Video & Transcript : 'direct care' :
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 23rd, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't care if it's politics; that to me is unacceptable.
- I'm going to direct my questions to Mr. Johnson as well.
- This is definitely a move in the right direction.
- I just want to ask, through folks, did the Texas Water Development Board have any direct activity, direct
- You can set it to a certain point where I don't care if it comes up 2 feet, I care if it comes up 10
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 4, February 12, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . and for direct transformation program. and for direct state<00:53:27.680><c> funding</c><00:53:28.079
- </c> Though the absolute amounts, direction Though the absolute amounts, direction of<01:02:22.480><c
- care.
- </c><03:08:12.880><c> of</c> able to increase UW to take care of able to increase UW to take care of
- I I like good senator from uh careful.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I love reminding all of my friends outside of California that we take care of our workers, and we're
- The second approach is Cal OSHA directs the employer to self-investigate and report back to Cal OSHA,
- We also have directives from Fed OSHA that we have to kind of take a look at and adhere to.
- Like, I don't really care that you're financially struggling.
- Cal/OSHA leads the nation when it comes to health care worker safety.”
Summary:
The hearing focused on a state audit of Cal/OSHA titled “The Division of Occupational Safety and Health: Process Deficiencies and Staffing Shortages Limit Its Ability to Protect Workers.” Committee leaders and the audit team described serious workplace tragedies, argued that California’s worker protections are not being adequately enforced, and said the audit was prompted by concerns that Cal/OSHA was too often relying on letters instead of inspections, delaying investigations, and closing cases without enough documentation. Members repeatedly emphasized that the issue was not just staffing, but also outdated policies, weak oversight, and inconsistent enforcement.
State Auditor Grant Parks said the audit found a 32% vacancy rate in 2023-24, heavy reliance on hard-copy files, outdated or unclear policies, and inconsistent decision-making in complaints, accidents, citations, and fine reductions. He said Cal/OSHA conducted on-site inspections in only about 20% of complaints, used letter investigations more than 80% of the time, often lacked evidence that hazards were corrected, and sometimes failed to inspect serious injury cases on time. The audit also found weak documentation for fine calculations and settlement reductions, with some penalties reduced substantially without clear explanations. Parks said the agency had accepted the findings and would provide progress updates later in the year.
Committee members pressed the auditor on vacancy rates, the use of letter investigations, the low rate of criminal referrals, and whether fines were being reduced too often. Cal/OSHA and DIR officials responded that the vacancy rate had fallen to 12% partly because 66 vacant positions were eliminated in a statewide budget reduction and partly because of hiring; they said 126 people had been hired in the first half of the year. They also said they had hired a policy writer, were updating several policies, were planning periodic internal audits, and were developing a new data management system expected to go live in late 2026 or early 2027. On fines, officials said Title 8 sets base penalties and allows adjustments based on factors like employer size, history, and good faith, with appeals and informal conferences also affecting final amounts. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/13/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is a direct reflection of those conversations.
- </c><00:31:31.240><c> um</c> a timeline maybe necessarily direct um a timeline maybe necessarily direct
- home care workers, bus riders, minivan drivers, and delivery truckers.
- Self-directed home care workers, bus riders, minivan drivers, and delivery truckers all have different
- Big health care facilities. Let's do more of that.
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
AGRICULTURE- HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEV. SUBCOM. Jun 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think Bill 698 did a great step in that direction to help the state be able to supply the milk for
- But those that aren't accountable by being elected should be directed by you guys that are elected, in
- So I'm just cautioning you: be very careful. Yeah, thank you, sir.
- What that means is children and elderly people, their health care costs increase, and challenges with
- So there's a cost to the state that's transferred on as a result of health care alone.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony from Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm about the impact of Act 698 on raw dairy producers. Ballard said the law allowed his farm to expand from one cow to 12, serve about 150 families, increase sales by roughly $50,000, and sell about $10,000 in raw cheese and other products through retail outlets. He argued the law improved farm income, food security, and local supply, and he asked for an optional state inspection/certification path for raw milk producers so they could access USDA grants and other opportunities available to licensed dairies. Committee members asked about herd management, safety practices, bee production, market channels, and whether such certification should remain voluntary; Ballard said he follows Grade A-style sanitation, chills milk quickly, removes sick cows from production, and supports optional training or inspection but not mandatory regulation.
