Video & Transcript : 'nonpotable water' :
Page 164 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill creates significant and ongoing cost pressures for small nonprofit mutual water companies and
- Additionally, the bill requires mutual water company-only assessment by the State Water Board, duplicating
- The bill creates significant and ongoing cost pressures for small nonprofit mutual water companies and
- Additionally, the bill requires mutual water company-only assessment by the State Water Board, duplicating
- I'm general manager of South Mesa Water Company. I serve both Riverside and San Bernardino County.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's always an option because in any case, whenever a person is owed, for whatever reasons, with the water
- House Bill 893 by Representative Knox provides relative to the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board.
- House Bill 893 by Representative Knox provides relative to the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board.
- And that's not currently the case for Sewerage and Water Board, but that is the case for everyone else
- And that's not currently the case for Sewerage and Water Board, but that is the case for everyone else
Summary:
The House Municipal Committee met and first advanced HB 990 by Rep. Lyons, which would extend existing lien/privilege authority for unpaid utility service charges and user fees to parishes, sewerage districts, and waterworks districts, including Jefferson Parish. Lyons explained it was intended to address master-metered multifamily properties and align Jefferson Parish with other parishes. After questions about tenant impacts and administrative burden, the bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then heard HB 1087 by Rep. Adams, authorizing the City of Zachary to use inmate labor to cut grass at a private cemetery known as the Zachary Public Cemetery. Members raised concerns about using unpaid prison labor on private property, whether the cemetery was abandoned, and whether the bill should be narrowed. The author and city representative explained the city already contracts with DCI for inmate work and that the bill was meant to clarify legality. The motion to advance was withdrawn, and the bill was voluntarily deferred to a later meeting for further work.
Several other bills were advanced, including HB 893 by Rep. Knox on the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, HB 1007 creating the Foeberg Nouveau-Marine Improvement District in Orleans Parish, and HB 1153 by Rep. Coates establishing a clearer local burn-ban framework with amendments on notice, lifting bans, and penalties. The committee also considered HB 1215 by Rep. Baham on the disposition of removed historical statues and monuments; after amendments and extensive questions about costs, coordination with the lieutenant governor’s office, and local zoning authority, the bill was voluntarily deferred. Later, HB 362 and HB 484 by Rep. Newell were handled, with HB 362 advanced and HB 484 deferred after confusion over a proposed amendment to the New Orleans Regional Business Park board. Several other bills and resolutions were announced as deferred or not heard, and the committee adjourned after scheduling a larger agenda for the next meeting.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That, in reality, is not how the practice occurs on the water.
- That in reality is not how the practice occurs on the water.
- When I brought it to them, when they were going through their boater training to get out on the water
- When I'm on the water with my kids, towing them on a tube, and they roll up with their lights on to stop
- you're launching your boat when they can see your hull to see if it's dry before you put it in the water
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the February 25, 2026 minutes and then heard several House bills and gubernatorial appointments. HB 681 would remove the statute of limitations for aggravated lewd conduct with a child and for producing sexually exploitative material; the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association supported it, and members discussed the seriousness of the crimes and the effect of fading memories. The committee voted to send HB 681 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard from Terry Kirkham for reappointment to the Pardons and Parole Commission and Paula Gray for reappointment to the Sexual Offender Management Board; both described their prior service, and the committee said it would vote on those appointments at a later meeting.
Senator Lent presented HB 491, expanding Good Samaritan immunity to include mental health and suicide emergency first aid, and HB 492, adding a juvenile justice or adult misdemeanor probation representative to the POST Council. Both bills drew little opposition and were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations. Senator Kaiser presented HB 522 on unmanned aircraft systems near correctional facilities; after testimony from a drone industry representative and others raising concerns about federal law, commercial flights, and enforcement, the committee voted to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment rather than advance it directly.
