Transcript Highlights:

• For some brief background about current regulation of water utilities, from the public health side, the
• The UTC regulates the rates and charges of privately owned water companies that serve more than 100 customers
• The UTC regulates the rates and charges of privately owned water companies that serve more than 100 customers
• Group A public water systems must submit water system plans, small water system management plans, or
• Group A public water systems must submit water system plans, small water system management plans, or

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We put regulations in place without understanding fully what the implications of the regulations are.
• So has the water resources agency weighed in on this issue?
• And so has the water resources agency weighed in on this issue?
• The motion is do pass with the Committee on Natural Resources and Water.
• The federal regulators continued to apply pressure throughout the period.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several measures, with most of the agenda taken up by AB 1944, AB 2453, and SJR 16 after a consent calendar of eight items was approved. AB 1944 by Assembly Member Alex Lee would delay the schedule for reducing the allowable axle weight limits for zero-emission buses while keeping the final cap in place, to give transit agencies and manufacturers more time to develop lighter buses with sufficient range. Supporters, including the California Transit Association and several transit districts, said the bill would help agencies comply with zero-emission bus mandates. Opponents, led by the League of California Cities, argued heavier buses would accelerate pavement damage and increase local maintenance costs. Senators raised concerns about infrastructure impacts and environmental tradeoffs, while others supported the bill as a practical adjustment to technology timelines. The bill passed on a 10-3 vote, with the roll left open and later completed. AB 2453 by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez would clarify authority for first responders and peace officers to use off-highway vehicles in official duties, including limited travel on public roads to reach remote areas. The author and supporters, including the Carlsbad Fire Department and the City of Ontario, said the bill would improve response times for beaches, trails, deserts, and special events and reduce burdensome workarounds. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. SJR 16 by Senator Caballero urged Congress to act on federal actions affecting California commercial truck drivers after a fatal crash and subsequent federal scrutiny of California’s commercial licensing practices, including English-language proficiency standards and rescinded credentials. The author and Teamsters California said the federal response had unfairly harmed experienced drivers and the supply chain. No opposition was presented. The resolution passed on a 9-3 vote, with the roll also left open and later completed. The consent calendar items were adopted 13-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• , groundwater, or surface water.
• Won't it harm our water and our fields?
• We had a couple of different stations focused on wildlife and focused on water, looking at water quality
• and the water cycle.
• Wind and solar don't need water to generate power, so they save a billion gallons of water already.

Bills: SB458, SB819, SB1238, SB1642, SB1643, SB1644, SB1791, SB1810, SB1824, SB1825, SB758, SB1455, SB1706

Keywords: insurance appraisal, property insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, residential property, disputed loss, loss valuation, appraisal clause, appraiser, umpire, Texas Department of Insurance, TDI, insurance dispute resolution, claims adjustment, total loss, windstorm insurance, FAIR Plan, surplus lines insurance, policyholder, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's the water supply for most of the rest of California, drinking water for LA.
• And that's the water supply for most of the rest of California, drinking water for LA.
• And that's the water supply for most of the rest of California, drinking water for LA.
• And that's the water supply for most of the rest of California, drinking water for LA.
• And that's the water supply for most of the rest of California, drinking water for LA.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 27, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're supportive of the State Fire Marshal adopting regulations to regulate these hydrogen pipelines.
• California is served by thousands of public and private water service providers, including mutual water
• Water Company, Rubio Canyon Land and Water Association, and Los Flores Water Company.
• And my only issue is water is, water is... Water is our most important asset.
• Shirley Lane residents in this past year reported their mutual water company for illegal water shutoffs

