Transcript Highlights:

• or potable water is the cost of that water.
• As they pull water, gravity is going to pull water.
• That much water could supply six households with water. That's a lot of water.
• Basically, all of our water—there may be a lot of water, but we have a lot of water.
• water every day.

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• But one thing I would say is just the management of water to get water, but also to get rid of water
• So this water-glycol mixture is a glycol mixture of water, and...
• Another indirect water use is the sanitary water use, including restrooms, Water use is the sanitary
• We're incorporating water sampling for water quality.
• high water mark.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases. Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Healthy lands and waters help communities adapt to climate change, and they are crucial for us as humans
• As you remember, the Legislature last year considered several bills to address charter school regulation
• As you remember, the Legislature last year considered several bills to address charter school regulation
• As you remember, the legislature last year considered several bills to address charter school regulation

Summary: The Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review heard the 2026-27 budget package, including AB 111 and AB 112 plus 16 trailer bills and two policy bills. Chair Laird described the budget as balanced over two fiscal years, with about $351.7 billion in total spending, $251.5 billion General Fund, and record reserves, while emphasizing investments in child care, homelessness, housing, Medi-Cal, education, courts, and other core programs. The Department of Finance presented each bill, outlining major items such as Medi-Cal adjustments tied to federal H.R. 1, child care and early learning funding, education and higher education investments, human services, developmental services, health, skilled nursing, resources, energy, transportation, housing, labor, state government, courts, taxation, and two policy bills on education governance and ballot measure placement. The LAO said it had no additional comments but was available for questions. The committee later achieved quorum and moved to member questions and comments, with no votes taken in the portion provided. Members largely focused on the budget’s fiscal structure and policy implications. Several senators praised staff and noted the compressed timeline, while Vice Chair Niello criticized the process as overly complex and burdensome. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas supported the budget but raised concerns about Medi-Cal changes for people with unsatisfactory immigration status, asking about access to care, the number affected, and county eligibility support; Finance said about two million people would transition to fee-for-service and that $39 million was included for care coordination, along with additional county eligibility funding. Senator Durazo said the agreement delayed, but did not resolve, cuts to immigrant health coverage, dental, and clinic payments, and argued that the budget did not create a true restoration mechanism. Senator Richardson highlighted hospital funding, public hospital definitions, DMV data protections, and court construction and maintenance needs, while Senator Grove questioned the sustainability of spending, the Medi-Cal savings assumptions, distressed hospital funding, Planned Parenthood transparency, developmental services changes, high-speed rail costs, and the property tax postponement program. Other members emphasized different priorities. Senator Blake Spear praised climate and parks investments, support for HAP homelessness funding with accountability, transit stabilization, and Care Court referral funding, while expressing concern about the lack of wildlife coexistence funding and long-term transit operating support. Senator Weber Pearson raised a technical concern in the health trailer bill regarding menopause language, arguing that the bill should refer to perimenopausal symptoms and should not narrow provider participation through contracting language. Throughout the hearing, Finance repeatedly explained that many of the budget’s savings came from reduced caseloads or delayed implementation of prior proposals, while some new spending was added to mitigate impacts and support administration of the changes. No final committee action or vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> stormwater, and drinking water systems. stormwater, and drinking water systems.
• &gt;&gt; Uh and members, water water &gt;&gt; Uh and members, water water infrastructure<00:08:12.960
• Paul Regional Water Services provides drinking water to more than 450,000 residents across St.
• Paul Regional Water Services provides drinking water to more than 450,000 residents across St.
• </c> earthworms deep in the boundary waters. earthworms deep in the boundary waters.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, I have directed my water department to go and move this water meter.
• Oh, we found a water line!
• Water bottles so just people have, you know, water to hydrate themselves.
• And we have clean water, regardless of what those look like. We have clean water.
• And so, but no, our water... Is... and so our water is clean, and it is appropriate.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Rights Agreement, the Sho-Pai Water Rights Agreement, the Nez Perce Water Rights Agreement, confirm
• In the Shoshone Water Rights Settlement, there was a water bank included.
• the state water supply bank.
• for a water bank. ...that general authority to delegate to the local area for a water bank.
• The thing that binds us all together is water. Water is the life of us all.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If this is, you know, if a life jacket, how much of it has to be above water, below water?
• than pool water and stuff like that.
• Incorporated water conservation measures have reduced water usage by 20 to 30 percent.
• need for fresh water over time.
• These concerns need to be considered early in the process of any water use project. water use project

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Shoshone Water Rights Settlement, there was a water bank included.
• the state water supply bank.
• The Water Resource Board in Idaho has the authority, as being over the entire state water bank for the
• for a water bank.
• The thing that binds us all together is water. Water is the life of us all.

