Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you to take a look at our lovely water. you to take a look at our lovely water.
• </c> can imagine what that water is like. can imagine what that water is like.
• </c><00:03:14.560><c> We</c> water. Um, we have a great culture. We water.
• facility<00:52:09.359><c> and</c><00:52:09.599><c> water</c> facility and water facility and water tower
• Their water is filthy.

Bills: HF2178 , HF942 , HF2470 , HF1043 , HF1287 , HF1229 , HF1230 , HF424 , HF571 , HF404 , HF910 , HF1055 , HF318 , HF319 , HF401 , HF609 , HF306 , HF1599 , HF1881

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: HF2178, Cohasset, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, public infrastructure, water tower, water infrastructure, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, street reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, Public Facilities Authority, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, local government aid, utility infrastructure, public works, infrastructure, stormwater

Transcript Highlights:

• in water reuse and recycle.
• So what Nalco Water and Ecolab do is we help fabs reuse water as much as possible.
• And our goal is to continue to shrink that water footprint, so they use less and less water.
• So we work to save water, we work to save energy.
• is important for Arizona as we stretch the water.

Bills: SB1041

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not anything against the water board or anybody else.
• All of this is left up to the water board.
• community because of aquifer levels and water quality issues.
• And again, it's all up to the Water Resources Board.
• And then the water ...or the Department of Defense is paying for it, and then the water right is owned

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• water is a basic human right.
• </c> probably needs to have their water probably needs to have their water tested.<00:24:09.520><c> Um
• </c> affordable water is a basic human right. affordable water is a basic human right.
• </c> water there. We're not moving there. water there. We're not moving there.
• . water. water.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

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:

• a driver and a skier, on all their public water.
• that water is supplied by an existing water district that can contract with them to provide the water
• from other water districts, uses roughly 100,000 gallons of water If they could not get water from other
• water districts, it uses roughly 100,000 gallons of water per year.
• Representative Raybould, on a closed-loop system, is the water re-injected, or what happens to the water

Summary: The committee met without the chairman, with Senator Phil Hart presiding as vice chair, and considered four measures. House Bill 887, by Representative Mark Sauter, would allow water skiing with a driver and skier on open water rather than limiting it to a slalom course, while still requiring a mirror and a 9 a.m. cutoff. Sauter said the bill would align Idaho with several other states and help reduce congestion on the water. The committee took no public testimony and sent the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation on a voice vote. House Bill 895, by Representative Britt Raybould, would restrict new data centers beginning construction after July 1, 2026 from using water for cooling as a consumptive use unless supplied by an existing water district under contract. Raybould described the bill as a response to growing water and energy concerns, explaining the difference between evaporative, hybrid, and closed-loop cooling systems and noting the large water use of some facilities. The Idaho Conservation League testified in support, saying the bill was a proactive step to protect water resources. The committee advanced the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 939, by Representative James Petsky, codifies Fish and Game’s proposed hunting technology rules on thermal night vision, transmitting trail cameras, and drones, while adding exemptions for hunting wolves, mountain lions, and other predatory wildlife, agriculture uses, retrieving wounded animals, and monitoring property or traps. Petsky said the measure was a compromise supported by agriculture groups, Idaho sportsmen, and Idaho Wildlife Federation, though he acknowledged possible enforcement challenges and future revisions. Fish and Game and the Idaho Conservation League both testified, with the latter supporting the process but warning about enforceability and the need for continued consensus-building. The committee sent the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also considered House Joint Memorial 21, which urges action to support reopening a past-producing tungsten mine on private land near Patterson, Idaho, citing the mineral’s importance to national defense and concerns about foreign supply, especially from China. The sponsor said the mine is the only tungsten mine in the United States and that permitting is underway. After brief discussion, the committee approved the memorial and sent it to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• a driver and a skier, on all their public water.
• that water is supplied by an existing water district who can contract with them to provide the water
• from other water districts, uses roughly 100,000 gallons of water... ...could not get water from other
• water districts uses roughly 100,000 gallons of water per year.
• the water as it exits the facility?