Summary: The committee first heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, from Senator Arreguín. He said the bill would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for intrastate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific standards, while not mandating any pipeline construction or bypassing environmental review. Supporters included labor groups, utility employees, and the City of Burbank, while Air Products opposed unless amended, citing concerns about the bill’s specificity, fee structure, and the need for a hydrogen-specific rulemaking process. The committee discussed safety, fees, and regulatory certainty, and later passed SB 804 on a 9-0 vote to Emergency Management with commitment to take amendments. The committee then took up SB 905 by Senator Becker, aimed at reducing electricity rates by changing utility incentives. The bill would tie part of executive compensation to keeping rates below inflation, require more performance metrics, and allow the CPUC to consider lower returns on equity for certain lower-risk investments and alternative financing options. Support came from consumer, environmental, agricultural, and large energy user groups, while Southern California Edison, CalChamber, PG&E, and utility labor groups raised concerns that the bill could reduce investment, create regulatory uncertainty, and raise borrowing costs. After extensive discussion about utility affordability, wildfire costs, and capital markets, the committee passed SB 905 on a 7-1 vote to Appropriations. SB 913, also by Senator Becker, would create a clearer pathway for distributed energy resources such as batteries and smart thermostats to participate in the resource adequacy market and compete with utility-scale resources. Supporters said the bill would better use existing grid capacity, lower costs, and build on the state’s Demand Side Grid Support Program; PG&E opposed unless amended, saying the use case was not yet proven and was already being addressed in other rulemakings. After the committee accepted amendments, one opposition group moved to neutral and another said it might do so after reviewing the changes. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call. Several other measures were heard and advanced, including SB 1196 on faster utility hookups for small energization projects such as ADUs and EV chargers, SB 931 reauthorizing the Diablo Canyon Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2028, SB 1158 reducing the frequency of joint reliability assessments from quarterly to twice yearly, and SB 1245 directing further study of California’s gasoline market and potential use of non-CARBOB fuel during supply disruptions. SB 1196 and SB 931 both passed with broad support and no opposition after amendments, SB 1158 passed without testimony, and SB 1245 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates but opposition from fuel industry and business groups concerned about costs, confidentiality, and fuel standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were actually very open and happy to see a review process of the regulations.
• Diphacinone is considered highly toxic to warm- and cold-water fish species.
• Diphacinone is considered highly toxic to warm- and cold-water fish species.
• Diphacinone is considered highly toxic to warm- and cold-water fish species.
• Bridicifum is considered highly toxic to warm and cold water fish species.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access. A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice. The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rule applies to water users in the North Florida Regional Water Supply Area and consists of four
• All the good things - increased water conservation, more equitable funding of water projects, deadlines
• Will the reclaimed water be tested?
• Will this water be clean enough?
• water that would be used.

Bills: S0598, S0934, S1260, S1300, S1452, S1510, S1566, S1580, S1668, S7034

Keywords: funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services

Transcript Highlights:

• ACWA represents approximately 470 public water agencies statewide.
• Public water agencies are tasked with providing the public with safe and reliable drinking water.
• water.
• Water agencies have additional considerations, including maintaining water quality, financial constraints
• This bill has no mandates for water infrastructure.

Summary: The committee met to hear seven Senate bills, first approving two consent items, SB 352 and SB 804, on motions to do pass to Appropriations. SB 542 (Limón) would require public notice and comment before issuing a financial responsibility certificate for an oil pipeline and require hydrostatic testing before restarting pipelines idle for five years or more; it was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity and passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 616 (Rubio) would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to coordinate wildfire mitigation and insurance-related recommendations; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and several local and industry groups, while water agencies, special districts, and the building industry raised concerns about water infrastructure standards, and it passed on a due-pass motion to Insurance. SB 429 (Cortese), which would establish a public wildfire catastrophe model and related university-based research and education program, received support from the Department of Insurance and outside groups and passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 256 (Perez) would strengthen wildfire mitigation and emergency response by expanding planning, improving PSPS communication, requiring utility coordination with emergency centers, and directing removal of permanently abandoned electrical facilities; utilities and business groups were generally neutral after amendments, while the author emphasized the bill’s connection to recent wildfire losses, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 509 (Caballero) would require specialized training for local law enforcement on transnational repression targeting diaspora communities; it received support from the California Police Chiefs Association and immigrant-rights advocates, but drew extensive opposition from Hindu and civil-rights organizations concerned about bias, implementation, and First Amendment issues. Committee members discussed amendments to clarify cultural competency, diversity, and constitutional protections, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. After the hearing, the committee took final roll-call votes on the bills, with the consent items and SB 429, SB 256, and SB 509 moving forward, while SB 542 and SB 616 were also reported out on earlier motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The water code itself incorporates public trust principles and really delves further into the regulation
• Water use within a designated water management area generally requires a water use permit.
• And then for both ground and surface water, we have water use permits.
• We've always had three regulators. Since I started in '96, we had three regulators.
• Um, Big Island, don't they have a lot of water? Probably they have issues. Water?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we needed to prioritize water-quality-type studies.
• Clean Water Act.
• Water Act.
• They actively participate in water typing reviews in the field.
• Water temperature was an issue.

