Video & Transcript : 'regulated waters' :
Page 364 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Waters: aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh: nay, without representation.
- Waters: Aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh: Nay, without recommendation.
- Waters votes aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh votes nay without recommendation.
- Waters aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh aye. Representative Walsh votes aye. Aye.
- Waters aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh aye. Representative Walsh votes aye. Chase aye.
Summary:
The committee met for its final meeting before cutoff and took executive action on a series of bills and memorials. It first reviewed several measures and amendments, including bills on Washington State Leadership Board fundraising and reporting, campaign finance reporting schedules, public records exemptions for student and employee information, and agency report reductions. Members also discussed amendments that would restore or add reports on topics such as newborn transfers, health plan reporting, clean fuel tax data, instream flows, child morbidity and mortality, and Ecology permitting data, with some amendments adopted and others rejected.
The committee then voted on a joint memorial calling for an independent investigation into the killing of Aichner-Ezgi, with members speaking in support of accountability for Americans killed abroad; it passed 5-2. It also approved a bill recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, and a bill related to the state capital campus, both by do-pass recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6049, concerning public disclosure exemptions for student and employee information, advanced after an amendment to remove Healthy Youth Survey records from the exemption failed. Substitute Senate Bill 6160, which reduces agency reporting requirements, passed as amended after some proposed additions to the report list were rejected.
The committee also advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5840 on campaign finance reporting, adopting an amendment to remove one new report deadline and rejecting another that would have extended the reporting adjustment window from two to three days. Substitute Senate Bill 5825, authorizing the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts and grants, passed after an amendment seeking biennial reporting on private funds was rejected. Additional bills on state symbols and veterans’ issues also received do-pass recommendations. Throughout, votes were mostly bipartisan, with some members noting concerns about transparency, reporting burdens, or scope, but the committee ultimately reported all listed measures out of committee.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Certification of Water System Operators. Certification of Water System Operators.
- </c><00:03:25.760><c> to</c> about providing safe drinking water to about providing safe drinking water
- >> No. >> American Bridge Patriot. and I I guess what the water supply is and I I guess what the water
- </c> in determining policy at least for water in determining policy at least for water supply<00:04:27.080
- So, we we need water supply, right?
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met on April 15 to consider several gubernatorial nominations, with the chair reminding the public that written testimony had been reviewed and testimony time would be limited. The first nominee, James Landgraf (GM 528) for the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators, was supported by the Department of Health and testified that his water-system experience would help ensure certification standards protect safe drinking water, including on Maui and the other islands. Committee members asked about his background and Maui water issues, and the chair later recommended advise and consent.
The committee also heard GM 552 for Pina Lemosu to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, but Lemosu was absent due to illness. Daintry Bartoldus of the council testified in strong support, citing Lemosu’s lived experience, critical thinking, and advocacy on disability and employment issues. The committee deferred decision-making on this nomination until the next day. For GM 717, Annabelle Stone for the Language Access Advisory Council, testimony from Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant Migrant Resource Center and Aloha Care emphasized her interpreter background, bilingual skills, and commitment to equitable access for limited-English-proficient residents. Stone said her public health and community experience would help the council, and the chair recommended advise and consent.
The final nomination, GM 782, was John McComas for the Statewide Health Coordinating Council. Supporters including Jack Lewin and Aloha Care highlighted McComas’s long career in health care, including leadership at Aloha Care and work on expanding community health resources. McComas said he wanted to continue contributing to health care access statewide after retirement. The committee took no objections on the nominations it voted on and adopted the chair’s recommendations to advise and consent for GM 528, GM 717, and GM 782, while GM 552 was deferred.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capitol Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (1-22-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Wood Creek Water District is the water supplier for the City of Livingston, and the city then provides
- water to Kentucky American Water Company, which has customers in Rockcastle County.
- On November 5, 2024, Wood Creek Water District terminated water service to the City of Livingston due
- water service on November 26.
- Over this water and sewer system.