Members also raised food safety concerns, especially for children and pregnant women, and Ballard responded that raw milk producers rely on cleanliness, rapid cooling, consumer feedback, and truth in labeling. He said the health department currently inspects commercial dairies but not raw milk producers who do not sell through a cooperative, and he believed state inspection would help producers distinguish themselves and qualify for funding without changing interstate rules. Several members discussed the balance between consumer choice, safety, and possible “mission creep” if the state created a certification system.
The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container farming as a response to food insecurity and food deserts. Bolden described a three-year workforce and career-technical program built around retrofitted shipping containers, drones, robotics, agribusiness, and AI, with partnerships involving schools, universities, Farm Bureau, UAPB, the Little Rock School District, and other entities. He said the model could create year-round local food production, support school cafeterias and community markets, and generate jobs and economic impact, estimating at least four jobs per container and potentially significant regional economic benefits. Members asked about costs, target communities, energy needs, crop types, and implementation timelines; Bolden said the first containers for school sites could be in place by late summer or early fall, with pilot projects already underway in Arkansas and Orlando. The meeting adjourned after no further business.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
AGRICULTURE- HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEV. SUBCOM. Jun 2nd, 2026
AGRICULTURE- HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEV. SUBCOM.
Transcript Highlights:
- I think Bill 698 did a great step in that direction to help the state be able to supply the milk for
- Witness: Identifying sick animals and not milking them at all is a given, but then udder care, getting
- So I'm just cautioning you: be very careful. Thank you, sir.
- What that means is children and elderly people, and health care costs increase.
- So there's a cost to the state that's transferred on as a result of health care alone.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Feb 26th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This amendment directs not less than $20 million for infrastructure improvements at STCC, a necessary
- , but also has an early education and care program right on site.
- He was known not only for his professionalism, but for his generosity, humor, and genuine care for others
- The clerk being directed to dispense with the printing of a calendar.'
- necessary because of a misdiagnosis before finally getting the answers that I needed to get proper care
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Jul 9th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We just direct them to the Environment Department so they can get into the system and to us.
- And so, I have directed my water department to go and move this water meter.
- It's heartwarming to see them taking care of themselves. Well, thank you for that.
- As you can tell, I'm a storyteller, so be careful.
- We have people who are trained to be able to Take care of. Oh, we found a water line!
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA, TCA DEFER Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It is supporting cancer research, patient care, and community outreach.
- 02:14.680><c> my</c> The University of Hawaii Cancer Center is supporting cancer research, patient care
- I'm careful about doing an Ewa-Kapalama.
- I'm careful about doing an Ewa-Kapalama.
- </c> plan for it what I don't I'm I'm careful plan for it what I don't I'm I'm careful about<00:55:13.480
Summary:
The committee heard several transportation and arts-related measures. HB 307 on special member plates drew written support from Protect Ohana, and HB 531 on a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center specialty plate received strong support from the Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society, both emphasizing cancer research, patient care, outreach, and public awareness. HB 706 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, and HB 1231 would expand red light photo enforcement; both drew support from transportation and safety advocates, while the Judiciary raised concerns about citation volume, staffing, manual processing, and the need for consultation and a phased rollout. The committee also discussed HB 54, which increases penalties for repeated excessive speeding offenses; the Attorney General’s office supported the enforcement rationale and fingerprinting language, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it adds harsh penalties and jail time despite broader efforts to reduce excessive punishment.
For the camera-enforcement bills, the Department of Transportation said the red-light and speed-camera programs would be expanded gradually, with existing intersections converted first and additional locations added over time, and noted that the system would require about $2 million and significant automation for the Judiciary. The Judiciary repeatedly asked for more time, public input on camera locations, and effective dates that would allow staffing and system changes. On HB 1166, which funds the automated speed enforcement program, DOT proposed technical amendments to make the citations non-moving violations and to align the statute with the red-light program; the Judiciary again said it had no position on the policy but needed time and consultation to absorb the workload. HB 235, a North Shore red-light imaging bill, drew similar Judiciary concerns and support from a testifier who said enforcement would improve compliance and reduce crashes.
