Transcript Highlights:

• And then section two would create a water bank. ...agreement, and then section two would create a water
• So we don't have a water bank up north currently because there's very few consumptive water users, so
• this would create a water bank for... ...There's very few consumptive water users.
• So this would create a water bank for a water rental pool under the umbrella of the Board of Water Resources
• Water rights.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:19:55.840><c> got</c><00:19:56.080><c> water.</c> We got water. We got water.
• water.
• water.
• water.
• water.

Bills: HF3898 , HF3957 , HF4372 , HF4350 , HF3692 , HF4085

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• These are all coming out of either the omnibus water bill planning or the omnibus water bill construction
• Uh, the first one being the biennial funding for the UW Office of Water Programs.
• And then the second one is the UW Office of Water Research program that actually supplies the funding
• UW being the uh bianual funding for the UW office<00:12:13.760><c> of</c><00:12:13.920><c> water</c>
• </c><00:12:34.320><c> research</c> funding for the actual water research funding for the actual water

Committee: Joint Select Water Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• What happened during COVID because we got ARPA funds, CARES funds, IJA funds. opportunity to do that
• > funds</c> Got ARPA funds, CARES funds, IJA funds that were allowed to be used and braided into the
• </c> around water needs on the ground. around water needs on the ground.
• </c> can take that out of the water. can take that out of the water.
• </c> water that we drink. water that we drink.

Bills: SB8

Committee: Joint Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, some of these data centers are using non-potable water, recycled water.
• The governor has made proclamations, the Water Board has set goals. That water has spoken for.
• scarcity plan, a water supply assessment, and a water use assessment.
• We believe water policy should focus on the actual water consumption and local water conditions, not
• , and denied bottled water when the facility's water system was releasing dark, rust-colored water.

Summary: The committee heard several housing, local government, coastal, and infrastructure bills. AB 306 would create a statewide appeal and code-interpretation process for building code issues at the California Building Standards Commission; supporters said it would reduce inconsistent local interpretations and speed housing delivery, while no opposition testified, and it was moved on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations. AB 956 would clarify ADU law to allow up to two detached ADUs on a property and address ADUs in HOAs/common interest developments; supporters framed it as a flexibility and housing-supply measure, while local government and county groups raised concerns about ministerial approval, parking, density, and impacts on neighborhood character. After committee questions, the bill was moved do pass as amended to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the bill remaining on call. Members also considered AB 1751, which would create a ministerial approval path for qualifying townhome projects and allow local inclusionary ordinances for larger projects. Supporters said it would expand attainable homeownership and help produce missing-middle housing, while cities and counties objected to reduced density, by-right approval, and potential housing-element net-loss issues. The bill was moved do pass as amended to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and remained on call. AB 912, which would revise the governance structure of the Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District board, drew unanimous support from the district, city, and county; it passed 3-0 to Appropriations and remained on call. AB 1710, aimed at preserving housing project entitlements from later regulatory changes, also advanced on a 4-0 do-pass-as-amended vote after opponents said they were awaiting the committee amendments. The committee also heard AB 2080, which would make county treasurer investment authority delegations ongoing until revoked rather than requiring annual renewal; supporters said it would reduce technical noncompliance and administrative burden without reducing oversight, and it was moved to the Senate Floor. AB 1740, a coastal bill for Santa Monica, would set timelines and reporting for a local coastal program and create an expedited Coastal Commission process for bike, transit, and pedestrian projects; supporters said it reflected a negotiated path forward with the city and commission, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. AB 2181, backed by Unite Here, would limit use of hypothetical density bonus value in hotel and motel appraisals; supporters said it would protect hospitality jobs from speculative lease-rent increases, and it was moved to the Senate Floor on a 4-0 vote. Finally, AB 2469 on data centers and water use drew the most extended debate. The bill would require water supply and water use assessments before approval, and shift infrastructure costs to project proponents; supporters said it would improve transparency, protect ratepayers, and ensure local governments have information before approving water-intensive facilities. Opponents, including business, city, county, and tech groups, argued existing law already covers water assessments and fees, warned the bill could create a separate permitting regime, and raised concerns about privacy, security, and investment impacts. The committee had not yet taken final action on AB 2469 when the transcript ended, and members were still asking technical questions about data center cooling and water reuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• Supply Development Revolving Fund to eligible entities for water supply development projects within
• In 2022, under the creation of the modern WIFA, funding was appropriated to the Water Supply Development
• In 2022, under the creation of the modern WIFA, funding was appropriated to the Water Supply Development
• Through the process of administering the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund, we have seen the $3
• This change also brings the water supply development revolving fund into conformity with all of WIFA's