Keywords:
00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call
01:00 Election of Co-Chairs
03:38 Approval of Minutes
04:09 Information Items
05:55 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab
12:13 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab
17:48 Ky Infrastructure Authority
28:50 Economic Development - EDF Grants
32:50 Ofc of Financial Mgmt
36:30 SFCC Debt Issues
40:50 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first reorganized by electing new co-chairs for the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee: Senator Fanny Fromom? as Senate co-chair and Representative McPherson as House co-chair, both by acclamation. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting and received quarterly capital project status reports from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Finance and Administration Cabinet, and postsecondary institutions. Those reports noted University of Kentucky equipment purchases, several school districts planning general obligation and revenue bond issues, a notification of non-approval for PR 3567, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System asset preservation projects.
Kevin Cardwell of the Finance and Administration Cabinet reported two action items: a $5,100 federal-funded Transportation Cabinet renovation of the Rowan County east and westbound rest areas, and a $1 million federal fund increase for the Capitol City Airport terminal building project, bringing the total federal support to $10 million and reducing the need for restricted funds. The committee also received a no-action report on a $1,363,000 Kentucky State University exterior repairs project funded through the 2024 asset preservation pool. Both action items were approved unanimously after roll call votes.
The committee approved four lease renewals presented by Natalie Bronner for Cabinet for Health and Family Services locations in Bell, Lee, and Clay counties, plus a parking lease for the Department of Corrections in Jefferson County. Members asked about lease pricing and were told renewals must remain at existing terms and conditions. The committee then approved a $57,000 Kentucky WATS emergency grant for Wood Creek Water District to cover part of arrears tied to the City of Livingston; members discussed the city’s audit delinquency, possible regional water/sewer solutions, and concerns about rates and private involvement, but the grant was approved.
Finally, the committee approved a $1 million line-item water grant to the City of Williamsburg with no action required, three Economic Development Fund grants for Bell, Franklin, and Shelby counties totaling $8 million in state support for site acquisition and infrastructure work, and five SFCC-supported school debt issues for Elizabethtown Independent, Erlanger Independent, Boyd County, Henderson County, and Union County. The school projects included middle school, high school, and vocational school renovations or new construction, and members requested a breakdown of the space funded by the debt. All action items were approved, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> tower and water main loop. tower and water main loop.
- main</c> add a second water tower and water main add a second water tower and water main loop. loop.
- water main to connect it to our water system.
- </c> this water main, about 3 mi of water this water main, about 3 mi of water main,<00:29:24.000><c>
- </c> is just for the water main? is just for the water main?
Committee:
House Capital Investment
Keywords:
HF4470, Melissa Hortman, memorial, statue, memorial garden, State Office Building, Capitol Mall Design Framework, capital investment, appropriation, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Department of Administration, public art, commemorative monument, landscaping, artist selection, family consultation, Minnesota legislature, state building site, capital appropriation, political subdivisions
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - State of the State Address
Transcript Highlights:
- Water is life and essential to Arizona's growth and prosperity. Right now, we're negotiating.
- Water is life and essential to Arizona's growth and prosperity.
- over their water future.
- I will keep putting Arizona first and fight for the water we are owed.
- This year, my executive budget, Upper Basin for the water we deserve.
Summary:
The transcript is the opening joint session of the Arizona Legislature’s 57th Second Regular Session, featuring remarks from House and Senate leaders and Governor Katie Hobbs. House and Senate leaders emphasized a Republican governing agenda focused on affordability, public safety, parental rights, tax cuts, election integrity, school choice, and holding government accountable, while also highlighting cooperation on water policy and border security reimbursement. Senate President Warren Petersen said the legislature would pursue a major tax cut, send an election integrity measure to voters, defend women’s sports and school choice, and continue negotiations on Colorado River guidelines.
Governor Hobbs framed her agenda around the “Arizona Promise,” stressing affordability, public safety, water security, housing, and economic opportunity. She highlighted prior-year accomplishments including job growth, medical debt relief, lower costs for child care and housing, public safety investments, and major business recruitment. She called for an immediate middle-class tax cut, more efficient government spending, and new initiatives including a Colorado River Protection Fund, elimination of the data center tax exemption, a housing acceleration fund, and an Arizona Affordability Fund financed in part by a nightly fee on short-term rentals.
