Transcript Highlights:

• On the body of water, is there not... ...the body of water, is it not restricted today? No. Okay.
• So therefore, it's not just about the drinking water.
• If this was a pond that the Mobile Water Board owned, I... that the Mobile Water Board owned, I see,
• this water system.
• I don't think we heard from anybody that opposes clean water and good water systems for Mobile and surrounding

Bills: HB473 , HB397 , HB397

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions, real estate, disclosures, equitable interest, disciplinary actions, Alabama Real Estate Commission, HB397, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax, tax relief, senior exemption, elderly homeowners, retiree exemption, disability exemption, blind exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:58.240><c> Um,</c> for Water Month in Hawaii. Um, for Water Month in Hawaii.
• </c> testifying first is the board water testifying first is the board water supply. >> Good afternoon
• in high-water-use agriculture.
• </c> management of public trust water management of public trust water resources<00:25:17.440><c> in<
• </c> Department of the East Maui Water Department of the East Maui Water Authority.

Bills: HCR31

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: rangelands, pastoralists, Hawaii, livestock, environment, sustainability, ecosystem services, Paniolo traditions, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing first heard HCR 85, which urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer parcels in the East Oahu area. DLNR, OPSD, HHFDC, and HCDA testified, and the chairs noted an intent to keep revenues from the lands with DLNR while agencies collaborate until parcels are ready for substantive transfer. Both committees then voted to pass the measure as is, with the recommendation adopted. The committees also heard HCR 101 and HCR 166. HCR 101 was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted by both the Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committees. HCR 166, which asks DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, received no opposition in testimony and was also recommended and adopted unamended by both committees. Later, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee took up several resolutions. HCR 36, establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, Japan, drew support from DBED, which highlighted educational, agricultural, and airport-related opportunities, and the committee moved it forward. HCR 19, designating March as March for Water Month, was supported by the Board of Water Supply. HCR 162, creating an arts data mapping task force, received support from DBED and arts advocates, including the Hawaii Youth Symphony. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, and nursery capacity, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple community testifiers emphasizing climate resilience, native forests, and storm recovery. The committee also heard HCR 106 on designating Waikīkī as a world surfing reserve, with support from the University of Hawaii, and HCR 14 on a perpetual non-exclusive easement for existing drainage improvements at Waikīkī, which DLNR said had already been approved by the board and only needed legislative passage to execute. HCR 178, concerning a county set-aside for East Maui public trust water resources, drew testimony from the East Maui Water Authority and others supporting local control and public stewardship, while HCR 179, directing the Aamoku Advisory Committee to follow its rules and comply with Sunshine Law, drew testimony both in support and urging amendments to preserve Aamoku’s independent, semi-autonomous role. Because quorum was not available, decision-making on the later measures was deferred to the end of the 3 p.m. agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2025 — DRW and Energy and Water. HB 2026 — Shared water supply.
• Resources and Energy and Water. HB 2030 — Resources and Energy and Water.
• HB 2095 — Sure water supply will debt. Natural Resources, Energy and Water.
• Natural Resources, Energy and Water. HB 2099 — County water augmentation.
• Natural Resources, Energy and Water. HB 2102 — To best water hauling.

Summary: The House convened for opening-day proceedings with prayers in English and Spanish, the Pledge of Allegiance, and musical performances, then recorded attendance and welcomed the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jason Jameson. The Speaker introduced numerous guests and dignitaries, including statewide officials, university presidents, former lawmakers, and family members, and delivered remarks about Arizona’s history, the importance of civility, and the role of state government in protecting residents from federal overreach. Coaches Kenny Dillingham and Tommy Lloyd also addressed the chamber, speaking about leadership, talent development, and the ways sports can unite and inspire Arizona communities. The House then took up organizational business. Members adopted proposed changes to Rule 9 and then adopted the amended rules for the 57th Legislature, Second Regular Session. The chamber also agreed to read bills by number and short title only, declared an emergency for that purpose, and announced the creation of two new standing committees: Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, chaired by Representative Justin Wilmeth, and Rural Economic Development, chaired by Representative Teresa Martinez. A House Organizational Committee was appointed to notify the Senate that the House was organized and ready for business and to inform the Governor that the Legislature was ready to receive her message. The remainder of the session was largely devoted to points of personal privilege, with members introducing family, constituents, local officials, educators, veterans, business leaders, and advocacy groups. Several members highlighted issues they intend to work on this session, including affordability, water security, deed fraud, education, health care, rural development, and veterans’ issues. The House later recessed to accommodate the joint organizational proceedings with the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• They typically let fresh water out and don't let salt water in.
• They typically let water out, let fresh water out, and don't let salt water in.
• So the water is basically forced through a pipe. So the water is basically forced through a pipe.
• And if there's a surface water drop... ...through, and if there's a surface water drop, in shallower
• It's the same for water diversions.

