Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to know if this money and the water districts are not funded, what type of impact?
• They operate all of the canals, I want to know if this money and the water districts are not funded,
• districts was drastically reduced. if the funding for the water management districts was drastically
• I can tell you point blank that if the South Florida Water Management District is not fully funded, my
• If the South Florida Water Management District is not fully funded, my home will be underwater.

Summary: The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments. Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71. The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> clean water fund and the outdoor clean water fund and the outdoor heritage<01:35:44.960><c> fund
• It will not fund it from the Clean Water Fund.
• It will not fund it from the Clean Water Fund.
• It will not fund it from the Clean Water Fund.
• It will not fund it from the Clean Water Fund.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 870 protects California's primary water delivery system by creating a fund that, upon appropriation
• fund, special funds, GGR funds, and bond funds.
• from the State Water Project.
• Water District in support.
• Pass Water Agency, and the Chino Valley Water District, all in strong support.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is our Infrastructure Revolving Fund Program Fund B, the Western Pulaski County Water District's
• Next up is our Infrastructure Revolving Fund Program Fund B, the Western Pulaski County Water District's
• Moving to our Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program Fund F, the City of Springfield's Fund F loan
• Moving to our Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program Fund F, the City of Springfield's Fund F loan
• Moving to our Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program Fund F, the City of Springfield's Fund F loan

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Johns Water Management District. If it weren't funded, could that cause an issue with... ...the St.
• So I want to know if this money and the water districts are not funded, what type of impact...
• If the funding for the water management districts was drastically reduced. Further questions?
• I can tell you point blank that if the South Florida Water Management District is not fully funded, my
• I can tell you point blank that if the South Florida Water Management District is not fully funded, my

Summary: The House met in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber then took up CS/House Joint Resolution 1F, the Governor’s property tax proposal, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and restrict county and municipal ad valorem revenue to public safety and certain other uses. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf said the measure would return money to homeowners and give local governments flexibility, while opponents repeatedly argued the ballot language was misleading and that the proposal could create large local revenue shortfalls, shift costs to other taxpayers, and threaten local services and debt obligations. Members debated a series of amendments aimed at protecting specific programs from the bill’s effects. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to exempt Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was defeated 25-74 after supporters said those entities fund child care, mental health, aftercare, and family support, while opponents said local governments could still choose to fund them. Rep. Cross’s amendment to include water management districts in allowable uses of ad valorem taxes was also defeated, despite testimony that the districts are essential for flood control, water supply, Everglades restoration, and drought response. Rep. Eskamani’s amendment to require the Legislature to backfill public safety funding failed 25-71 after debate over whether the proposal could reduce police and fire budgets and response times. The House then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other aging services, and opponents saying the state already funds senior programs. Finally, Rep. Gant’s amendment to protect veteran services was introduced and debated, with members emphasizing housing, mental health, transition assistance, and homelessness concerns for veterans; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment. Throughout the debate, sponsors and supporters of the main resolution maintained that local governments would retain spending discretion and could use other revenue sources, while critics argued the measure lacked clear backfill provisions and could force cuts or tax shifts at the local level.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, many of the projects do receive Lassard Sams funding, clean water fund dollars, uh, the redboard
• funds, the local watershed funds.
• Uh, many of the projects do receive Lassard Sams funding, Clean Water Fund dollars, uh, the Red Board
• Uh, many of the projects do receive Lassard Sams funding, Clean Water Fund dollars, uh, the Red Board
• You do make a very good team. water fund dollars, uh, the redboard water fund dollars, uh, the redboard