Hobbs also announced a new active management area for La Paz County to address groundwater depletion, defended her administration’s water and housing policies, and urged renewed funding for public schools while criticizing the ESA program for lack of accountability. She called for bipartisan action on disaster relief after floods in Globe and Miami, and condemned political violence. No legislative votes were taken; the joint session concluded with the governor’s address and the session was dissolved.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I have testimony in support from the Board of Water Supply in person.
- My name is Kathy Mitchell with the Board of Water Supply, and we stand on our written testimony.
- about water conservation.
- Month in the March as March for Water Month in the state. state. state.
- </c> to raise awareness about water to raise awareness about water conservation.<00:05:17.400><c> Thank
Committee:
House Culture & Arts
Keywords:
Waikiki, surfing, cultural heritage, environmental protection, tourism, climate change, Hawaii, community, conservation, Ahuʻena Heiau, Hawaii history, Kamehameha the Great, historic preservation, cultural significance, community stewardship, arts, culture, nonprofit, creative residency, community engagement
Summary:
The Culture and the Arts Committee met on April 17 and heard several Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 94 would endorse Waikiki as a world surfing reserve; testimony in support came from the University of Hawaiʻi and the Waikiki Beach Improvement District Association. SCR 22 recognized the fifth anniversary of the restoration of Iolani Palace and its spiritual, political, and cultural importance, with no testimony offered. SCR 99 SD1 proposed convening a working group to establish a state-recognized nonprofit to support arts and culture engagement; DBEDT’s Creative Industries director supported the measure, and additional support was noted from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, several individuals, and the Hawaii Film Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival. SCR 165 SD1 designated March as March for Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters.
After a brief recess, the committee voted to pass all four measures as is. SCR 94 passed with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, with Representative Garrett excused. SCR 22 SD1, SCR 99 SD1, and SCR 165 SD1 were also adopted without reservations, with Representative Garrett excused on those votes as well. The committee then adjourned, with the chair noting it was likely the final hearing of the session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:46:23.200><c> tight</c> industry because of their tight industry because of their tight regulations
- 24.680><c> the</c><00:46:24.800><c> ability</c><00:46:25.079><c> to</c><00:46:25.200><c> go</c> regulations
- and and the ability to go regulations and and the ability to go into<00:46:25.559><c> that</c><00:46
- We oversee and regulate charities, charitable trusts, and other nonprofits active in Minnesota.
- with the PFAS situation and with that settlement of money, we are putting together a $300 million water
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The engrossed bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield
- The engrossed bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield
- Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District within the town of Linfield
- Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District within the town of Linfield
- The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District within
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several House matters after suspending Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12. Among the items referred to committee was a House petition to designate an overpass on State Route 6 in Sandwich as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville Veterans Memorial Overpass. The Senate also ordered House No. 4364, authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Vaughn, to a third reading.
The chamber then considered House No. 972, a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District in the town of Linfield. The House had added an emergency preamble, and the Senate suspended the rules, concurred in the House amendment, adopted the emergency preamble by standing vote, and passed the bill to be enacted. The bill was signed by the President and laid before the Governor for approval.
During the session, a senator also recognized the Dighton-Rehoboth softball team in the Senate Chamber for winning the MIAA Division III Championship for the second consecutive year. At the end of the meeting, the Senate adopted an order to reconvene the following Thursday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the water superintendent for the town of Brewster.
- I'm here on behalf of the Mass Water Works Association, which represents 1,500 drinking water professionals
- Licensed drinking water operators provide a vital public service, delivering safe drinking water and
- During COVID, it was recognized how essential water works ...to provide drinking water during COVID.
- It was recognized how essential water works operators were.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of retirement classification and benefit bills affecting municipal and state employees. Much of the hearing focused on proposals to move various workers from Group 1 to Group 2 or Group 4, including municipal building officials (H. 2776), MassDOT highway workers (H. 2908/Sousa’s Law), DCF attorneys (H. 2771), probation officers, licensed electricians, drinking water operators (H. 3000/S. 1834), MWRA non-clerical workers (S. 1803), transitional parole officers (H. 2878), Plymouth BCI criminal investigator officers (H. 2975/S. 1863), Beverly fire alarm operators/public safety telecommunicators (S. 1876), Massport pipefitters and refrigeration technicians (H. 2788/S. 1829), and other public safety or hazardous-duty classifications. Witnesses generally argued that their work is physically dangerous, understaffed, or comparable to already higher-classified employees, and several said the changes would help recruitment and retention with little fiscal impact because the affected groups are small.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 4508, a home rule petition to grant a disability pension to Boston principal Patricia Lampron. Supporters, including Representative Dan Hunt, Boston city councilors, and Lampron herself, described a severe 2021 assault at the Henderson Inclusion School that left her with lasting physical and psychological injuries and forced her into early retirement. They urged the committee to advance the bill quickly. One witness, Pamela McLaughlin, testified in opposition, arguing the bill would set the wrong precedent and describing alleged prior misconduct by Lampron, and asked that the bill be sent to study.
