?
• And the problem is the RSA specifically says we can't regulate guns. We can regulate businesses.
• And the problem is the RSA specifically says we can't regulate guns. We can regulate businesses.
• </c><05:33:39.760><c> Is</c> regulation. Did you say foresight? Is regulation.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause. The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4. House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have regulation. We just added regulation that's going to add $25,000 per property.
• </c> issues with water, issues with our water issues with water, issues with our water compacts, compacts
• </c><02:52:30.000><c> to</c> best if we just send all our water to best if we just send all our water
• We don’t have the water.
• </c> just for their water rights. just for their water rights. $80<03:39:14.280><c> million</c><03:39

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with 58 members present and seven excused, establishing a quorum, and approved the April 15, 2026 journal as corrected. The chamber then moved through announcements recognizing visiting railroad workers, LIUNA Local 720, Colorado West Christian Schools, Religious Freedom Day, and several school and community groups, along with birthday acknowledgments and committee schedule notices. The House also adopted a motion to remove House Bill 1245 from special orders and returned it to the general orders second reading calendar, and set House Bills 1290, 1312, and 1321 as special orders. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 18, recognizing Nowruz and expressing support for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the Women, Life, Freedom movement. Supporters described Nowruz as a holiday of renewal and resilience and tied the resolution to solidarity with Iranian communities. Representative Zokaie also spoke at length about the personal impact of war on Iranian families and urged a vote. The resolution passed 59-2 with four excused. The chamber then considered several bills in committee report. House Bill 1290, concerning assault and clarifying sentencing, was amended in Judiciary to remove the medical professional provision and passed after testimony emphasizing strangulation as a serious warning sign in domestic violence cases; it then passed the House. House Bill 1312, dealing with peace officer participation, POST Board composition, academy training, and related grants, was amended for clarity and passed the Judiciary report and then the bill. House Bill 1321, modifying the School Security Disbursement Program, had the Education Committee report defeated, but amendments were adopted to broaden eligible service providers and adjust funding language; the bill then passed as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the normal process that we use with the small water project, with the Wyoming Water Development
• House Bill 87, Omnibus Water Bill Planning, an act relating to water development projects, sponsored
• Looking for additional planning to make sure Water. Thank you, Chair. Water. Thank you, Chair.
• </c><00:51:52.960><c> we're</c><00:51:53.280><c> that</c> water research grant that we're that water
• current and future water demand, and develop a roadmap to address issues in the water system.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The stakes are huge, and the company and its critics say regulations need to catch up.
• Currently, they get over 1,240,000 acre-feet of water from cloud seeding.
• Also, cloud seeding in Idaho is one of the cheapest sources of water.
• Chairman, Representative, we could use some of that water this year, and no, this does not affect the
• Chairman, Representative, we could use some of that water this year, and no, this does not affect the

Summary: The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from February 4, and then considered two request-to-introduce measures. First, Representative VanderWaal presented RS 33323, which would consolidate the old hazardous waste facility siting process into the Hazardous Waste Management Act and shift siting/public notice responsibilities to DEQ if the process is needed again. The committee had no questions and voted to introduce the RS. Next, Representative Hostetler presented RS 33167C1, a memorial urging Congress to prohibit unauthorized geoengineering over Idaho, especially solar geoengineering such as solar radiation modification and stratospheric aerosol injection. He argued the issue raises environmental and sovereignty concerns and cited federal research documents and media reports; he also emphasized that the memorial is not intended to affect cloud seeding for agriculture. Members asked several questions about that distinction, and Hostetler reiterated that cloud seeding is separate and already addressed in other legislation. After discussion, the committee voted to introduce RS 33167C1 as well. No other substantive actions were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the two introductions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The stakes are huge, and the company and its critics say regulations need to catch up.
• Currently, they get over 1,240,000 acre-feet of water from cloud seeding.
• Also, cloud seeding in Idaho is one of the cheapest sources of water.
• Chairman, we could use some of that water this year, and no, this does not affect the cloud seeding;
• Chairman, Representative, we could use some of that water this year, and no, this does not affect the

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was very patient teaching me how to practice, teaching me about public utilities regulation law in
• </c><00:45:31.760><c> in</c> communications telecom regulation in communications telecom regulation in
• </c> utility regulation. utility regulation.
• And I guess the second question is, there is a bill that's out there regarding water carriers.
• </c> that's out there regarding water that's out there regarding water carriers.<00:59:37.840><c> What

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas. The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente. In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• , especially... ...our safety standards for pipelines operating in state waters, especially those that
• Require a 60-day public comment period on any exemptions to safety regulations. B.
• It's consistent with federal regulation, which increases regulation at that 10,000-gallon threshold.
• It's consistent with federal regulation, which increases regulation at that 10,000 gallon threshold.
• Some of these regulations and laws are years old, and as you mentioned, these pipelines are decades old