Summary: The committee held a work session on the history, implementation, and current challenges of Washington’s Forest and Fish law and related Habitat Conservation Plan. Testimony from tribal representatives Jim Peters and David Herrera, former Rep. Jim Buck, and mediator Tim Thompson described the original timber, fish, and wildlife negotiations as a broad, collaborative effort intended to balance salmon and habitat protection with a viable timber industry. DNR’s Sabur Jawad outlined the program’s statutory framework, the roles of DNR, Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, tribes, local governments, landowners, and the Forest Practices Board, and explained that changes to aquatic-resource rules can come through adaptive management, legislative direction, or court orders. He also described the permitting and enforcement system, the programmatic HCP, road maintenance and abandonment work, and the adaptive management process, including the long-running NP stream-buffer studies and resulting rulemaking timeline. Agency and stakeholder testimony emphasized accomplishments such as decades of HCP coverage, annual compliance monitoring, road and fish-barrier improvements, small forest landowner assistance programs, and the completion of numerous adaptive management studies. DNR’s Katie Allen said the program has strong successes but also faces resource-intensive implementation, rising costs, and watershed-wide pressures beyond forestry, and she pointed to a State Auditor review that produced 13 recommendations now being addressed through an action plan and a structured decision-making model. Washington Farm Forestry Association executive director Elaine O’Neill said small forest landowners supported the agreement expecting assistance and flexibility, but argued the balance has shifted toward more protection and less practical consideration of rural vitality and property rights. Washington Forest Protection Association executive director Jason Spadero said the agreement has produced measurable environmental gains and regulatory predictability, but criticized the recent NP rule and urged continued science-based, economically balanced management. In the final discussion, tribal representatives said the collaborative, consensus-based process still works in some areas, but that the principals need to be re-engaged more directly and periodically to restore accountability and trust. They said the adaptive management process and funding remain important, but expressed concern that consensus has broken down in some recent rulemaking and that side negotiations or outside pressure can undermine the original agreement. Members asked how to restore the collaborative model; Peters suggested renewed commitment from the principal parties and more regular high-level meetings, while Herrera echoed the need to implement the auditor’s recommendations. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Modern the moderator is water. Yeah.
• And, you know, Florida obviously is surrounded by water.
• But now that's fresh water, undrinkable water.
• Would you different things to water? Things like that?
• , water consumption or in some are per megawatt.

Transcript Highlights:

• wastewater into clean water.
• water rates from one particular water company.
• The unexpected water bills.
• So we have a water system.
• Everybody wants water, needs water.

Bills: HB 29, HB 685, HB 1633, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 1918, HB 2010, HB 2500, HB 2608, HB 2626

Keywords: 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, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not energy regulators. We don't want to be energy regulators.
• We're not energy regulators. We don't want to be energy regulators.
• Water monitoring. Tell me a little bit about how that works. So the water monitoring.
• That's on the clean water program or our water assessment program.
• We regulate the quality.