Several witnesses and committee members asked brief questions, mainly about the scope of the bills, whether certain workers were already in higher groups, and the fiscal or precedent concerns. No votes were taken during the hearing. At the end, the chairs announced that testimony was complete, asked whether anyone else wished to speak, and then the committee voted to adjourn.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Waters: aye. Walsh: nay without recommendation. Aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh?
- Discussion, Ranking Member Waters. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Waters votes aye. Do not pass. Representative Waters votes. Thank you.
- Waters votes, nay, do not pass. Representative Waters votes, nay, do not pass. Walsh?
- In discussion, Ranking Member Waters. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary:
The State Government and Tribal Relations Committee met in executive session on policy cutoff day and briefed eight bills: HB 2514 creating a work group for the Global War on Terror Memorial; HB 2352 aligning the state conflict-of-interest threshold with the 1% municipal threshold; HB 2475 on language access implementation; HB 2206 on uniformed and overseas voting; HJR 4211 to remove directional limits on regular legislative sessions; HB 2447 naming the bluntnose sixgill shark the state shark; HB 2661 creating a Public Records Act modernization task force/work group; and HB 2572 on voting services for tribal members, overseas and service voters, and voters with disabilities. Members also asked about missing fiscal notes, including on HB 2475, and the chair noted they would try to move those along.
The committee then took action on the bills. HB 2514 and HB 2352 were reported out with due pass recommendations, with HB 2352 receiving a 6-1 vote. HB 2475 was amended with Representative Mena’s amendment to require agencies to report how they would implement Office of Equity guidelines, then reported out 4-3. HB 2206 saw several amendments withdrawn or adopted: amendments narrowing the covered voter definition and clarifying overseas voter language were debated, with some proposals rejected and others adopted, and the bill was ultimately reported out 4-3. HJR 4211, which would amend the constitution to eliminate directional limits on regular sessions, was reported out 5-2.
The remaining bills also advanced. HB 2447, designating the bluntnose sixgill shark as the state shark, passed unanimously after lighthearted support from members. HB 2661 was amended by a striking amendment shifting the task force concept to JLARC review and a possible JLARC work group, with remote meetings and a 2027 report deadline, then reported out unanimously. HB 2572, which would expand voting access for tribal members, overseas and service voters, and voters with disabilities, was reported out 4-3; supporters emphasized improved participation and access, while opponents raised concerns about the electronic ballot portal and security. The chair closed by thanking members and staff and noted the committee would return for an 8 a.m. hearing the following Tuesday.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- Building on our current water expertise at the Meadow Center for Water and Environment, for example,
- I do want to thank you for the work you're doing for water.
- Water resources are inherently rare in West Texas, thus water conservation is particularly critical in
- The West Texas Water Research Center will lead in the development of collaborative solutions to the water
- water future for that region.
Committee:
House Appropriations - S/C on Article III
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- preeminent water...
- Water resources are. inherently rare in West Texas, those water conservation is particularly critical
- water challenges of West Texas supporting landowners, communities, and water rights. managers through
- to ensure a secure water future for that region.
- All right Well, thank you you work on water also, certainly.
Committee:
House Appropriations - S/C on Article III
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The second is water supply. Obviously, all of us are concerned about water.
- The second is water supply. Obviously, all of us are concerned about water.
- We have to water about eight to 10 times a year, which is a lot for vineyards.
- But total, they're using less than probably 10 inches of water a year.
- So I used less than an inch of water on it, which is really great for wine grapes.