Summary: The Resources and Conservation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 789, which would ratify and implement the Coeur d’Alene Tribe water rights settlement. The bill was described as resolving long-running litigation in the Coeur d’Alene-Spokane-Spokane River Basin adjudication by confirming the tribe’s reserved water rights, protecting existing state-law water users through subordination, and authorizing a local water bank/rental pool arrangement for the tribe’s natural flow rights. The chair disclosed a Rule 80 conflict because he was among the original plaintiffs in the adjudication, but said the settlement affected his district and the committee’s work. Norm Somanco explained the settlement structure and said the legislation was needed because existing law did not allow the state water board to delegate a natural-flow water bank to the local level. Tyrell Stevenson for the tribe and Chairman Chief Allen emphasized that all parties supported the agreement and that it would provide certainty for the tribe, farmers, businesses, counties, and municipalities while avoiding further litigation. Joy Vega of the Attorney General’s office said the settlement was a win for all parties, protecting state water rights with priority dates of September 6, 2023 or earlier and future municipal development, while giving the tribe finality on its rights. Candace McHugh, representing the City of Coeur d’Alene, said the city supported the settlement because it also resolved key water-right issues affecting Lake Coeur d’Alene, including the governor’s and Avista’s rights, and provided certainty for lake operations. Vice Chairman Shepard moved to send HB 789 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• , below water?
• </c><01:06:30.520><c> uses</c> water and if we've got large water uses water and if we've got large water
• need for fresh water over time.
• need for fresh water over time.
• need for fresh water over time.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• During drought, we need stored water to provide water to communities and the environment.
• natural way to store water that can support both water uses and environmental flows in dry times.
• The bill repeatedly refers to excess and flood flows, but water that may appear excess from a water supply
• The cause of that is water management, high water temperatures, and excessive water diversions.
• water right users.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well then, who owns the water?
• Water source that we have.
• Lake Py is Birmingham Water Works' secondary water supply.
• Other water boards should not have the ability to control bodies of water.
• Water is important for us.

Bills: HB471 , HB473

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: water authority, sewer management, fire protection, local governance, board of directors, local officers, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was a Senate prime sponsor of House Bill 21266, the Environmental Justice Act, which strengthened regulations
• regulations on greenhouse gas<01:04:14.480><c> emissions</c><01:04:14.799><c> and</c><01:04:15.039><
• she was to be reckoned with, a champion for those of us still learning how to navigate political waters
• When we talk about transportation and we talk about our air, our water, and our land, she sponsored the
• </c> talk about our air, our water talk about our air, our water and<03:21:24.399><c> our</c><03:21:24.640

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has helped to restore our degraded waters and even remove waters from the impaired waters list, and
• Restore waters, protect waters, and make a difference for drinking water across the state.
• </c> length of the water systems. length of the water systems.
• </c> water use? water use?
• </c><01:29:49.440><c> the</c><01:29:49.600><c> water</c> jurisdictions for clean water the water jurisdictions

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• for certain water projects—drinking water, wastewater, storm water, and dams—may only be requested and
• We do not have a water authority.
• I can understand water projects, drinking water, wastewater are going to go to the Water Trust Board
• and water...
• Madam Chair, where we're changing out water meters and water infrastructure, I would think is water infrastructure

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 103, which would prevent a homeowner from losing the 3% valuation cap solely because of a zoning change. The sponsor and supporters, including the New Mexico Business Coalition, Realtors, and the City of Albuquerque, said the bill would protect homeowners from unexpected tax increases when the property’s use has not changed. There was no opposition, and the committee approved HB 103 with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. The committee then considered House Bill 145, which extends the high-wage job tax credit sunset from 2026 to 2036. The sponsor and the Economic Development Secretary said the credit has been effective in attracting and retaining higher-wage jobs, especially because employers need long-term certainty. Business and economic development groups testified in support, while no one spoke in opposition. Members discussed the wage thresholds, the value of keeping a sunset for review, and the bill’s fiscal impact. The committee passed HB 145 on a 7-2 roll call vote. House Bill 247, a major capital outlay modernization bill, generated the most extensive discussion. The sponsor described the bill as a response to billions in unspent capital outlay balances and repeated reauthorizations, and proposed amendments to require ICIP inclusion for larger appropriations, limit reauthorizations, and change how water projects are handled. Public testimony was mixed: some rural and tribal representatives supported modernization but warned that the water provisions could harm small communities, fire suppression systems, flood-control dams, and other local projects. After debate, the committee adopted an amendment striking the water-related Section 2, then later passed the bill as twice amended with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the water or kept it out of the water.
• </c> County water system, they all buy water County water system, they all buy water from<00:17:06.400
• For example, if Florence<00:17:13.439><c> Water</c> Florence Water Florence Water decides<00:17:16.400
• for their water buying the water for their water distribution<00:17:34.720><c> plants,</c><00:17:35.440
• </c> water filter that can filter water water filter that can filter water fluoride<00:31:56.880><c>