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several appropriation and policy bills. SB 1488 would appropriate $600,000 for a workforce development study on coal-impacted communities in northern Arizona, especially areas affected by the closure of Navajo Generating Station and related coal operations; supporters described it as a needed transition study, and it received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1523 would provide $340,000 to the Navajo Nation for the Ganado waterline pipeline project serving 235 homes; testimony emphasized long-standing lack of safe drinking water, and the bill also received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1041 would appropriate $500,000 to the Arizona Trail Fund; supporters highlighted the trail’s statewide recreational and cultural value, and it passed with a do-pass recommendation. SB 1447 would extend the groundwater withdrawal fee moratorium and related Pinal AMA fund provisions through 2033; irrigation district representatives said the extension would help maintain infrastructure amid Colorado River shortages, and it was also recommended do-pass. The committee also considered several regulatory bills. SB 1445 would let smaller cities and towns use approved on-site bacteriological testing equipment and limit required sampling frequency for certain ADEQ permits; the sponsor said it would save small towns money, while some members raised concerns about limiting sampling during discharge events, but the bill still received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1580 would appropriate $2.545 million for a statewide fire incident management platform for fire and law enforcement agencies; supporters said it would improve accountability, information sharing, and interoperability, while one member objected to the targeted funding approach, and the bill passed on a 5-3 vote. SB 1418 would streamline siting and permitting for small modular nuclear reactors in smaller counties, especially when co-located with large industrial users; supporters argued it would help energy reliability and rural economic development, while opponents warned it would weaken local review and environmental safeguards, and it passed 5-3. The committee took up two bills involving consumer protections and access. SB 1419 would add inspection and disclosure requirements for rooftop solar installations and restrict sales claims about estimated savings; supporters said it responded to consumer complaints about roof damage and misleading sales practices, while opponents argued it would burden rooftop solar and restrict speech. After extensive testimony, including from county officials, former ROC leadership, and solar industry representatives, the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-2 vote. SB 1363 would create a rural opportunity initiative to issue additional marijuana-related licenses for underserved rural communities; supporters said it would improve access and reduce illicit-market activity, while opponents argued the bill was confusing and could expand licenses too broadly. The committee ultimately recommended the bill do pass on an 8-0 vote, with members noting possible amendments before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• that do go into the Water Patrol Division to help fund.
• I gave you what the total budget was, but there are general revenue funds that do go into the Water Patrol
• And so in order to continue to fund the Water Patrol Division, it's imperative for us for that $1 million
• But again, we're asking for that first million to be diverted and go directly to funding the Water Patrol
• Why do these funds have...” “Yes. Why do these funds have money left over if the funds are needed?