Bills: HF2080 , HF356 , HF1968 , HF228 , HF569 , HF603 , HF692 , HF1455 , HF2224 , HF1361

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 1948, which would strengthen funding authority for the IBWC, the International Boundary and Water
• This innovative five-day water quality forecast tool received critical funding support from the state
• Existing funding through the State Water Board will be exhausted by next summer.
• Existing funding through the state water board will be exhausted by next summer.
• And within six months, we had really clean water. We had the cleanest water we could have.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental Quality/Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials informational hearing focused on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is long-running, cross-border, and severe enough to require federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as an environmental and public health emergency affecting beaches, air and water quality, marine life, tourism, and residents’ quality of life in South Bay communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Senator Padilla said the issue is underappreciated because of where it occurs but has major public health, economic, and educational consequences. Congressman Mike Levin’s office reported more than $650 million in federal funding secured for infrastructure and cleanup, along with federal legislation and requests for CDC and EPA involvement. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre gave a detailed overview of county efforts and the scope of the crisis, citing decades of sewage flows from Tijuana, nearly four years of beach closures, and the county’s expanded water-quality monitoring. She said the county is pursuing warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, an epidemiological study, soil testing, an economic impact study, and a feasibility analysis to remove the “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard, which she described as a key local source of airborne pollution. She also pointed to binational funding for treatment plant upgrades and said the county is seeking state support, including from Proposition 4 cross-border river funds, to expand relief and mitigation efforts. Scripps researchers Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented scientific findings on water and air transport. Giddings described a high-resolution forecast model that predicts wastewater movement and beach closure risk up to five days ahead, using real-time observations and showing about 72% accuracy against county measurements. Prather said the main exposure route is through air, not just water, and reported that turbulence at the river hot spot aerosolizes pollutants, with hydrogen sulfide and other gases spiking at night and dropping when river flow is diverted. She said the team has identified thousands of gases and linked measurements closely to odor complaints, while also noting that air purifiers can reduce indoor exposure but are not a permanent solution. Dr. Paula Stigler Granados added that community health surveys and CDC assessments show widespread symptoms, sleep disruption, anxiety, and daily life impacts, especially during nighttime odor events. She said her team has found more than 900 contaminants in river water and 106 chemicals uniquely associated with the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, with passive air sampling showing similar chemical fingerprints in nearby homes. The panel discussion ended with questions about standards and accountability, and witnesses and legislators agreed that the crisis requires updated air-quality standards, more health research, and continued coordination to reduce exposure and address the source of pollution.

Transcript Highlights:

• a special funding.
• And how much is the water having to put with it, Central Water?
• We've received these funds. These are IRA funds.
• We've received these funds. These are IRA funds.
• But when we're protecting water, not just my drinking water—and this is my drinking water now—but also

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Transcript Highlights:

• That places projects in line to receive Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing.
• That places projects in line to receive Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing.
• That places projects in line to receive Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing.
• That places projects in line to receive Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing.
• That places projects in line to receive Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• funds, as well as other NGO, non-governmental funds as well.
• And since the passage of the Columbia River Water Account back in 2006, your funded projects have developed
• storage projects, water projects, water delivery projects.
• storage projects, water projects, water delivery projects.
• The first is to move some of the funding to the capital budget. Right now, the funding...

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm glad to be here to talk about House File 1066, the Soil and Water Conservation District funding bill
• Instead, it builds on the general fund appropriation from 2022, increasing the funding to $22 million
• <00:02:53.280><c> appropriation</c><00:02:54.040><c> from</c> fund appropriation from fund appropriation
• :57.000><c> to</c><00:02:57.159><c> $22</c> 2022 increasing the funding to $22 2022 increasing the funding
• Soil and Water Conservation District aid has provided a game changer for how SWCDs are funded from the

Summary: The committee took up House File 1066, a Soil and Water Conservation District funding bill. An author’s amendment, 66A1, was offered and adopted by voice vote, putting the bill in the form preferred by the author. The amendment and bill discussion centered on changing the state aid level for SWCDs, with the bill as amended described as eliminating a scheduled reduction in funding and instead increasing the annual appropriation to $22 million. Representative Ryer explained that SWCDs are long-standing, locally elected conservation entities that help preserve soil and water quality, support farmers and homeowners, and do not have levy authority. He said the funding level was based on a bottom-up assessment of district needs and was intended to help districts maintain staffing and address local problems early. Sheila Vany of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts testified in support, saying the aid has been a major improvement in SWCD funding and describing district work such as lakeshore stabilization, cover crops, nutrient management, lake monitoring, rain gardens, and irrigation guidance. The chair noted the voluntary nature of SWCD work with willing landowners and expressed support for the bill. No opposition testimony was presented, and no department testimony was offered. The committee then laid House File 1066, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also determine the sources of funding, whether they come from general state funds, special funds
• any excess funds to contractors, including Metropolitan Water District, which I believe last year approved
• entirely by And stability to the people of California, and is funded entirely by the State Water contractors
• Every water district that's listed on here is a water district that will benefit from water being moved
• Valley Water District, the Municipal Water District of Orange County, and the Los Banos Municipal Water