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They typically let water out, let fresh water out, and don't let salt water in.
• They typically let water out, let fresh water out, and don't let salt water in.
• So the water is basically forced through a pipe. So the water is basically forced through a pipe.
• And if there's a surface water drop... ...through, and if there's a surface water drop, in shallower
• It's the same for water diversions.

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held a work session on fish passage and barrier prioritization. Tom Jameson of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife briefed members on the state salmon recovery framework, the types and prevalence of fish passage barriers, and the many existing barrier-removal programs. He explained that culverts are the most common barrier, but levees, tidegates, dams, and other structures also affect salmon and steelhead. He also described the state’s fish passage database, the assessment criteria used to determine whether a structure is a barrier, and the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board’s role in funding projects. Jameson reviewed the history of the board and its grant pathways, noting that the Legislature has funded 199 projects totaling nearly $225 million over five biennia, including significant federal support in the last biennium. He then focused on the new statewide prioritization strategy directed by the Legislature in 2020. A science panel recommended using an optimization model and then scoring and ranking barriers, but Jameson said the model depends on better stream mapping and ongoing “snapping” of stream layers to known barrier locations. He said the strategy is intended to produce watershed-based priority lists rather than a single statewide ranking. Members asked about how barriers are assessed during fish migration periods, how private land access affects inventory work, how local governments can report completed corrections, and how the prioritization criteria weight Chinook salmon and southern resident orca recovery. Jameson said urban areas with downstream barriers or heavily altered streams may be less recoverable, while rural watersheds may offer greater benefit. He also explained the federal culvert injunction, including ongoing obligations for state agencies and DOT’s 2030 target, and said the injunction never fully ends because new barriers are continually discovered and must be addressed over time. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And despite this diligence, high water users have regularly challenged these rates in court.
• providers when setting water rates, and this has caused widespread uncertainty for water agencies attempting
• Serves 100 people and 100 homes, and it costs $100 for 100 units of water.
• water demand on the entire system?
• subsidizing and you're not paying more for the high-use water users.

Summary: The California Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a reflection and pledge. The body handled routine procedural business, including dispensing with the journal reading, suspending rules for guest introductions and adjournment memories, and re-referring several bills to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including district staff, the Citrus Heights leadership class, and Rosie Rios, chair of America 250. The main floor debate centered on AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward, a local government finance measure related to water rates and Proposition 218. Ward argued the bill would provide clearer legal standards for proportional water rates, reduce litigation, and prevent low-use customers from subsidizing high-use users. Assembly Member DeMaio opposed the bill, saying it would weaken taxpayer protections and allow overcharging. After debate, the Assembly passed AB 2180 on a roll call vote of 41-17. The Assembly then adopted the second-day consent calendar, with AB 1853 and several other bills and resolutions passing 52-0. The chamber also held adjournment-in-memory tributes for former Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon Sr., praising his public service and transit advocacy. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until Monday, April 13 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And despite this diligence, high water users have regularly challenged these rates in court.
• providers when setting water rates, and this has caused widespread uncertainty for water agencies attempting
• Thank you. ...serves 100 people and 100 homes, and it costs $100 for 100 units of water.
• water demand on the entire system?
• not subsidizing and you're not paying more for the high-use water users.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the water system. the water system.
• And when they actually need the water, it could be a while before they actually need that water.
• And when they actually need the water, it could be a while before they actually need that water.
• </c> need that water. need that water.
• </c> is water reservations. is water reservations.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Water Resources.
• the Department of Water Resources.
• All of our water is either creek water or reservoir water, so right now it doesn't look too shiny.
• and water quantity.
• and water quantity.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, 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:

• Find a location that doesn't jeopardize anybody's drinking water.
• Local health routinely monitors nitrate in drinking water across the county.
• Local health routinely monitors nitrate in drinking water across the county.
• drinking water options are limited.
• Representative Waters is excused. Representative Waters is excused, and who else?