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute combining House Bills 2592, 2834, and 2787 into one measure. The combined substitute was then voted do pass by a unanimous roll call, recorded as 15 ayes and 0 noes after a brief correction to the tally. The committee then heard House Bill 1786, which would raise the Highway Patrol’s spending threshold for purchasing vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and related specialized equipment without returning to the legislature from $100,000 to $500,000. The sponsor and Highway Patrol witnesses said the current cap is outdated because boats, armored vehicles, bomb trucks, and aircraft equipment now cost far more than $100,000, while members asked about inflation, the revolving fund, and whether a lower increase might be more appropriate. No opposition testimony was offered. Next, House Bill 2885 was heard. It would redirect the first $1 million in annual boat registration fee revenue away from general revenue and into the Missouri Water Patrol Division. The sponsor and Highway Patrol said registration revenue has declined while operating costs have risen, and the division needs the money to support enforcement, search and rescue, dive operations, and boating safety programs. Members asked how much revenue is collected and whether the change would affect other programs; testimony indicated the bill would mainly earmark existing revenue rather than increase overall department funding. The committee also heard House Bill 2694, which would exempt four fee-supported funds from the end-of-biennium sweep to general revenue: the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, the State Forensic Laboratory Account, the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Fund, and the Elevator Safety Fund. The sponsor and Department of Public Safety witnesses said the sweeps make long-term planning difficult and can disrupt training, lab support, and safety inspection operations, though members raised concerns about excess balances, guardrails, and whether fee reductions should be considered if reserves grow too large. Finally, House Bill 1712 was heard; it would make intentionally failing to charge an electronic monitoring device a crime, closing a loophole in existing tampering law. The sponsor, a sheriff, and other witnesses said the bill addresses deliberate attempts to evade monitoring, while members discussed battery warnings, rural access to electricity, and the costs and benefits of pretrial release. No votes were taken on the later bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, House Bill 206 is the annual water project fund project authorization bill.
• House Bill 240 makes revisions in the Drinking Water State revolving fund Loan Act to bring the state
• The Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund is federally funded by.
• New Mexico Finance Authority shall make, can make grants from drinking water, state revolving fund, loan
• fund for eligible water project and send repayment periods of loans made pursuant of the Act.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> difficult to get funded. difficult to get funded.
• >> Senator Kunesh. >> So, I don't believe that there is going to be funding in the Clean Water Fund this
• </c> Fresh Waters. Fresh Waters.
• And for storm water retention.
• </c> storm water retention. storm water retention.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission to look at water use and water issues, water quality throughout the state.
• :17.639><c> water</c><00:12:17.920><c> quality</c><00:12:18.399><c> throughout</c> water issues uh water
• ><c> new</c> Waterworks water available in a new Waterworks water available in a new water<00:32:34.760
• One was to fund it through general funds.
• One was to fund it through general funds.

Summary: The committee first discussed scheduling and notice for upcoming executive sessions on a larger slate of bills, including plans to take up eight bills in the morning and possibly the last three bills in the afternoon, with caucus time provided if needed. The chair emphasized advance notice, publication, and flexibility if more bills are added later. The hearing then opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and proceeded to HB 568, a bill allowing local planning boards to request water supply studies for subdivisions to ensure water adequacy as housing density increases. Representative Kat McGee, the prime sponsor, said HB 568 was developed after constituent concerns about private wells being affected by nearby development. She described the bill as narrowly tailored, non-mandatory, and intended to preserve local control while clarifying that planning boards may request studies under local regulations. She noted bipartisan support, an exclusion for community water systems and larger groundwater withdrawals regulated elsewhere, and said the bill would help prevent water shortages and related problems for new and existing homes. Questions from members focused on whether the bill should specify that it applies to subdivisions of four or more lots, since that language had been in an earlier version. Testimony on HB 568 was mixed. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors opposed the bill, arguing it lacked a definition of “water supply study,” could lead to expensive hydrology studies, and might raise housing costs; he suggested more work with DES or a study committee. DES administrator Brandon Kernin said the department had worked from a 2010 groundwater commission report, that such problems arise only intermittently in certain areas, and that the bill would make explicit local authority to adopt such ordinances. He also said DES data and homeowner surveys can help identify problem areas and that more robust wells could be considered in the long term. The committee noted 10 online submissions in favor and 3 opposed, plus blue-sheet testimony of 2 in favor and 1 neutral, and then closed the hearing on HB 568. The committee immediately opened HB 582, a bill on safety requirements for operation of personal watercraft. Representative Darby, the sponsor, said the bill responds to the speed and maneuverability of modern personal watercraft, which he described as more like motorcycles on water than traditional boats, and cited a fatal accident on Lake Monomonac as an example of the risks. He said the bill is not intended to restrict ordinary recreation or wake surfing, but to update safety standards for a newer class of larger, quieter three-person PWCs. The hearing began with Darby’s presentation, and no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Think about that when you create fundings, provide fundings.
• They need water.
• And if we move water, it doesn't freeze. Moving water doesn't freeze.
• And we have put that money to use We've fully funded the San Juan Lyle Water Treatment Plant.
• We do not fund them.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• and into the general fund.
• and into the general fund.
• Lincoln Avenue Water Company ...receive water primarily from one of three companies: Lincoln Avenue Water
• Company, Rubio Canyon Land and Water Association, and Los Flores Water Company.
• And my only issue is water is... ...water is our most important asset.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:02.280><c> sources</c> funded through RC the funding sources funded through RC the funding
• </c><00:32:59.440><c> Resource</c> the commission on Water Resource the commission on Water Resource
• management area, it would be water use permits for groundwater or surface water users.
• area it to So within a water management area it would<00:36:22.160><c> be</c><00:36:22.520><c> water
• water users okay groundwater or surface water users okay so<00:36:27.440><c> when</c><00:36:27.720><