The committee also heard HB 1159 on commercial harbor evacuations, with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency supporting the bill as a way to give harbor masters enforceable authority to order vessels out during emergencies. The discussion focused on whether the measure would affect all commercial harbor users, including smaller fishing vessels, and whether it would conflict with Coast Guard authority; the bill’s proponents said it would let the state enforce orders already issued by the captain of the port and protect cargo lanes during crises. Finally, HB 17 on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority was described by HCDA as a housekeeping and structural bill that would update its purposes, allow it to assist other agencies, and replace multiple county boards with a single program reporting to the 17-member board. DHHL supported the bill because of potential transit and infrastructure benefits for Kapolei and nearby homestead developments, and committee members discussed future financing tools such as improvement districts, TIF, and other mechanisms to fund infrastructure early in the development process.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- , which turns into work direction.
- So if you don't follow work direction, now you are subject to discipline, and so we're trying.
- So if you don't follow work direction, now you are subject to discipline.
- Last year, a care facility worker, Jessica Delgado, reported unsafe, unsanitary conditions and missed
- I direct policy at the UCLA Labor Center, and I have researched wage theft for 15 years.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Those functions are done through bureaus of the same name, and they are responsible for the direction
- They're going to take care of the chairs and pull up the slides.
- You know, in that Cat Creek area, as you're coming this direction, is a major migration corridor for
- You care to be recorded? Okay. Bounder Wilde, Shepard, and Judy. Anyone else? I have three.
- You care to be recorded? Okay. Bounder Wilde Shepard and Judy. Anyone else? I have three. Is that?
Summary:
The House Resources and Conservation Committee heard an update from Idaho Fish and Game Director Jim Fredericks on agency performance measures and current issues. He reported strong access numbers, website traffic, and personnel retention, but noted a slightly elevated violation rate and ongoing work on a website overhaul. Fredericks also described the new nonresident deer and elk tag draw, which he said was successful and drew more than 40,000 applications, and he reviewed wolf management, including reduced harvest due to a federal injunction on trapping in grizzly bear areas. He also outlined a planned elk depredation response in the Big Willow drainage, involving removal of about 100 resident elk through a mix of translocation and lethal control, with meat donated to food banks. Committee members asked about translocation sites, survival, public communication, access agreements, depredation funding, and endowment land access.
The committee then heard an American Falls FFA Ag Issues presentation on the 2001 federal roadless rule and its 2025 rescission. Students presented arguments for and against the change in a mock court format, focusing on forest health, wildfire risk, tribal consultation, timber and mineral access, recreation, and ecosystem protection. Committee members praised the students’ preparation and presentation.
In legislative business, the committee held RS 33185 at the sponsor’s request, introduced RS 33168 related to Clean Water Act standards and the Sackett wetlands case, and introduced RS 33194 to recognize county expertise in federal consultation. The committee also advanced House Bill 587, which would provide spending authority for the Idaho Department of Agriculture to carry out grazing improvement work tied to prior legislation, after testimony from the sponsor and a Western Landowners Alliance representative in support. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 26 supporting wildlife crossings where locally supported, with testimony from the Idaho Wildlife Federation and Idaho Sportsmen, Access and Opportunity in favor. The motion to send HCR 26 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed despite several dissenting votes, and the meeting adjourned after the bill was assigned for floor carry.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Steven Bradbury, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation. Feb 20th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like the legacy to be that the department had achieved greater efficiency in directing the dollars
- I never stopped regulatory efforts directed at safety in order to achieve cost savings.
- He directed that there a review of the standards and that a proposal be put forward to reset, change
- I believe he directed NHTSA to review the standards and propose replacements for them.
- I will we will follow the law as directed by Congress with regard to that and we will we will proceed
Keywords:
transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight
Summary:
The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Small businesses can receive loans, but if they want to have a direct grant, they have to trade in a
- Thank you all for your indulgence as I took care of other business today. Welcome back.
- Thank you all for your indulgence as I took care of other business today. Hello.
- These Indigenous peoples took care of these waters for generations, and now it is our turn.