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills. Substitute House Bill 2281 would require state agencies to avoid imposing an undue burden on Indian tribes’ traditional cultural practices at tribal traditional cultural places, and would create a Superior Court cause of action for tribes. The prime sponsor and tribal witnesses said the bill is needed to protect sacred sites and cultural resources, while an industry witness asked for narrower, more predictable language. Some testimony criticized the bill as too expansive and likely to increase litigation. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2514, which would create a Global War on Terror memorial work group to plan and recommend details for a memorial on the Capitol campus; the sponsor emphasized honoring Washington service members and said private fundraising would be central to the project. House Bill 2551 would let school districts with very low ending fund balances seek OSPI approval to sell district real property and use the proceeds to restore financial stability, rather than depositing the money into capital or debt service funds. The sponsor and Tacoma School District testified that the bill is a safeguard for districts nearing binding conditions, while members raised concerns about possible impacts on local land use and whether the bill could be misused in urban or rural areas. Substitute House Bill 2668 would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify alternate locations for the Bob O’K Game Farm and request future capital funding to relocate and remediate the site because of nitrate contamination affecting the Centralia area aquifer. Local officials, public health staff, and tribal representatives supported relocation, citing public health risks and the potential cost of inaction, while the sponsor stressed that the bill is about moving, not closing, the game farm. In executive action, the committee took up House Bill 2470, as amended by a proposed substitute, which would increase state school construction assistance for schools on military bases by adding 15% to the calculated state match percentage. Members discussed the role of federal funding and the need for safe, equitable facilities for military-connected students. The committee approved the substitute bill and reported it out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 15-1, with three excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• My personal facility took 9 and a half feet of water at it.
• Oliver Saint Martin's water, a few gender.
• The water is what makes the oyster taste good.
• They're they're they're taking care of the water there.
• It must protect and enhance water.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• steady supply of clean water.
• steady supply of clean water.
• and Land Committee, for his remarks. forests act as our Nature's water forests act as our Nature's water
• This partnership has worked tirelessly to protect our most precious resource: water.
• This partnership has worked tirelessly to protect our most precious resource: water.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Restraint and seclusion do not help children regulate. Thank you. Next.
• Restraint and seclusion do not help children regulate. Thank you. Next.
• thing I want to see is, and I'm not saying it's doing this, but the last thing I want to see is a watering

Bills: HJR6 , HJR7 , HB120 , HB60 , HB151 , HR1 , HM13 , SB40 , SB104

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, legislative session, even-numbered years, New Mexico Constitution, student behavior, physical restraint, seclusion, public schools, training, de-escalation, student safety, behavior interventions, criminal offenses, peace officer, Victims of Crime Act, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• an operating reserve and cover the unexpected cost of a disaster, including deep cleaning, fire and water
• , since the fear around them is making them more anxious, more clingy, and less able to sleep or regulate
• children since the fear around them, becoming more anxious, more clingy, and less able to sleep or regulate