Summary: The committee heard several audit requests and related testimony. The first major item was an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. The author and supporters described long-standing fiscal mismanagement, large budget shortfalls, layoffs, contracting concerns, and questions about the district’s foundation and use of public funds. District representatives and the Riverside County Office of Education said the district is already under fiscal oversight, has a stabilization plan, and is working to reduce deficits and improve student outcomes. After extensive debate and public comment, the motion to approve the audit was put on call because the committee did not have the required votes from both houses at that moment. The committee then approved an audit of East Bay transit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Senator Wahab argued the region’s many overlapping transit agencies create fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency, especially amid a fiscal cliff and possible future tax increases. Transit agencies and labor representatives opposed the audit, saying the agencies already undergo multiple audits, serve distinct local needs, and are implementing regional coordination efforts. After testimony from agency leaders and public commenters, the committee voted to approve the audit. The next item was an audit of California Community Colleges’ unrestricted reserves. Senator Archuleta and supporting faculty representatives said reserves have grown substantially and may be diverting resources from student services, instruction, and workforce programs. They argued there is little oversight when reserves become too high. The Chancellor’s Office and Calbright College were invited to respond, and the audit objectives focused on reserve growth, reasons for high balances, oversight by the Chancellor’s Office, and effects on students and staff. The transcript cuts off during the Chancellor’s Office response, so the final committee action on this item is not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• That we want to fund.
• The water is pristine.
• “And how much is the water having to put with it, Central Water?”
• We've received these funds... We've received these funds. These are IRA funds.
• But when we're protecting water, not just my drinking water—and this is my drinking water now—but also

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee met to consider a series of appropriation, reserve transfer, and grant requests. Early items included temporary appropriations for the Department of Education’s Educational Freedom Account program ($32 million), the State Crime Lab ($476,000), and DFA Assessment Coordination ($90,000), along with a $1 ARPA return from the Department of Health. The committee approved these items after brief questions, including a discussion about contract cost increases at Assessment Coordination and a clarification that the $1 ARPA item was simply an unused-funds return. The most extensive discussion centered on the Department of Education’s EFA funding. Members questioned the growth in participation, the use of one-time funds and restricted reserves, and safeguards against fraud or improper purchases. Agency officials said about 44,000 students were being funded, that purchases are reviewed and flagged for unusual activity, and that homeschool students are not required to buy a curriculum so long as purchases are eligible and approved. The committee approved the EFA appropriation and related reserve transfer, and officials said the governor’s proposed budget would include the program in the RSA going forward. The committee also approved a DHS reallocation request and reviewed a building authority loan for a data center power supply replacement. In the federal grant section, members discussed a Department of Agriculture request for Central Arkansas Water to acquire land in the Maumelle watershed. Debate focused on the environmental benefits versus local property-tax and development concerns in Perry County, with testimony from the agency, Central Arkansas Water, and Potlatch about watershed protection, public access, and potential development impacts. After extended discussion, the committee adopted a motion to defer the item to the full Legislative Council and asked the department to remove the Perry County portion from the request, limiting the grant-funded purchase to Pulaski County property. The committee then reviewed remaining items, including a Veterans Affairs pay-plan appropriation, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll be able to see in a few of our slides here how we leverage state funds to match federal funds,
• Since the passage of the Columbia River Water Account back in 2006, your funded projects have developed
• storage projects, water projects, water delivery projects.
• storage projects, water projects, water delivery projects.
• The first is to move some of the funding to the capital budget. Right now, the funding...

Summary: The committee first received an update from Larry Madsen of the Office of Columbia River on eastern Washington water supply projects. He described the office’s mission to develop new water supplies for in-stream and out-of-stream uses, noting that funded projects have developed more than 800,000 acre-feet of water toward a 1 million acre-foot goal by 2030. He reviewed the four major program areas: the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, the Walla Walla Water 2050 plan, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, and the Icicle Work Group. He highlighted major projects such as East Low Canal work, Springwood Ranch reservoir planning, Bateman Island causeway removal, and Icicle Creek improvements, and emphasized the importance of state, federal, tribal, and nonprofit partnerships and cost-sharing. Senators asked about accelerating the Springwood Ranch study, reservoir sizing and refill potential, and how conservation fits into the Yakima plan. The committee then heard from Betsy Peabody, Dr. Micah Horwith, and Bill Dewey on the Marine Resources Advisory Council and ocean acidification. They explained that Washington was an early bellwether for ocean acidification impacts, especially on shellfish hatcheries, where low aragonite saturation and changing pH caused major oyster larval mortality. They described the state’s monitoring network, hatchery buffering systems, research partnerships, and adaptation strategies such as kelp co-culture, selective breeding, and native oyster restoration. Testimony stressed that ocean acidification is affecting shellfish, Dungeness crab, razor clams, and even salmon, and that continued state investment, emissions reductions, and nutrient pollution control are needed. Senators asked about differences between native and farmed species, real-time monitoring, and the pH/aragonite thresholds that threaten shellfish production. Finally, Todd Myers and Pam Lewis of the Washington Policy Center presented concerns about agricultural viability, sustainability, and food security. Lewis said Washington farms are under severe financial pressure, citing negative farm take-home pay, high production and labor costs, and the need to rely more on voluntary programs, tax relief, and labor cost changes. She also argued that food insecurity is rising and that donations to food banks are harder when farms are financially strained. Myers followed with remarks on forest health and salmon recovery, arguing for more active forest management, expanded use of Good Neighbor Authority, and fewer permitting barriers. He also said salmon recovery funding should be locally prioritized and science-based, with regulatory barriers reduced so projects can move faster. The committee then voted to refer Senate Bill 6154, a culvert replacement permitting bill, to the Senate Local Government Committee without recommendation, and the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> clean each bium for the Clean Water clean each bium for the Clean Water funds<01:15:01.080><c> um
• Water funds may be a funds um the Clean Water funds may be a dedicated<01:15:03.520><c> source</c><01
• </c><01:15:59.480><c> fund</c> Revenue stream from the Clean Water fund Revenue stream from the Clean
• in Clean Water Legacy funds.
• ><01:18:50.000><c> Legacy</c><01:18:50.440><c> funds</c> funding in uh clean water Legacy funds funding