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water that hasn't been filtered.
• The water and the groundwater connected to the water has sustained our people since time immemorial.
• We see water as a relative.
• So when water is there, it is not just an...
• Clean water must be protected for all ages.

Bills: HB2668 , HB1735 , HB2131 , HB2199 , HB2463 , HB2598 , HB2619

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: relocation, wildlife, game farm, agriculture, environmental impact, animal welfare, force-feeding, birds, humane treatment, sea lion, predation control, salmon preservation, fishing industry, voluntary donations, derelict vessels, marine environment, coastal management, environmental protection, maritime economy, farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate, uh, the committee members and Senator Weber for your continued support in water rural water
• </c><00:04:24.680><c> rural</c> your continued support in water rural your continued support in water
• <00:04:26.080><c> health,</c> water infrastructure and public health, water infrastructure and public
• ><c> farmsteads,</c> These funds protect cities, farmsteads, These funds protect cities, farmsteads,
• </c> was an appropriation for a general fund was an appropriation for a general fund cash.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• , capital projects fund, or both.
• Fish and Wildlife must request funding in the 2029 capital budget for pre-design funding to evaluate
• So if we can't get the funding that we need under the basic education and funding plan, when the budgets
• Now that I have an understanding of the relationship between the federal funding and state funding, it
• Representative Waters is excused.

Bills: HB2514 , HB2551 , HB2236 , HB2470

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: HB 2514, global war on terror, GWOT, war on terror memorial, Capitol campus memorial, Washington veterans, fallen service members, military memorial, post-9/11 veterans, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, veterans memorial, capitol grounds, state memorial, Secretary of State, Capitol Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We have done some work in the trust fund commission in order to deal with getting the water from Manchester
• I just want to know that the drinking water groundwater trust fund was set up to deal with MBTE and with
• That's why we were able to get funding to build a dam on Lake Masabis to raise the water level.
• water groundwater trust<00:33:07.360><c> fund</c><00:33:07.600><c> was</c><00:33:07.760><c> set</c><
• ><c> to</c> drinking water groundwater trust fund to drinking water groundwater trust fund to use<00:

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving to our Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, Fund F, the City of Springfield's Fund F loan
• And last but not least, under our Fund W, which is our newest Kentucky Waters emergency fund, Kentucky
• Moving to our Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, Fund F, the City of Springfield's Fund F loan
• And last but not least, under our Fund W, which is our newest Kentucky Waters emergency fund, Kentucky
• 39.880><c> Kentucky</c><00:18:40.280><c> waters</c> emergency fund and so Kentucky waters emergency fund