- You don’t really care whether you’re being... Compliance that’s not really fair.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing with testimony on a range of environmental bills. Early testimony focused on H. 1018, which would update management of the Commonwealth’s water resources and limit new conditions on historic water registrations. Water officials from Wellesley and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission supported the bill, arguing that drought-related restrictions on registered withdrawals are difficult to administer, create customer confusion, and can undermine utility revenue needed for infrastructure upgrades. A Massachusetts Waterworks Association representative also backed the bill, saying registered systems have long operated within their allocations and should not have those withdrawals conditioned by regulation.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 1040, which would ban tire-derived materials on playgrounds and playing fields. The bill’s petitioner, environmental advocates, and an environmental chemist testified that crumb rubber and other tire-derived infill can release chemicals into soil and water and may pose risks to aquatic life and public health. Committee members asked about alternatives and costs; witnesses said natural grass and some organic infills are available, though more research is needed on some substitutes. Rep. Schwartz also testified on CSO-related bills, describing combined sewer overflows as a public health and environmental problem and saying the bills set deadlines but leave implementation methods to local and regional officials. Rep. Chacolo supported H. 909, a grant program for low-noise, low-emission landscape equipment, citing worker health, noise, and emissions concerns, and Sen. Cyr testified for bills addressing coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution.
The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 4040, which would prevent discharge of radioactive materials from the Pilgrim decommissioning process. Speakers including a Sierra Club representative, a physician, and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association opposed Holtec’s plan to dispose of radioactive wastewater through evaporation or discharge, citing public health, transparency, and economic risks to fisheries and coastal communities. Another large block of testimony addressed CSO legislation, especially H. 1046 and related bills for the MWRA service area. Environmental groups, residents, and river users described sewage overflows into the Charles, Mystic, and Alewife Brook, impacts on health and recreation, and the need for a timeline to eliminate or sharply reduce overflows. Industry representatives opposed the CSO and waste bills, arguing they would be costly, duplicative, and disruptive, while waste facility operators said they already use continuous emissions monitoring and comply with existing regulations. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/19/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the law that this bill seeks to amend. landlords do not care that we landlords do not care that
- </c> ensuring that we continue to take care ensuring that we continue to take care of<01:03:45.599><c
- </c> disabled American veterans, have direct disabled American veterans, have direct relationships<01
- That memory care memory care facility.
- </c><01:40:22.719><c> I'm</c> care less about lawyers. I'm sorry. I'm care less about lawyers.
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDN Info Briefing - Mon Jan 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and careful and careful consideration<00:56:37.720><c> any</c><00:56:37.960><c> changes</c><00:56
- </c> department has to prioritize taking care department has to prioritize taking care of<02:48:02.080
- <c> but</c><02:48:29.880><c> take</c><02:48:30.080><c> care</c><02:48:30.240><c> of</c> up and take care
- of it but take care of up and take care of it but take care of it<02:48:30.720><c> but</c><02:48:30.840
- The principals can look at it because to ask a principal to not care about your school in light of caring
Summary:
The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests.
State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction.
School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model.
Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- also worked overseas in the Philippines, where he established the printing operation for Intensive Care
- SEIU Local 2015 is the largest union in California and the largest long-term care...
- SEIU Local 2015 is the largest union in California and the largest long-term care union in the nation
- She continues to care for her recipients while serving as a leading county volunteer.
- But we got to take care of them.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies Feb 23rd, 2026
Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies
Transcript Highlights:
- all and stakeholders across this state to implement that legislative direction.
- And it seems that this is moving in the opposite direction.
- But AB 1207 rightly directed CARB to go back and set those based on, you know, rightly directed CARB
- I mean, that is the direct tradeoff: we have a finite number of allowances.
- The proposed amendments represent small but necessary steps in the right direction.
Summary:
The committee heard an overview and discussion of CARB’s proposed amendments to California’s Cap-and-Invest program, implemented under AB 1207 and SB 840. Chairs and members emphasized the program’s role in meeting climate targets while balancing affordability, and CARB described the proposal as intended to preserve market certainty, strengthen cost containment, address utility affordability, and support the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goal. CARB also noted the public comment period, the planned board hearing, and the goal of an effective date of September 1, 2026.