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the loyal water stewardship.
• </c> Commission on Water Resource Management. Commission on Water Resource Management.
• </c> Hannah Springer to serve as water Hannah Springer to serve as water commission<00:35:36.640><c>
• </c> knowledge currently lacking on the water knowledge currently lacking on the water commission.<00
• Water is culture.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee held a hearing on several governor’s messages for confirmation to land and water-related boards and commissions. The first item was GM 745, confirming Nor Abbott to a second term on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission through June 30, 2029. DLNR and other supporters submitted testimony, and Abbott said his focus has been on watching for potential impacts to marine reserves from nearby land activity and helping ensure those impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated through a thorough process. The committee then took up GM 783 and GM 762, both involving the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Fenton Pang and Jensen Chop were nominated for terms ending June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029, respectively. Multiple individuals and organizations testified in strong support, including representatives of civic clubs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and other community groups. Testimony emphasized Pang’s scientific background, cultural values, humility, and service, and described Chop as a long-time Kahoʻolawe steward with strong ties to restoration work and the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Chop said his goal is to help more people build a connection to ʻāina and to continue restoration and cultural education efforts on Kahoʻolawe. The final major item was GM 770, confirming Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management through June 30, 2028. DLNR strongly supported her nomination, describing her as a cultural expert and advocate who can ensure indigenous knowledge is meaningfully included in water policy. Testimony from community members, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and others highlighted her experience, integrity, and role in protecting customary and traditional water rights, especially for place-based and Native Hawaiian communities. Supporters also said her appointment was important given current water and climate challenges. The chair indicated the committee would proceed to decision-making after the hearing, and no opposition was noted in the testimony summarized here.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the nexus that select water. That was the nexus that select water<00:02:46.800><c> took.
• water is treated and piped through.
• </c> things here. the enhancement of water things here. the enhancement of water yield<00:15:41.680><
• water flow which helps the<00:23:56.240><c> adjudicated</c><00:23:56.880><c> water</c><00:23:57.120>
• </c> and we lose the ability to bring water and we lose the ability to bring water to<00:34:29.919><c

Bills: HB0078 , SF0012 , SF0013 , SF0052 , SF0069 , SF0070

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:24.799><c> we</c> and storm water because we and storm water because we Uh<00:27:26.320><c
• , wastewater, and storm water.
• , wastewater, and storm water.
• on the Select Water Committee.
• That's a Hoboach Junction public water system where they're standing up a new water system.

Bills: HB0078 , SF0012 , SF0013 , SF0052 , SF0069 , SF0070

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• water body in Idaho where we had fish harvest down 70%.
• And you have navigated these waters with us quite a bit.
• And so we test on the water ourselves for copper.
• It's that deep-water area. And so most of the river isn't impacted by deep water.
• for the Water Resources Board.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> million per year to provide water million per year to provide water treatment<00:01:21.400><c> systems
• </c> health response this bill targets water health response this bill targets water treatment<00:01:
• Municipal water systems must test for a range of contaminants and ensure that water does not exceed safe
• </c><00:04:49.479><c> for</c> invest in Clean safe drinking water for invest in Clean safe drinking water
• </c><00:04:53.919><c> is</c> accessing safe drinking water is accessing safe drinking water is essential

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• No, $66 for their water treatment plant. And I'm showing it.
• So $94 million, the water treatment plant was roughly $94 million.
• Same with rural water, $55 million.
• Water Committee section.
• It would state that any new water project request anticipated to be submitted to the Water Commission

Bills: SB2004 , HB1600

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division

Keywords: ethics commission, immunity, conflict of interest, complaints, public officials, transparency, legislative action, criminal prosecution, complaint resolution, HB 1600, immigration law clinic, University of North Dakota, UND Law, law school clinic, legal aid, immigration attorney, student clinic, pro bono, immigration legal services, caseload limit

Summary: The committee reconvened to continue work on water-related appropriations and related bills, with the chair emphasizing the need to move the water bill to conference committee soon because of differences with the House. Members reviewed project funding levels and carryover balances across several water projects, including NAWS, Southwest, Valley City, Cirrus River flood control, Hart River, Redder water supply, municipal and rural water, general water, and discretionary funding. The discussion focused on reduced revenue forecasts, the use of a $150 million line of credit as a working assumption, and concerns about large carryover amounts and piling up cash. No final changes were made to the water funding numbers, but the chair said the committee would revisit the bill after further cleanup of the draft language. The committee then took up House Bill 1600, which would create an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota law school. Members agreed the program should be treated as a one-time pilot rather than ongoing general fund spending, so they adopted an amendment changing the $400,000 appropriation to one-time funding from the strategic investment fund. The amended bill passed unanimously, and Senator Meyer was assigned to carry it. House Bill 1417, dealing with parole and probation-related policy, was also amended. The committee removed Section 8, which eliminated the bill’s appropriations language, based on testimony that the referenced funding was already included elsewhere in the budget. The amended bill then passed unanimously. The committee also discussed possible future amendments to water study language, including earlier reporting deadlines and a proposal to require larger new water project requests to go through the Water Topics Overview Committee before being introduced, but no final action was taken on those concepts. Several other bills, including the AI-related House Bill 1448 and law enforcement bonus bill 1193, were left for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, water is a top priority and Members, um, water is a top priority, and I think this would help everybody
• </c> be told what we can do with our water. be told what we can do with our water.
• </c> water right holders and senior water water right holders and senior water right<00:09:02.880><c>
• </c> that they can uh share adjudicated water that they can uh share adjudicated water rights<00:09:15.120
• It is about allowing junior water users to exchange water with senior water users. That is true.