Keywords: Convene 00:00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 00:05:55 Report of Committees 00:07:26 Orders of the Day/HB 419 00:09:02 HB 103 00:12:30 HB 276 00:37:54 HB 188 00:43:39 HB 189 00:47:11 HB 258 00:53:52 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:58:16 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:11:11 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 01:13:29 ConC/Rules Report 01:17:06 Adjournment 01:18:20, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:50.040><c> infrastructure</c> the state funds water infrastructure the state funds water infrastructure
• c><00:03:17.280><c> isn't</c> not be more wrong water that isn't not be more wrong water that isn't contaminated
• The residents of Hastings are very aware of the situation with their water.
• </c> aware of the situation with their water aware of the situation with their water um<00:09:09.720>
• </c><00:09:43.560><c> treatment</c> in Hastings the um water treatment in Hastings the um water treatment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have a water authority.
• I can understand water projects, drinking water, wastewater are going to go to the Water Trust Board
• and water...
• Madam Chair, where we're changing out water meters and water infrastructure, I would think is water infrastructure
• waste water projects come through um i don't i've often seen uh water waste water projects come through

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clean Water fund and um I guess I'm just Clean Water fund and um I guess I'm just curious<00:01:39.200
• </c> through the Clean Water through the Clean Water fund<00:02:52.640><c> thank</c><00:02:52.840><c>
• </c> but you know I I this uh the Clean Water but you know I I this uh the Clean Water fund<00:03:22.480
• </c> with the the work of our Soil and Water with the the work of our Soil and Water Conservation<00:
• </c><00:41:14.880><c> so</c><00:41:15.000><c> we</c> water our families drink the water so we water our

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is Meyer Branch Water Corporation for their water project.
• Next is Tensaw Water Distribution Association application 527. It's a water project.
• water.
• They have water. They are able to produce water today.
• The last one is for the West Allen Water Works for their water project.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Water Sector Commission met with a quorum and opened with a reminder that no funding had yet been appropriated for future project awards, so any discussion of upcoming grants was speculative until the legislature acts. The committee then approved the December 10 minutes and moved through a series of deadline extensions for Phase Two state-funded projects, including Delcambre, Faraday, Meyer Branch, and Waterworks District No. 1 of Pointe Coupee Parish. Members also approved a scope change for St. Tammany Parish Project 845 to relocate an unmarked fiber optic line discovered during construction. The committee spent substantial time on Tallulah’s water rehabilitation project, where Mayor Yubon Lewis explained that the city is trying to isolate and fund the purchase of four permanent media filters, plus related electrical work, from the original approved project scope. Members questioned whether the request was a true scope change or a way to use existing funds while the city continues to rely on temporary filtration and state-led triage. After discussion, the committee approved the request and asked to be kept informed as the state continues seeking additional support for the system. The committee also approved additional funding requests for Kaplan, Ponchatoula, St. Martin Parish, and West Allen Water Works. Ponchatoula’s request included multiple change orders tied to sewer and force main work, including emergency levee repair, equipment changes, and rerouting around unmarked fiber. St. Martin Parish’s increase was tied to land acquisition and added costs for a new well site in a multi-phase consolidation project. West Allen’s increase stemmed from a failed well drilling effort and was supported by cost reductions from the contractor and engineers, which members treated as in-kind match. In contrast, Tensaw Water Association’s very large request to consolidate Newellton drew significant concern over cost growth, scope, and timing; after extensive questioning, the committee deferred that item to the next meeting for further review. The meeting ended with an update that about 42.11% of ARPA funds remain, 16 projects are now considered high risk, and staff will continue ground-truthing project status and pushing ARPA dollars out first before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> municipal water ster water and storm municipal water ster water and storm water<00:09:20.320><c>
• ><c> storm</c><00:32:39.919><c> water</c> water, wastewater, and storm water water, wastewater, and storm
• I provided water. I provided services. I provided water.
• </c> the reservoir with water. the reservoir with water.
• Water? Water? Come<01:15:34.480><c> on</c><01:15:34.640><c> up.

Bills: SF0069 , SF0070 , SF0016 , HB0078 , HJ0002 , HB0085 , HB0086

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

Keywords: wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water development, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management