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an appropriation of $175,000 that goes to fund the Office of Water Development programs, and
• This is an appropriation of $175,000 that goes to fund the Office of Water Development programs, and
• This is an appropriation of $175,000 that goes to fund the Office of Water Development programs, and
• This is an appropriation of $175,000 that goes to fund the Office of Water Development programs, and
• This is an appropriation of $175,000 that goes to fund the Office of Water Development programs, and

Bills: SF0050 , SF0068 , SF0084 , HB0087 , HB0029 , HB0061 , HB0090

Committee: House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• things with water.
• It is relating to authorizing NMFA to make loans and grants for water projects through the Water Fund
• projects through the water fund and I am sitting next to Marquita who is the president of the NMFA and
• It allows us to use the funds that are appropriated to the Water Project Fund and overseen by the Water
• Under the current law, the Finance Authority cannot make loans or grants from the Water Project Fund

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• put toward municipal water and water in general.
• Instead, many Instead, many advocated for adopting the American Water Works Association water audit method
• This approach, the AWWA water audit method, is widely recognized and This approach, the AWWA water audit
• Being proactive and making funds available to allow that proactivity to happen could really make water
• Providing funding Thank you.

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• We have never seen water this low.
• On the water quality side, the one that I think is most important for you all is around water quality
• You talked about a water, if I understood it correctly, a water budget basically for the entire plain
• One, on the water quality trends, we actually have a funded project right now that's focused on that.
• water quality data.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> their uh comp water complaint process. their uh comp water complaint process.
• </c> they're waiting on funding. they're waiting on funding.
• </c> about continued funding? about continued funding?
• Um, our water supply has 12 to 14 water treatment plants, right?
• </c><01:15:02.000><c> or</c> the cold water and not the hot water or the cold water and not the hot water

Summary: The House Special Committee on Red Hill received an update from the Hawaii Department of Health and EPA Region 9 on regulatory oversight of the Red Hill facility, the Navy drinking water system, and ongoing environmental investigation and cleanup. The agencies reviewed the authorities governing the work, including DOH’s emergency orders, EPA’s 2023 administrative consent order, and the older 2015 agreement, and explained that the newer framework is being used for most current oversight because it includes closure, remediation, drinking water protections, and stronger community engagement requirements, even though some requirements overlap. EPA and DOH reported major milestones and current work. Defueling was completed in March 2024, with about 104 million gallons removed, and the agencies said this eliminated the risk of another catastrophic release. They described the current tank-closure phase, expected to finish in July 2029, along with site assessment, site investigation, remediation, and long-term monitoring that may continue through at least 2040. They also summarized drinking water actions: emergency response flushing and sampling after the 2021 spill, lifting of the public health advisory in 2022, completion of extended drinking water monitoring in 2025, and ongoing system improvements such as repairs, flushing plans, valve work, complaint-response protocols, and upgrades to storage tanks and pumps. Members asked several questions about monitoring results, the meaning of TPH, the status of the 2015 agreement, and the Navy’s groundwater model. EPA said its sampling and the Navy’s results were in alignment during extended monitoring, and that it plans to issue a summary report covering the full response period. On the groundwater model, EPA and DOH said they have not yet approved it for decision-making, are reviewing it iteratively with outside experts and University of Hawaii data, and may approve it for specific uses in the future. DOH said its latest comment letter states the model cannot yet be used for decision-making purposes, and noted that UH’s separate modeling work is contingent on funding and may not be completed until next spring. The agencies also said they continue community outreach through open houses, webinars, neighborhood boards, legislative hearings, and fuel tank advisory committee meetings.