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

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

Keywords: groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls, monitoring wells, public reporting, irrigation, water management, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, water development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Lo, manager for the board of water Lo, manager for the board of water supply.<00:19:40.400><c> We
• water Red Hill Water coordinator for the water Red Hill Water Alliance<00:20:26.160><c> Initiative</c
• The Water Code was passed in 1987.
• The Water Code was passed in 1987.
• </c> successors and interests to share water. successors and interests to share water.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt. The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts. On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because you still have to be able to have access to that water. Permitted water. You recognize.
• This is permitted water users.
• These are water users that request a permit from the OWRB and are given a permit for water to use so
• much water every year.
• I mean, for permitted water users? Current statute now? I mean, for permitted water users?

Bills: SB3 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB259 , SB1191 , SB1246 , SB1314 , SB1439 , SB1613 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB330 , SB2069 , SB2095

Committee: House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight

Keywords: industrial hemp, program licensing, agriculture, cannabinoids, state regulation, water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of agriculture, water, energy, wildlife, and licensing bills, often adopting policy committee recommendations or full committee substitutes as working drafts before hearing brief explanations and questions. Several measures were described as request bills from agencies or industry groups, including bills on hemp/THC limits, groundwater and aquifer management, brine water use, dairy and milk regulation, livestock transport accidents, unpasteurized milk sales, egg sales, outfitter licensing, LP gas, DEQ permitting, and an elk population study. Members raised recurring concerns about water rights, landowner protections, enforcement authority, and whether certain bills would affect private property or due process. Among the more debated items was SB 3, which narrows Oklahoma’s hemp definition to align with the federal standard and was framed by the author as a way to keep intoxicating hemp products away from children; it passed 14-0. SB 1439, which would limit certain climate-related lawsuits against energy producers, drew constitutional and due process questions and passed 10-4. SB 1930 on brine water and iodine production passed 14-0 after discussion of landowner compensation, and SB 259 on aquifer management and five-year averaging for permitted water users passed 8-6 after extensive questions about metering and water allotments. Other water-related bills included SB 1346 creating a water infrastructure loan program, SB 1509 on well spacing, and SB 1314 increasing an indemnity fund cap for well-drilling contamination incidents. The committee also advanced SB 2117 clarifying authority for stop-sale or destruction orders, SB 2127 creating an advisory council on product classification, SB 1191 dissolving an unused low-energy/low-carbon board, SB 2110 expanding direct sales of ungraded eggs, SB 2134 setting procedures for livestock transport accidents, SB 2028 authorizing unpasteurized milk sales with a higher monthly gallon limit, SB 269 prohibiting baiting for migratory birds, SB 2095 requiring certain out-of-state outfitters to be licensed and insured, SB 1613 as an LP gas industry mirror bill, SB 1246 to speed DEQ permitting, SB 1976 phasing in surety bond requirements, and SB 330 directing a comprehensive elk study. Most bills were reported out do pass, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to divided, and the meeting adjourned after the final bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• water supply and potable waterable water supply and wastewater<00:36:28.240><c> system</c><00:36:28.560
• I am just going to use the term water to mean potable water.
• I am just going to use the term water to mean potable water.
• I am just going to use the term water to mean potable water.
• I am just going to use the term water to mean potable water.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm glad to be here to talk about House File 1066, the Soil and Water Conservation District funding bill
• They're a trusted resource to help preserve soil and water quality in our lands, lakes, and rivers.
• In closing, I'd like to thank the Soil and Water Conservation districts across the state for your work
• quality in our preserve soil and water quality in our lands<00:01:50.680><c> lakes</c><00:01:51.079>
• Our soil and water conservation districts do wonderful work.

Keywords: 919, house, all

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.

Bills: SB5223 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5536 , SB5834 , SB5837 , SB5872 , SB5879 , SB5899 , SB5925 , SB6019 , SB6148 , SB6184 , SB6190 , SB6237 , SB6086 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5992 , SB5924 , SB6134 , SB6263 , SB5395 , SB6282 , SB5905 , SB6302 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6226 , SB6096 , SB5970 , SB6269

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, SB 6183, HIV, antiviral drugs, antiretroviral therapy, AIDS

Bills: SB5223 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5536 , SB5834 , SB5837 , SB5872 , SB5879 , SB5899 , SB5925 , SB6019 , SB6148 , SB6184 , SB6190 , SB6237 , SB6086 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5992 , SB5924 , SB6134 , SB6263 , SB5395 , SB6282 , SB5905 , SB6302 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6226 , SB6096 , SB5970 , SB6269

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, SB 6183, HIV, antiviral drugs, antiretroviral therapy, AIDS

Summary: The Senate briefly convened to approve the previous day’s journal, then moved through the fifth order for introduction and first reading of bills. Senate Bill 6351 was introduced and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then went at ease in anticipation of fiscal cutoff committee report activity later in the day. When the Senate reconvened, it took up reports of standing committees and supplemental standing committee reports. Substitute Senate Bill 5292, concerning family and medical leave rates, and engrossed substitute House Bill/Senate Bill 5466 were both reported and referred to the Committee on Rules. The referrals were approved without objection. No substantive debate or votes on the bills occurred in this transcript beyond the referral motions. The Senate adjourned at the end of the session until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.