Committee:
House Agricultural Affairs
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from Tuesday, February 24, 2026, by motion and voice vote, with no opposition. Members then heard an annual update from the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission and the Idaho Wine Commission on the state’s wine industry.
Presenters described the history and growth of Idaho wine, noting the first grapes planted in Lewiston in 1864, the industry’s decline during prohibition, and its revival beginning in the 1970s. They said Idaho now has about 1,300 to 1,400 acres of wine grapes, 65-plus wineries and cideries, and three federally designated AVAs. The commissions emphasized marketing, education, and grant-funded outreach, including seminars, social media promotion, and a recent grant for an Idaho-made wine campaign. They also highlighted industry growth in economic impact and jobs, and said many wineries are women-owned.
Key challenges discussed were land-use restrictions, water supply, and labor. Roger Batt said some county zoning rules, especially in Ada County, make it difficult to plant, expand, or establish wineries without neighborhood approval, and he suggested legislation may be drafted for a future session. James Netteran explained that wine grapes are a high-value but labor-intensive crop, requiring significant hand work and upfront investment, while also using relatively little water. He also described agritourism and farm diversification as important parts of the industry’s business model.
Members asked questions about industry growth, women-owned wineries, and tasting room traffic. Netteran explained that economic growth has outpaced tonnage because the industry has shifted from one dominant producer to many smaller family operations, and he said weekend visitation at his winery can range from about 100 to 500 people. The meeting concluded with thanks and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, Texas is facing a growing and long-term need for water infrastructure investment.
- The legislature, through state agencies like the Texas Water Development Board, has made significant
- Over the course of our 30-year history, we have financed over two-thirds of our projects in the water
- Of these, 62 projects are water-related.
- Israel is world-renowned for its abilities and innovation in cyber technology, energy, and water.
Committee:
House S/C on International Relations
Keywords:
border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, international cooperation, infrastructure investment, bond issuance, state agencies, shrimp industry, federal regulations, foreign imports, economic impact, public health, Gulf Coast communities, Texas-Israel relations, Israel, Jerusalem, trade office, foreign relations
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 246, natural resources, energy and water. HB 2147, deer permits.
- Natural resources, energy and water. HB 2151, surface water definition.
- Natural resources, energy and water. HB 254, abortion public prohibition.
- HB 2030, modern water conservation grant fund. HB 2031, water conservation grant fund education.
- loss; HB 2053, appropriation stormwater recharge; HB 2054, water provider; HB 2055, brackish water recovery
Summary:
The House convened with prayer by Deacon Ernesto Ramirez and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Rachel Keshel. The journal from January 12 was approved, and Dr. Andrew Carroll was introduced as Doctor of the Day. Members also heard a proclamation recognizing January 13 as Arizona Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with remarks highlighting the work of the Arizona Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition and the importance of survivor-led prevention and awareness efforts.
The chamber then handled routine business, including messages from the Senate and two motions related to adjournment. The House agreed to grant the Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and also requested the Senate’s consent for the House to do the same. Members observed personal remarks for former Senator Barbara Left and Representative Kyle Powell.
A long list of bills and resolutions was introduced and read for first and second reading, covering topics such as elections, water policy, education, public safety, health care, agriculture, taxation, and several memorials and resolutions. No substantive debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee announcements were made for several meetings, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/24/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> or protecting drinking water supplies. or protecting drinking water supplies.
- </c> water body. water body.
- comes from a directly drinking water comes from a directly impacted<00:04:14.320><c> water</c><00:04
- </c> impacted water body. impacted water body.
- </c><00:41:00.360><c> The</c> and water conservation district. The and water conservation district.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- R.D. 108 doesn't just efficiently provide water for food.
- Recovering energy that we use to pump water is really important.
- RD108 doesn't just efficiently provide water for food.
- RD108 doesn't just efficiently provide water for food.
- Recovering energy that we use to pump water is really important.
Summary:
The Local Government Committee met on March 26 and heard four bills, beginning as a subcommittee until quorum was established. The chair opened with housekeeping rules, including that testimony would be in person only and that disruptive conduct would not be tolerated. AB 59 by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry was heard first; it would remove the sunset on Reclamation District 108’s authority to participate in hydropower projects. The author, Colusa County representatives, and water district officials said the change would support long-term financing, lower energy costs, and help the district continue water stewardship. No opposition was presented, and the bill was later reported out 7-0.