Summary: The hearing focused first on how wildfires and other disasters affect child care providers, families, and early education infrastructure. State officials from the Department of Social Services and Department of Education described disaster response and preparedness efforts, including shelter coordination, licensing outreach, emergency waivers, distribution of supplies, and the statewide child care disaster plan. Testimony from providers and advocates emphasized major gaps in recovery funding, insurance coverage, rebuilding support, mental health services, and coordination with local rebuild plans. Several witnesses urged more dedicated disaster-recovery funding for child care facilities and suggested statutory changes, including allowing greater flexibility for rebuilding costs and requiring early childhood programs to be included in local disaster planning. The second panel addressed immigration enforcement and its impact on child care. Advocates from the Children's Partnership, Every Child California, and CHIRLA said enforcement activity is causing families to keep children home, disrupting continuity of care, reducing enrollment, and creating fear and trauma for children and providers. They argued that immigrant and mixed-status families need clearer protections, privacy safeguards, legal support, trauma-informed guidance, and safe-haven policies for child care settings. Speakers also stressed that the child care workforce is heavily immigrant and that recent state laws such as AB 49 and AB 495 will require funding, training, and technical assistance to implement effectively. Public commenters, including child care providers, described personal experiences with fire damage, displacement, permit delays, lost income, and the emotional toll of serving families during crises. Others described how immigration enforcement has made parents afraid to attend events, drop off children, or remain connected to providers. Committee members repeatedly noted that child care is often overlooked in emergencies and asked state officials how child care systems are being integrated into disaster planning and how local and state agencies can better coordinate. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want you to know that the The healthcare authority issued regulations last September that um imposed
• When the appropriation was taken, the senator removed the obligations, but by regulation, the healthcare
• Uh, Mr. uh, Chair, just to expand on that conversation, um, Water and natural resources, I believe, 3

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> And the fourth one is regulation of various occupations, House Bill 82.
• All right, so [Music] uh Senate Bill 178, which is the laboratory water testing.
• I think, is something that hopefully is unnecessary because I would hope that we don't have any regulations

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up several Senate messages on House bills. It recommended non-concurrence and a committee conference on HB 428 after Representative Pearson raised a constitutional concern about a retroactive provision in the building code bill. It also recommended non-concurrence on HB 156, which had been rewritten by the Senate to create a permanent subcommittee related to food/procurement; members said they did not want to create a permanent subcommittee and preferred to let the issue return next year if needed. On HB 85, concerning temporary student licenses for respiratory therapists, the committee concurred with a Senate rewrite that added restrictions but preserved the bill’s main purpose. On HB 82, a cleanup bill for occupational licensing, the committee concurred with a Senate amendment explicitly allowing the electricians board to create subcommittees, with members noting they did not think the authority was necessary but that it would not do harm. The committee then considered SB 178 on laboratory water testing. Representative Leyon offered amendment 2025-1743H to clarify how fees would be deposited and to direct a portion of certain fees and grants into a non-lapsing lab equipment and replacement fund rather than the general fund. Members said the amendment made the bill’s fiscal flow easier to understand. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended on SB 178, also unanimously, and placed it on consent. For SB 180, dealing with Coos County distressed-area designation, the committee adopted amendment 1748H to remove a provision requiring commissioners to give extra consideration to Coos County and to add a 20-year sunset on the designation. The amendment passed 14-2, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended 15-1; Representative Schmidt said he would file a minority report because he viewed the provision as unenforceable rather than objectionable. The committee also voted to retain SB 185, which concerned OPLC-related issues, so the agency could continue working on a policy and report back later; that motion passed 16-0. Finally, the committee voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 198, establishing New Hampshire Service Dog Week, after debate over whether the recognition should be statutory or left to a gubernatorial proclamation. Supporters argued the bill would raise awareness and help promote service dogs, while opponents said the effort could continue without a statute and that special-day statutes often lose attention once enacted. The committee also voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 182 after extensive discussion of proposed changes to the maternal mortality review process. Opponents argued the bill would broaden access to personally identifiable information, change panel structure, and affect data comparability; supporters said it was a housekeeping update requested by DHS that would add DCYF and Corrections and improve review of maternal deaths. The ITL motion passed 10-6, and Representative Long said he would file a minority report and explain the committee’s reasoning to the bill’s sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the state agencies that have everything to do with the training, preparation, licensure, and regulation
• in areas like electrical generation and power. transmissions, advanced manufacturing, construction, water
• is really the biggest biggest problem for CDL drivers, if you're familiar with TxDOT and their regulations

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• does any county district authority, municipality or other local government have an ordinance or regulation
• the attorney general to initiate a judicial proceedings of local government, adoption ordinance, regulation
• So for me to class water in March and I'll get back with the president's office.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rights and clean water.
• But we're out in the water every day. We see what happens.
• As someone who is on the water every day, I am often the first to see any changes in water quality firsthand
• Someone who sees these waters every day.
• I'm opposed to this bill from Captains for Clean Water.