Summary: The committee first approved the January minutes and then received several informational reports on school district tax levies, revenue bonds, lease advertisements, and previously rejected lease transactions. Members were told that one rejected lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Hardin County would be canceled and rebid, while a Perry County lease modification for the Energy and Environment Cabinet would proceed. The Kentucky Communications Network Authority also submitted its quarterly capital projects report, and Eastern Kentucky University reported revisions to asset preservation projects. Janice Thomas, Deputy State Budget Director, presented four capital project action items. These included a Kentucky State University Betty White Building renovation funded by USDA grant money, a Department of Education state schools dormitory and cottage renovation appropriation increase because bids exceeded estimates, a restricted-funds scope increase for the Elizabethtown CTC science building expansion, and a pool project report for the Department of Corrections’ KCIW kitchen drain line repair and replacement. Representative Petrie asked about how often the statutory authority for midstream project increases is used and whether bids are typically competitive; Thomas said the increases are used often when bids come in above estimates and that bids are generally competitive, though construction costs have been difficult to gauge. The committee unanimously approved the first three action items, and the KCIW project was reported with no action required. H. Sandy Williams of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority then presented six loans and one emergency grant. The items included loans for Frankfort’s East Frankfort Interceptor wet weather facility project, Sturgis wastewater improvements, Scottsville inflow and infiltration work, Morganfield wastewater treatment plant planning and design, Western Pulaski County Water District transmission improvements, and Springfield water system planning and replacement work, plus an emergency Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville following a sewer treatment plant failure and local emergency declarations. After no questions, the committee unanimously approved the seven KIA transactions. Chelsea Couch then presented a Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for $38.4 million to finance a multifamily rental project in Jefferson County; members asked how the committee participates and were told it was a conduit issuance rather than state debt. The committee approved that item. Finally, the committee heard an informational Turnpike Authority refunding issuance of about $53 million for present value savings, then approved four SFCC debt issues for Henderson, Pulaski, Scott, and Trimble counties to finance school renovations and construction. The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting date and location.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the Committee on Water and Land.
• any</c> boating fund special fund and any boating fund special fund and any improvements<01:15:32.160
• </c> continuing to fund the Aha Moku. continuing to fund the Aha Moku.
• The funding is there.
• </c> Wildlife Fund and Health Institute. Wildlife Fund and Health Institute.

Bills: HCR13 , HCR61 , HCR136 , HCR185 , HCR155 , HCR68 , HCR174 , HCR178 , HCR179 , HCR91 , HCR103 , HCR115 , HCR199 , HR15 , HR128 , HR175 , HR147 , HR62 , HR164 , HR168 , HR169 , HR83 , HR95 , HR107 , HR189

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 31, 2026, and heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 13/HR 50, which asks DLNR to work with DOE and the Public Charter School Commission on a student coral stewardship program, drew comments from DLNR, which said it stood on written testimony and had proposed amendments, and from supporters in the room. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, nursery capacity, and related support for public and private lands, received strong support from DLNR and multiple testifiers, including members of a reforestation policy hui, a resident, and others who emphasized watershed protection, flood and fire resilience, and the need to upgrade nursery infrastructure and staffing. Committee members asked questions about nursery modernization, staffing, island-specific needs, and whether reforestation could reduce wildfire impacts; the DLNR witness said all islands need investment, with especially large opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island, and that healthier forests improve resilience though they cannot eliminate climate-related risks. The committee then heard HCR 136/HR 128 on wildland-urban interface safety standards for Maui plantation towns, but no one testified. It also heard HCR 185/HR 175, which urges denial of permits for ICE detention-related warehouses; Chris Coffey of Immua Alliance testified in support, saying migrant survivors of exploitation are harmed when ICE detains people and that Hawaii would not be the first place to take such action, citing examples from other states and cities. In questioning, members explored whether a local facility would keep people closer to families and services or instead increase local detention; Coffey said detention generally cuts off access to services and can intensify fear, and that a local facility could incentivize more detention and make survivors less likely to come forward. Finally, the committee heard HCR 155/HR 147 supporting the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition’s Hawaii Water Safety Act. Testifiers included Allison Shapera, who described the statewide water safety plan, Hawaii’s high drowning rate, the economic and human costs of drownings, and her personal loss of her daughter in a preventable drowning; Kirsten Hermstead and Kalani Vierra of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association said the plan’s recommendations need legislative recognition to help with implementation and grant funding; and Jessamine Town Horner testified by Zoom as a co-founder and bereaved family advocate. The transcript provided does not show any votes or final committee actions on the measures discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the Restoration Fund.
• For water.
• a piece of Work to haul water to a house, to feed all the water needs in a house.
• And then emergency funding.
• Department: the Post-Wildfire Fund and the Wildfire Fund.