Members questioned CARB on several implementation issues, including whether the rulemaking would be completed on time, the treatment of carbon capture and sequestration, the timing of the transfer of allowances from natural gas utilities to electric utilities, and the impact on ratepayers. CARB said it was on track to meet the May deadline, that CCUS/CDR could be further refined in the proposal and would also be addressed in a separate SB 905 rulemaking later in the year, and that it was seeking to protect ratepayers while inviting more utility data during the comment period. The committee also discussed refining-sector leakage risk, gasoline imports, and how imported fuel is accounted for under cap-and-invest versus the low-carbon fuel standard.
A second panel of outside experts and stakeholders then testified. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and IEMAC representatives explained the major statutory changes, including putting offsets under the cap, shifting allowances from natural gas to electric utilities over time, and changing how allowance value is divided among utilities, industry, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. They stressed that CARB has significant discretion in setting the allowance “pie,” and that more free allocations to utilities or industry reduce GGRF revenues. EDF’s representative argued the proposal should be adopted this spring, said the utility transition should happen faster, and urged a tighter near-term emissions cap. SCAPA, representing publicly owned utilities, opposed the proposed utility allocation changes, saying they would reduce expected allowances, undermine long-term planning, and could force higher rates or reduced decarbonization investments.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies Feb 23rd, 2026
Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies
Transcript Highlights:
- all and stakeholders across this state to implement that legislative direction.
- And it seems that this is moving in the opposite direction.
- That is the direct tradeoff: we have a finite number of allowances.
- There are probably stakeholders who very much care about how much money might go to GGRF.
- The proposed amendments represent small but necessary steps in the right direction.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 568 and R.S. 40:981.3 are directed at illegal or criminal activity and are not intended to
- House Bill 568 and R.S. 40:981.3 are directed at illegal or criminal activity and are not intended to
- ... ...no anticipated direct material effect on government expenditures or revenues.
- It would mobilize communities, direct attention to high-risk areas, It would mobilize communities, direct
- It would mobilize communities, direct attention to high risk areas, It would mobilize communities direct
Committee:
Senate Judiciary B
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- DWR doesn't have a direct role in WSAs other than guidance.
- So from maybe an expert scientist's perspective, what would be your analysis and direction?
- could do at that direction.
- So DRAFTS stands for direct recirculating apparatus, firefighting, training, sustainability.
- Besides the direct water usage, there’s another component, which is called off-site water use.
Summary:
The informational hearing focused on California’s future water supply and, in particular, how the state tracks and manages commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) water use, including data centers. The chair and members framed the issue as a “trifecta” of climate-driven supply uncertainty, limited monitoring of CII uses, and rapidly changing industries with significant water demands. Committee members emphasized the need for better data before imposing broad regulations, while also expressing concern about protecting ratepayers and ensuring new large users pay their fair share.
Representatives from the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board reviewed the state’s existing framework: urban water management plans, water supply assessments for large projects, SBX7-7’s 20% by 2020 conservation goals, and the 2018 Making Conservation a California Way of Life law. They explained that process water, including data center cooling water, is statutorily excluded from some conservation targets, and that current CII reporting is aggregated rather than facility-specific. They also noted that local water suppliers and land use agencies retain major responsibility for approving development, while state rules and groundwater sustainability requirements provide additional checks.
Committee members pressed the agencies on whether data centers should be treated differently, how recycled water is categorized, whether process water should remain exempt, and whether the state has enough information to understand the water impacts of new facilities. The agencies said they could not recommend specific water sources for individual facilities, but could support community-by-community planning and best management practices. They also said the Legislature could direct additional data collection if needed. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only.
The second panel, from CalWEP and California Water Service, described how suppliers are implementing CII programs in practice. They said CII use varies widely by sector and location, making one-size-fits-all benchmarks difficult. They highlighted tools such as AI-assisted customer classification, mapping of disclosure buildings, outreach guides, and customized rebate programs for high-use customers. Examples included water-saving projects at a hydrogen plant, a commercial laundry, and fire department training systems. Speakers stressed that CII conservation work is resource-intensive, often takes years, and works best when paired with local planning, customer outreach, and targeted incentives.