Summary: The committee first heard the FY27 executive budget review for Louisiana Economic Development (LED). House Fiscal outlined a $59.4 million LED budget, with major funding from state general fund, self-generated revenue, federal funds, and a marketing dedication, and explained reductions tied largely to the removal of one-time funding and carryforwards. The Secretary highlighted recent economic development results, including major capital investment announcements, job creation, the high-impact jobs program, Louisiana Fast Sites, and efforts to support existing businesses and small business growth. Members repeatedly asked for clearer public-facing materials on the tax and economic benefits of incentives, the use of the entertainment development fund, the structure of the high-impact jobs and Fast Sites programs, and how LED competes with other states. LED also discussed its Storyteller Initiative, regional project distribution, and the role of major events and film-related incentives. The committee then reviewed Louisiana Works’ FY27 budget of $352.7 million. Staff explained that the budget is driven mainly by federal funds and statutory dedications, with changes largely attributable to the One Door to Work Act and the transfer of workforce functions and positions into the department. The Secretary noted a planned $5 million move for the Louisiana STEM Council and a small request for elevator repairs, and members discussed the unemployment insurance trust fund’s improved balance, which lowered employer tax rates and increased benefits. Questions focused on workforce shortages, coordination with LCTCS and other training partners, the new Louisiana Talent Accelerator and workforce modernization efforts, the need for marketing to attract workers back to Louisiana, and remaining gaps in funding for rehabilitation services and disability employment programs. Finally, the committee took up the Department of Conservation and Energy’s FY27 budget of $201.3 million. Staff described decreases tied to the end of the Solar for All grant, lower orphan well spending as prior balances were drawn down, and reductions in some one-time funding and interagency transfers. The Secretary said the department’s reorganization is now largely complete and emphasized a focus on eliminating duplicative functions, strengthening enforcement and permitting, and using available funds more efficiently. Members questioned the reduction in orphan well funding, the impact of the Solar for All repeal, the use of settlement dollars, and the department’s plans for AI-assisted permitting and modernization of the Sunrise database. They also discussed ongoing work on seismic activity in Red River Parish, commercial fishermen’s claims for gear damaged by energy infrastructure, and efforts to improve financial security requirements for operators so future orphan well liabilities are better covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• A 25% SURCHARGE FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICES TO THE RESIDENT IN MIAMI GARDENS.
• YOU WOULDN'T FISH IN WATERS POLLUTED WITH INDUSTRIAL RUNOFF.
• WE ARE BASICALLY REGULATE THIS. THIS IS A VERY UNREGULATED FIELD.
• , WATER FLOWS THROUGH THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND WE SHARE THE SAME GULFSTREAM.
• AND YET ON THE PLASTICS ISSUE IT YOU MAY REGULATE, YOU'RE NOT OFFERING ANY REGULATION AND TO SENATOR

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Palmdale Water District, San Bernardino County Supervisor Don Rowe, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
• , and 29 Palms Water District.
• to Palmdale Water District, San Bernardino County Supervisor Don Roe, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
• , and 29 Palms Water District, all in support. ...Supervisor Don Roe, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency,
• Hello, Jamie Goh, on behalf of Irvine Ranch Water District, San Diego Water Authority, East Valley Water