The committee also advanced HB 570, which adds driving 20 mph or more over the limit in active school or construction zones to reckless driving when children or workers are present and visible. Supporters cited work zone safety and crashes, while some senators questioned whether the new standard was too subjective; the bill still received a due pass recommendation. HB 548 would require reasonable suspicion before law enforcement stops or boards a boat under the Idaho Safe Boating Act; the Idaho Sheriffs Association opposed it, arguing current boat safety checks are mostly consensual and tied to a federal grant program, but the committee sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, HB 654 would add electronic storage device canines to the definition of police dogs for purposes of protecting them from mistreatment; an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force commander testified in support, and the committee advanced the bill with a due pass recommendation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- Beth Olasso, on behalf of Water Reuse California, Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley Advocacy
- Water recycling is very important.
- Jake Schultz, on behalf of the Committee for Clean Water, Natural Resources and Parks.
- With this exemption, Proposition 4 funding will be treated like other past water and climate bonds.
- With this exemption, Proposition 4 funding will be treated like other past water and climate bonds.
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-16 (2:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm very much against the massive preemption of taking fluoride out of water when certain communities
- Now we are seeing a similar pattern with calls to end water fluoridation.
- The so-called toxic dose would require a person to drink 128 gallons of water in one sitting, which is
- I know much has been said about the issues of fluoride in our water system and whether it is right or
- So using fluoride in the water system may be unnecessary. We're here to hydrate, not Medicaid.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and gallery recognitions, including students, university basketball coaches, and other visitors. The chamber then moved through a long special order calendar of bills, with most measures explained by sponsors, often substituted with identical House companions, and many passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, utility services, higher education, pre-arranged transportation services, the Uniform Commercial Code, altered sexual depictions, firearms during emergencies, brownfields, false reporting, health care billing and collection, and motor vehicles.
Among the bills passed were measures on the Florida Trust Code, school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct, debt collection email communications, service of process, public lodging and food service establishments, lien waivers and releases, public records protections for Crime Stoppers personnel, foreign ties affecting health care licensure, diabetes management in schools, platting procedures, fentanyl testing in hospitals and emergency departments, third-party reservation platforms, electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices, restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, background screening of athletic coaches, and surrendered infants. Debate was especially notable on the surrendered infants bill, where some senators raised concerns about safety, anonymity, and liability, while supporters argued the devices could save lives. The affordable housing/Live Local bill also drew extensive discussion and a late-filed amendment, with the sponsor describing major land-use and permitting changes and the chamber adopting the amendment before final passage.
The most contentious floor debate came on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, where senators argued over its fluoride-related provisions and broader policy package. Opponents criticized the bill as an overbroad preemption and raised public health concerns, while the sponsor defended it as a farm-and-consumer package with multiple unrelated provisions. That bill ultimately passed 27-9. At the end of the session, the Senate agreed to certify all bills passed that day to the House, recognized a resolution honoring Florida’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, made additional announcements, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- me, and I think we've already stepped beyond that again, because it sounds like we might take raw water
- projects or potable water projects are being finished Clean water projects or potable water projects
- That was previous to a whole bunch of water for emails. Yeah, the Lincoln Wastewater Project.
- Previous to a whole bunch of water-related emails.
- And they were already approved for a federal With their water.
Bills:
SB2015
Keywords:
corrections, rehabilitation, prison budget, department of corrections, adult services, youth services, correctional facilities, Heart River correctional center, Missouri River correctional center, James River correctional center, minimum security facility, county jails, regional jails, deferred maintenance, capital construction, strategic investment and improvements fund, Bank of North Dakota, line of credit, tasers, body cameras
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Human Resources Division met with all members present and took up several bills, focusing most of the discussion on SB 1577 and SB 1619, along with a detailed review of the HHS budget bill draft. On SB 1577, Senator Magrum explained that the bill was being revised to focus on wastewater rather than raw water, possibly shifting the Washburn project to the Department of Water Resources so it could access matching funds, and potentially converting the bill into a line of credit if federal money is restored later. Members discussed whether to keep an emergency clause or instead use a date-based approach, and agreed the bill would likely be handled through the full committee and possibly reconsidered later. On SB 1619, Senator Davison said amendments were still being worked on, including changes requested by the Bank of North Dakota, and the committee planned to hold it for possible amendment before full committee consideration.
The bulk of the meeting was a section-by-section review of the HHS appropriations bill draft. Members discussed one-time funding items such as technology projects, child care programs, housing programs, behavioral health facility grants, infant and toddler care provider support, juvenile justice diversion, medical housing, and other public health and human services projects. Several adjustments were noted, including reductions or changes to IMD-related funding, incarcerated-person treatment funding, the child welfare technology project, and the provider rate increase. The committee also discussed the FTE block grant structure at length, with staff explaining that the apparent increase in positions reflected budgeting mechanics, zero-dollar “phantom” positions, and positions approved previously but not counted in the FTE total. Members raised concerns about transparency and whether the bill should list FTE numbers, but staff said the block grant was intended to give the department flexibility while quarterly reporting would provide oversight.
Other topics included Medicaid expansion funding and provider reimbursement rules, the move toward certifying human service centers as certified community behavioral health clinics, a moratorium on new ICF beds, and studies or reports on Medicaid, obesity, disability services, truancy, and behavioral health facility grants. The committee also discussed removing or revising broad intent language in Section 31 so the department would report findings rather than implement changes without further legislative action. No final votes were taken in the transcript; instead, members agreed to make a few technical adjustments, continue reviewing the bill, and likely revisit it the next day before moving it to conference committee.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Sean Donahue, of Florida, and Jessica Kramer, of Wisconsin, both to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Brian Nesvik, of Wyoming, to be Director of the United State Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:45 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- She then joined my staff to help us negotiate the water division of the Infrastructure and Jobs Act.
- With 13 years of experience advocating for clean water at both the state and federal level as well as
- the private sector, Jess is exceptionally qualified to now lead the EPA's Office of Water.
- Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Superfund Act, among others. Mr.
- Gritty, complex details that is California water management.
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the inputs that you had into your campsite, as far as sewer, water, electricity, are they any
- You still have to put sewer in, still have to put water in, electricity, right?
- You're going to drill a well, get the permit to dispense water, all that kind of stuff, yes.
- You still have to put sewer in, still have to put water in, electricity, right?
- You're going to drill a well, get to permit the dispense water, all that kind of stuff, yes.
Committee:
House Government Efficiency
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the inputs that you had into your campsite, as far as sewer, water, electricity, are they any
- You still have to put sewer in, still have to put water in, electricity, right?
- You're going to drill a well, get the permit to dispense water, all that kind of stuff, yes.
- You still have to put sewer in, still have to put water in, electricity, right?
- You're going to drill a well, get to permit the dispense water, all that kind of stuff, yes.
Committee:
House Government Efficiency
Summary:
The Committee on Government Efficiency held a public hearing on House Bill 2809, sponsored by Representative Knight, which would exempt long-term RV campground stays of 30 consecutive days or more from state and local sales tax. Knight said the bill responds to a Department of Revenue ruling and is intended to treat long-term RV site rentals more like other long-term lodging, noting that many full-time RV users are effectively living in their units. Committee members asked about the tax treatment, the fiscal impact, and whether the bill was aimed at camping and campground stays generally; Knight and witnesses said the issue has created confusion for campground operators and customers.
Supporters included the Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, Associated Industries of Missouri, and the Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association. They argued the Department of Revenue’s rulings have been inconsistent and have sometimes labeled campgrounds as places of amusement or recreation based on amenities or activities such as cornhole, karaoke, or nearby trails, leading to surprise tax bills and competitive disadvantages for some operators. Witnesses said a legislative fix is needed, that campgrounds operate on thin margins, and that the change would help Missouri remain competitive with other states. They also said long-term RV guests, including travel nurses and workers staying near Fort Leonard Wood, would benefit from the exemption.
Committee members largely expressed support and frustration with the Department of Revenue’s interpretation, comparing campground sites to other long-term rentals and noting the lack of a clear standard. No one testified in opposition. The hearing concluded without a vote or other action on the bill.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Erin Martinez, on behalf of Rethink Waste and Clean Water Action, in support.
- Erin Martinez, on behalf of Rethink Waste and Clean Water Action in support. Thank you.
- They're providing air and water quality improvements.
- Motion is do pass as amended to Water, Parks and Wildlife. Chair voting aye. Alanis, no.
- Motion is do pass to Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee. Chair voting aye. Berner, aye.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and one resolution focused on recycling, housing affordability, air quality, coastal protection, wildfire resilience, and nuclear policy. AB 2559, by Assembly Member Ward, would require local governments to return refundable construction and demolition permit deposits if compliance documentation is submitted within three years of final inspection; supporters said it would prevent homeowners and developers from losing deposits due to mismatched local deadlines, and it passed unanimously as amended to Appropriations. AB 1704, by Assembly Member Gonzalez, would require CARB to assess the cost of lower-embodied-carbon building materials and pause the embodied-carbon program if cost parity is not reached; supporters framed it as a housing affordability safeguard, while environmental groups argued it would delay implementation of a key climate law. The bill passed on a party-line vote to Appropriations. AB 2349, by Assembly Member Solache, would create regional air quality incident response centers for emergency monitoring and coordination; it drew strong support from air district and local government representatives and passed unanimously to Appropriations. ACR 149, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy, highlighted coastal access, habitat protection, and climate adaptation; it passed the committee, though some members voted no. AB 1960, by Assembly Member Bennett, would let Cal Fire fund community-level wildfire hardening projects through the Wildfire Prevention Grants Fund; members raised questions about funding and implementation, but it passed to Appropriations. AB 2254, the Coastal Monarchs Protection Act, would require coastal local governments to add monarch overwintering protections when updating local coastal plans; supporters cited steep monarch declines and economic benefits, while local government groups opposed the mandate as duplicative and burdensome, and it passed to Water, Parks and Wildlife. AB 2253 would restrict deceptive recycled-content claims and mass-balance accounting practices; supporters said it would protect consumers and real recyclers, while business groups argued it would conflict with recognized accounting systems and EPR programs. The transcript also included AB 1757, which would create a limited carve-out from California’s nuclear moratorium for microreactors; supporters said it could provide clean, local power and support data centers, while opponents warned of cost, waste, and safety risks. The committee ultimately rejected AB 1757 on a divided vote, then granted reconsideration, and the discussion continued without a final action shown in the excerpt.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 3:00 P.M.
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:18:42.000><c> and</c> are taking fish out of your water and are taking fish out of your water
- It's stipulating in waters other than the Mississippi River. >> Right. Yeah.
- Chairman, only those taken in waters other than the Mississippi River.
- Chairman, only those taken in waters other than the Mississippi River.
- Chairman, only those taken in waters other than the Mississippi River.
Committee:
Joint Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (1-29-26) - Upon Adjournment
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:36.240><c> and</c> per square foot, including water and per square foot, including water and
- <00:18:36.960><c> and</c><00:18:37.200><c> sewer</c> water and sewer water and sewer >> or<00:18
- So this price includes water and utilities and sewer. Did that—was that partial?
- The current lease, we do not pay water and sewer for.
- </c><00:25:25.440><c> and</c> current lease we do not pay water and current lease we do not pay water
Summary:
The committee first approved the December meeting minutes and received several information items, including quarterly capital project status reports, University of Kentucky medical and equipment purchases, school district bond issue notices, and a University of Kentucky RFP for an enterprise services partner. Members also briefly discussed a University of Kentucky public-private partnership for student housing and dining, with comments that such arrangements may improve efficiency and use of taxpayer dollars during a difficult budget year.
The main substantive discussion centered on a new CHFS lease in Harlan County for the Department for Community Based Services. Members questioned the proposed annual cost of $25.62 per square foot, which was far above the county average cited in the meeting, and raised concerns about the one responsive bid, the long lease term through 2033, and whether a nearby hospital or other entity might have been interested. CHFS staff said the current office space is in poor condition, that the new lease includes needed construction and 60 parking spaces, and that the office is limited to considering only actual bidders. After debate over whether to rebid or negotiate, the committee voted to approve the lease, with some members supporting it because of the current facility’s condition and others recording reservations.
The committee then approved the remaining 10 lease renewals as a group. These included one renewal for the Commonwealth’s prosecutorial system and renewals for several CHFS offices, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Natural Resources. One member noted that seven of the 10 renewals were at or below the county average rate and said the overall package was substantially in line with local market conditions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing Committee Jan 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Most recently, heat pumps, electric water heaters, and other clean appliances.
- Most recently, heat pumps, electric water heaters, and other clean appliances.
- Most people replace their water heaters or heating systems only when the old ones break.
- heater or reinstall a water heater?
- Yeah, one example is a heat pump water heater when installed in garages.
Summary:
The committee heard several housing-related measures, beginning with SB 222 by Senator Wiener, the Heat Pump Access Act. The bill would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, allow virtual contractor participation during inspections, and limit HOA barriers to installation. Supporters, including Spur, a contractor, and several clean-energy and environmental groups, said the measure would lower costs, reduce pollution, and speed replacements. The League of California Cities opposed the bill over the permit fee cap and concerns about virtual inspections, while committee members raised questions about HOA authority, electrical panel upgrades, and whether the bill could create unintended costs for local governments. SB 222 was approved 10-0 and sent to Local Government.
The committee then considered SB 677, a follow-up to SB 79. The author announced the bill had been narrowed to two items: mobile home exemption language and a future SB 79 cleanup bill in the next session, with the larger set of implementation issues to be handled separately. Local governments and counties said the reduced bill still needed clearer definitions and more implementation guidance, while several housing and transit advocates supported the narrowing and the decision to revisit the broader cleanup later. After the amendments were accepted, SB 677 passed 10-1 and was sent to Local Government.
The main debate centered on SB 417, a proposed $10 billion affordable housing bond for the 2026 ballot. Supporters, including the California Housing Consortium, labor, housing nonprofits, local governments, and many advocacy groups, argued that the state’s existing housing bond funds were exhausted, that thousands of shovel-ready projects were waiting for financing, and that the bond would leverage federal tax credits and private capital to produce and preserve affordable homes. Opponents and skeptics focused on state debt levels, the cost of housing production, and whether another bond was the right approach, with Habitat for Humanity asking for a dedicated CalHome allocation. Committee members discussed debt capacity, affordability, homeownership, and the need to keep funding flowing to existing programs. SB 417 passed 8-1 to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 492, a youth housing and youth center bond proposal, which the author said was intended to be folded into the larger housing bond package; testimony from Covenant House California emphasized the need to house transition-age youth and prevent long-term homelessness. No vote on SB 492 was shown in the transcript excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Mar 14, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 32
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They learned about the water flow in an ahupuaʻa from the mountain streams through the loʻi and out to
- Then they built it themselves in the sand with coconuts, wood, and buckets of water.
- They learned about the water flow in an ahupuaʻa from the mountain streams through the loʻi and out to
- Then they built it themselves in the sand with coconuts, wood, and buckets of water.
- </c><00:22:02.720><c> from</c> race trying not to spill the water from race trying not to spill the water
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tax Expenditure Review Commission 6/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving on to tax expenditure 4.1.15, residential water services. Residential water services.
- </c> residential water services. residential water services.
- Um, we have a lot of clean water here. We have a very good and reliable grid here.
- </c><00:45:45.320><c> We</c> We have a lot of clean water here.
- We We have a lot of clean water here.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/07/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Additional impacts include high water use and air, soil, and water pollution.
- Additional impacts include high water use and air, soil, and water pollution.
- Additional impacts include high water use and air, soil, and water pollution.
- Additional impacts include high water use and air, soil, and water pollution.
- Additional impacts include high water use and air, soil, and water pollution.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/17/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Senator Waters, do you have a bill? Senator Waters, do you have a bill?
- Senator Waters, maybe we amendment.
- water systems in statute?
- </c> Senator Waters. Senator Waters.
- >> Senator<02:23:13.760><c> Waters.</c> >> Senator Waters. >> Senator Waters.
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The regulation part for most of these systems that work for communities is on the water side, not on
- But the Department of Environmental Quality regulates in accordance with the Clean Water Act in this
- So instead of the problem we have with EPA and the clean water, So instead of the problem we have with
- But some of these companies own the water system and the sewer system.
- And so there's another situation that exists where they own the water, they're regulated on the water
Committee:
House State Affairs
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And then $300 million in water investments. A lot of that we came in with.
- And then $300 million in water investments. A lot of that we came in with LFC on.
- The $2 million for water testing, which was a new special, $10 million for agriculture-related water
- Just one question, particularly related to the water quality, water testing, as I continue to go ahead
- So what is now the total for the water settlement? Mr.
Committee:
Senate House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 143, which would raise caps on certain agriculture fees so they can keep pace with inflation. Senator Woods explained that the bill only adjusts fee ceilings, not automatic increases, and an amendment was adopted to tie the caps to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the U.S. Department of Labor. There was no public support or opposition testimony, and the bill was then passed on an 8-0 do-pass vote, with several members excused.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 145, which would change the state audit system by raising thresholds for smaller local public bodies and creating a statewide federal single audit for state agencies. The State Auditor and DFA said the bill was intended to streamline audits, reduce delays, and align New Mexico with federal rules and other states, but multiple CPA and audit witnesses opposed the statewide single-audit concept, warning it could reduce transparency, weaken accountability, and increase the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Committee members pressed for clarification on how the audit structure would work, which agencies would be covered, and whether DFA or independent auditors would conduct the work; the sponsors said amendments were needed to clarify the bill and remove problematic language, including the appropriation and references to gifts and donations. The committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation language and then continued questioning without taking final action in the excerpt.
The final portion of the meeting shifted to the House Bill 2 budget presentation. Committee members reviewed the Senate Finance version of the budget, which included about a 2.7% increase in recurring spending, 30% reserves, and major investments in health care affordability, early childhood, public education, housing, clean energy, water, and agriculture-related priorities. Members asked about water testing needs, water settlement funding, career technical education funding, and the contingency fund/disaster reserve structure. The presenters said some items still needed technical work and that additional adjustments would be made before final passage.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- wondering if you can talk about any research on the impact of ADUs on infrastructure, especially like water
- change on any one neighborhood, they generally don't make a big impact on these shared resources like water
- Our big... ...resources like water and sewer, but there certainly are cases where an ADU permit is tied
- to making improvements to the individual lot's sewer and water pipes, which might be reasonable in some
- That's a good topic for discussion, but determining what the capacity of the sewer system and the water
Summary:
The Local Government and Taxation Committee met on January 22, 2026, to hear presentations on housing affordability and supply. Emily Hamilton of the Mercatus Center discussed how zoning and building code reforms in places like Minneapolis, Buffalo, Houston, Montana, and other cities have increased housing supply and moderated rent growth. She emphasized that reducing parking requirements, legalizing accessory dwelling units, allowing smaller lots and more flexible density, and revisiting building code rules such as single-stair apartment limits and residential code thresholds can lower construction costs. She also said ADU reforms tend to have gradual, neighborhood-level impacts and that new housing can be fiscally neutral or beneficial when local costs are properly matched to development.
Committee members asked about local government concerns, including infrastructure, parking, neighborhood character, and the fiscal effects of density. Hamilton said permit fees should reflect actual service costs, that parking reform should be paired with street-parking management, and that infill development often shares existing infrastructure efficiently. She also said more housing supply would reduce scarcity that can attract large institutional investors. Members discussed Idaho’s housing shortage, with Hamilton citing a roughly six-to-one ratio of median home price to median income in Idaho, compared with about three-to-one in Houston.
Chris Cargill and Maddie Clark of Mountain States Policy Center presented Idaho poll results and housing supply data. They reported strong public concern about affordability, broad support for allowing smaller homes and ADUs, and substantial support for permit “shot clock” deadlines, while support for duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes was more mixed. Clark described housing as an “attainability” problem driven by both limited supply and incomes that have not kept pace, and argued for streamlining regulation, expanding land availability, avoiding policies that favor one housing type over another, and improving demand-side conditions through economic growth. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended after the chair noted that housing proposals would likely come before the committee later in the session.