AB 417 by Assembly Member Carrillo was then presented as a measure to streamline and clarify laws governing enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs) and community revitalization and investment authorities (CRIAs). Supporters, including the sponsor and planning, city, and flood control representatives, said the bill would improve local governments’ ability to fund affordable housing, climate adaptation, transit, fire mitigation, and other infrastructure without raising taxes. One opponent objected to the CRIA provisions, arguing that CRIAs retain eminent domain authority and asked for an amendment to remove that authority. The bill was passed after quorum was established, with the chair noting it would improve functionality while preserving transparency and public participation.
AB 533 by Assembly Member Flora reauthorized health care districts that own or operate hospitals or clinics to use the design-build process for construction projects after the prior authority sunset on January 1, 2025. The author and supporters from the Association of California Health Care Districts, the Design-Build Institute of America, and engineering and hospital groups said the measure would restore a useful financing and construction tool without changing public contracting requirements. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 7-0. The committee also approved AB 1030 on the consent calendar, and after roll calls on the remaining items, all measures were reported out of committee.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- RS 32902 is the Department of Water Resources.
- , or Salmon Falls Creek Water Compact, the Columbia Interstate Compact, and the Water Conservation and
- The Salmon Falls Water or Creek Water Compact was never adopted, first of all.
- This legislation expands the area of water skiing activities on public bodies of water and adds requirements
- This legislation expands the area of water skiing activities on public bodies of water and adds requirements
Summary:
The Conservation and Resources Committee approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and then considered several RSs tied to the Idaho Code Cleanup Act. Representative Dustin Manwaring explained that the RSs were recommended by the DOGE task force to repeal outdated or unused code: RS 32887 (Fish and Game, wolf-management transition and hunting fine provisions), RS 32890 (Parks and Recreation, an unused outdoor recreation enhancement/Park and Recreation Fund program), RS 32902 (Water Resources, obsolete compact and trust-account provisions), and RS 32903 (Lands, provisions on floating timber and townsite claims). Each RS was introduced by committee vote.
Representative Mark Sauter presented RS 33049, which would expand and update rules for water-skiing activities on public waters, including allowing driver-and-skier-only skiing in limited circumstances with added equipment, age, and time restrictions. A committee member asked whether other user groups such as paddlers or kayakers had been consulted; Sauter said he had not reached out broadly but would be prepared to answer more if the measure received a hearing. The committee voted to introduce RS 33049.
The committee then heard House Joint Memorial 9 from Representative Judy Boyle and J.R. Simplot Company representative Elizabeth Kreiner. The memorial asks Congress to reaffirm FLPMA as the governing law for federal land exchanges after a Ninth Circuit decision raised questions about older land-disposal statutes. Kreiner described a decades-long Simplot-BLM exchange that was later challenged in court and said the ruling could affect completed and future exchanges across the West. The committee voted to send H.J.M. 9 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 511, also from Representative Boyle, to raise the cap on the wildland-urban interface fire-protection surcharge from $40 to $100. Boyle and Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller said the current cap has not changed since 2009 and no longer covers rising firefighting costs amid growth in the WUI; logging and forest-industry witnesses supported the bill as a modest way to fund fire protection. After testimony, the committee voted to send H.B. 511 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation and then adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- RS 32902 is the Department of Water Resources.
- or Saman Falls Creek Water Compact, the Columbia Interstate Compact, and the Water Conservation and
- The Salmon Falls Water, or Creek Water Compact, was never adopted, first of all.
- This legislation expands the area of water skiing activities on public bodies of water and adds requirements
- This legislation expands the area of water skiing activities on public bodies of water and adds requirements
Committee:
House Resources and Conservation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- When water rises that quickly, every second... ...matters, and training can be the difference between
- and swift water rescues and boat operations.
- We want to make sure we're coordinating with the Water Development Board.
- One was surface water data collection analysis and one was the Texas Mesonet coverage.
- Gave half the money of the request from the Water Development Board for surface water data collection
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
disaster relief, emergency funding, flood management, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power