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're dissolving carbon dioxide in water.
• So there hasn't been a lot of discussion about water rights, but it's likely in this technology water
• So it's non-potable water, not a USDW, an underground source of drinking water.
• These are much deeper and not used as drinking water or agricultural water.
• They are much deeper and not used as drinking water or agricultural water. Okay, thank you.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We release water out of there. We store water in Lake Waha.
• They've taken out water mains, my water mains, irrigation services.
• The next definition, holder of water right, water right holder, or water user, we've reorganized this
• Number 10, storage water.
• , and storage water.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first waited for a quorum, then heard presentations from North Idaho irrigation districts about water supply, aquifer conditions, aging infrastructure, and growth pressures. Hayden Lake Irrigation District described its shift from a small reservoir to a larger storage project, ongoing main replacements, and concerns about future demand and lake withdrawals. Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District discussed the Palouse Basin aquifer decline, its unusual mix of domestic and irrigation delivery, ESA and tribal settlement issues, and a proposed water exchange to move toward groundwater replacement and keep more water in stream. East Green Acres Irrigation District focused on aging mains, grant-funded infrastructure replacement, workforce training, and the challenges of urbanization and utility conflicts in the Rathdrum Prairie aquifer area. Members also raised concerns about broadband/fiber contractors damaging water infrastructure and about possible impacts from lower Snake River dam removal. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 119, which Representative Van der Woude said highlighted regional water needs and growth-related recharge concerns in the Treasure Valley. The resolution was moved and approved for the floor with a do-pass recommendation. After that, the committee considered three Idaho Department of Water Resources rules. The Shoshone-Bannock Water Bank rule was explained as a collaborative update to align with the Fort Hall settlement and simplify the rule; it was approved. The stream channel alteration rule prompted several questions about definitions such as base flood elevation, continuously flowing water, and fish habitat, and concerns that the revisions were less clear or more restrictive; the committee voted to hold that docket at the call of the chair. The final rule, for Water District 34 in the Big Lost River Basin, updated definitions, removed obsolete language, clarified rotation credit and storage distinctions, and adjusted timing for watermaster notifications. It was approved after brief discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 746, which would expand deficiency warrants for Idaho Department of Lands resources to cover reimbursable non-fire emergency work such as floods, pumps, incident command support, and prescribed fire/fuels projects. Testimony from the fire chiefs and Department of Lands emphasized improved flexibility and no intended new permanent spending, but members questioned the breadth of the language, reimbursement timing, and whether the bill should be more narrowly defined. The sponsor and testifiers agreed to work on amendments, and the committee moved toward sending the bill to amending order rather than advancing it as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Palmdale Water District, San Bernardino County Supervisor Don Rowe, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
• , and 29 Palms Water District.
• of Palmdale Water District, San Bernardino County Supervisor Don Roe, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
• Tim Worley, on behalf of the Community Water Systems Alliance, as well as Palmdale Water District, San
• Bernardino County Supervisor Don Roe, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, and the 29 Palms Water District

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, CalTrout, and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations said the bill would strengthen the steelhead report card program, refine crab fishery rules, and clarify vessel transit through closed crab areas. There was no opposition, and the bill was accepted with amendments and moved on a 4-0 vote to the Appropriations Committee. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, with performance targets and coordination with wildlife agencies. The author and supporters argued it would improve ecosystem connectivity, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, and save money by integrating crossings, culverts, and fencing into planned projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would apply to transportation rights-of-way and not create exactions on private property. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. Members then considered SB 1212, which would repeal California’s ban on importing and selling kangaroo products. The author argued kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated and that California’s ban is outdated, while opponents from Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others said the bill would reopen the market to products from a cruel commercial slaughter industry and undermine long-standing wildlife protections. No motion was taken at that point. The committee also heard SB 1268, codifying the Outdoors for All initiative, which supporters said would protect and expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation; it advanced 3-0. Finally, the committee heard three Western Joshua Tree bills from Senator Arreguín: SB 1061, SB 1062, and SB 1063. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the bills would reduce fees and streamline permitting for tree relocation, public infrastructure, and basic utility hookups in desert communities. Opponents withdrew or softened opposition on the first two bills after amendments, but objected to SB 1063 as too broad. SB 1061 and SB 1062 each passed 2-0 to Appropriations, while SB 1063 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• After the sale, the water system will be regulated by the PUC.
• After the sale, the water system will be regulated by the PUC, which will help ensure reasonable and
• providers when setting water rates, specifically tiered water rates.
• Water District, in support.
• Water District, in support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• regulations? Yes sir.
• The time is now to protect our water lines and water infrastructure. Thank you Mr. Chairman.
• SALS is an agency of the city of San Antonio, providing water, waste water.
• Recycled water services to approximately 2.1 million people. As a water utility.
• To say this is a water session is an understatement. We're all focused on water.

Bills: HB206, HB 1285, HB1335, HJR107, HB206

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, HB 1285, Railroad Commission of Texas, RRC, drones, unmanned aircraft, UAS, drone inspections, oil and gas, pipeline inspection, surface mining, well sites, tank batteries, disposal wells, injection sites, natural resources