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 841, an act relating to miscellaneous animal welfare procedures, introduced by Representative Waters
• H648 is the Department of Financial Regulations annual housekeeping bill.
• </c> the Department of Financial Regulations the Department of Financial Regulations annual<00:16:22.880
• by a state, but law cannot be regulated by a state, but issues<00:17:01.040><c> can</c><00:17:01.279
• Evans of Charlotte. >> Waters Evans of Charlotte. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Wells of Brownington.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...flag, if you have defensible areas, a lot of us store water for sprayers on our farms.
• Increasing operational expenses and evolving employment regulations significantly erode our ability to
• We know that in different sectors, the average state has about, for example, 7,000 regulations just in
• So we'll be able to break down the cost of regulations by sector, and I'll look forward to a continued
• Instead, it tightens regulations on small players, leaving the largest one structurally untouched.

Bills: SB5871 , SB5919

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: motor vehicle, glass repair, insurance claims, consumer protection, regulations, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not prohibit a county or municipality from enacting a safety-related regulation.
• They still run water and sometimes water and sewer through the conservation area.
• And so I think... ...area, they still run water and sometimes water and sewer through the conservation
• Water facilities, transportation, public facilities, and impact fee credits.
• supplies and available sources of water.

Bills: S0002 , S0026 , S0354 , S1112 , S1192 , S1220 , S1352 , S1670

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill revises regulations for personal delivery devices and drone delivery services, strengthens planning
• It does not prohibit a county or municipality from enacting a safety-related regulation.
• They still run water and sometimes water and sewer through the conservation area.
• And so I think... ...they still run water and sometimes water and sewer through the conservation area
• Water facilities, transportation, public facilities, and impact fee credits.

Bills: S0002 , S0026 , S0354 , S1112 , S1192 , S1220 , S1352 , S1670

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, that's just basically to move the water in a circle, and the water does itself.
• In a water supply well, those are standard parts.
• you're bringing those two things together: the solar that's already on site and access to water.
• Representative Jones, yes, we do have solar on site, and we do have water.
• Is the number that we have for the regulated utilities, and they are required to report on that.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I think all of you know, and so does the House, that we only regulate to that level.
• ><c> the</c> we don't over regulate we want the we don't over regulate we want the license<00:42:45.119
• The whole goal of this is to just increase the regulation.
• Chairman: Thank you, Senator Waters. Are there any questions?
• </c><01:03:34.960><c> are</c> chairman thank you Senator waters are chairman thank you Senator waters

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Matt Weaver, Director of the Department of Water Resources and Administrator for the Soil Water Conservation
• There's a focus on water issues where the greatest synergy exists among the Soil and Water Conservation
• They're not there to regulate.
• conservation commission the work they do is water focused so folding in under a water agency there's
• That's with the Water Board.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee approved the minutes from its February 17 and February 19, 2026 meetings and then heard a presentation from the Department of Water Resources and the Langdon Group on a proposed merger of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Department of Water Resources. The presenters described an eight-to-ten month evaluation process that included stakeholder interviews, a broad survey, and a workshop, and said the goal was to preserve the commission’s non-regulatory identity while gaining administrative efficiencies and technical support. They recommended placing the merged commission within IDWR, retaining commission oversight of programs and funding, preserving branding and legislative reporting, and formalizing a conservation partnership framework to protect the voluntary nature of the commission’s work. Committee members asked about the cost of the study, which was reported at about $90,000 total, split between the two agencies, and about expected savings. Director Weaver said the current legislation and fiscal note anticipate about $110,000 in immediate personnel savings from eliminating the administrator position, with additional modest savings possible over time in operations, equipment, IT, and office space. He also explained that the bureau chief would be hired with commission participation in the selection process, similar to the existing relationship with the Idaho Water Resource Board. Weaver said the merger has received broad support from stakeholders, including the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts, while the Idaho Farm Bureau had initially opposed it but later became neutral. He said the next steps are to complete the pending legislation, work through the executive agency legislative services process, and return with additional statutory changes and a combined budget in 2027. The meeting ended with a brief water supply update noting statewide snowpack at about 74% of normal and concerns about a warm forecast and possible drought conditions later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 895 deals with a very specific section of water usage as we're talking about data centers.
• But essentially, what we're looking at is maximizing, if water is going to be used in a data center.
• from a municipality or other water user in order to ensure that they are not pulling from the system
• What we're looking at is maximizing, if water is going to be used in a data center.
• from a municipality or other water user in order to ensure that they are not pulling from the system

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have water down at the vertical launch area. Water is important for any company.
• We're not very water intensive in terms of use of that water, and we have our own wastewater system,
• Are you using potable water?
• That water, that community, is built on a dry lake bed, so the flooding is actually water that wants
• But water is available in Columbus.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee