Transcript Highlights:

• If this is, you know, if a life jacket, how much of it has to be above water, below water?
• than pool water and stuff like that.
• Incorporated water conservation measures have reduced water usage by 20 to 30 percent.
• need for fresh water over time.
• These concerns need to be considered early in the process of any water use project. water use project

Transcript Highlights:

• Water is the conduit.
• I am a retired water attorney. I have worked with the Boise-Warm Springs Water District.
• It has water rights dating from 1894. Water rights dating from, excuse me, from 1894.
• water systems.
• water out of this situation.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee heard several measures, beginning with approval of the February 13 minutes and a new page introduction. The committee first took up HJM 13, a memorial urging implementation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett decision and limiting EPA/Army Corps enforcement over wetlands and waters of the United States. Mike and Chantelle Sackett gave extensive testimony about their 20-year legal fight with federal agencies, joined by attorneys, landowners, and industry representatives who said the ruling is not being followed consistently and that clearer direction is needed. The committee voted to send HJM 13 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered HB 737, which would merge the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Minerals Resources. Representative Boyle said the offices have similar permitting-related missions and could work more efficiently together. Idaho Conservation League opposed the bill, arguing the offices have distinct responsibilities and merging them could create conflicts of interest and jeopardize species conservation funding. Supporters from industry and committee members said the merger could improve coordination and reduce delays. The committee approved HB 737 for the floor with a due pass recommendation. Next, the committee heard HJM 14, which asks federal agencies to cooperate with Idaho on fast-tracking research, planning, and feasibility work for increasing reservoir storage capacity in East Idaho. The memorial drew little opposition, and the committee sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The final major bill was HB 676, which would allow municipal geothermal heating systems to use the reasonably anticipated future needs water-right process if the system is non-consumptive and reinjects water. Support came from Boise officials, water users, geothermal experts, and business owners who said the bill would streamline expansion of geothermal heating. A retired water attorney raised concerns about applying the municipal water-right framework to geothermal systems and asked for more time, but the committee ultimately voted to send HB 676 to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So a water contaminant for an ag purpose could just be something as simple as Water contaminant for an
• Because I don't discharge water contaminants from any water contaminant. Like, what does that mean?
• So, again, water contaminant could just be, um, Again, water contaminant could just be anything that
• I just don't understand how we are removing water contaminants from water contaminants.
• Where do you see 'water contaminant' and 'water'? That's the part you're taking out. Correct.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and water infrastructure.
• The Dungeness water users, we had funding to install piping for water conservation.
• Thank you for inviting us to present on Washington's water supply and water management today.
• in 2025, we do not have enough water for existing water rights, much less for fish.
• water available.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• SAWS is an agency At the city of San Antonio, we provide water, waste water, and recycled water services
• Fun fact, toilet water is cleaner than water fountain water.
• Again, no water, you die.
• Are you speaking specifically to water or any utility? Let's talk to water.
• Okay we'll talk to water.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Water is the conduit.
• The water is just a ...the water is just a conduit for the heat.
• It has water rights dating from 1894. Water rights dating back to 1894.
• water systems.
• conserve the wet water.

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved the February 13 minutes and rearranged the agenda to hear HJM 13, HB 737, HJM 14, and HB 676. HJM 13, a memorial urging implementation of the Sackett Supreme Court ruling on federal wetlands regulation, drew extensive testimony from Mike and Chantelle Sackett, who described their 20-year fight with EPA and the Army Corps over a home site they said was wrongly treated as wetlands. Supporters, including attorneys and water-user representatives, said the ruling is not being followed consistently and that clearer enforcement is needed. The committee voted to send HJM 13 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. HB 737 would merge the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Representative Boyle said the offices have similar permitting-related missions and could work more efficiently together. An Idaho Conservation League witness opposed the bill, arguing the offices have distinct roles and that merging them could create conflicts of interest and weaken species conservation funding. Several committee members spoke in support, saying the merger could improve coordination and help landowners and industry navigate federal permitting. The committee passed HB 737 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. HJM 14, sponsored by Representative Fuhriman, urges federal cooperation on research, planning, and feasibility for expanding reservoir storage in East Idaho. It drew little opposition and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. HB 676, sponsored by Representative Petzke, would allow certain municipal geothermal heating systems to use the reasonably anticipated future needs process if the system is non-consumptive and reinjects water. Supporters from the City of Boise, water-user groups, geothermal experts, and conservation advocates said the bill would streamline expansion of geothermal heating and support renewable energy development. One water attorney urged tabling the bill for further discussion among aquifer users, but the committee ultimately voted to send HB 676 to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a focus on water issues.
• Water is arguably the biggest and increasingly the most important, so there's that nexus there with water
• There's a focus on water issues.
• So there's that nexus there with water.
• beyond water resources.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Agricultural Affairs Committee approved its February 10, 2026 minutes and welcomed a group of BYU-Idaho agribusiness students. The committee then introduced RS 331-92, a proposal by Rep. VanderWater to allow the Department of Agriculture and milk buyers/sellers to establish additional milk-testing categories beyond the current statutory measures of butterfat, protein, and somatic cell count. VanderWater said the change would give parties flexibility to set testing rules, including for bacteria-related testing, and members noted the bill could affect organic dairies as well. The RS was introduced without opposition. The committee also received a detailed presentation from Matt Weaver of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission and Brian Keekley of the Langdon Group on a yearlong evaluation of merging the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources. They described a process that included stakeholder interviews, a public survey, a workshop, and a final report involving 48 individuals from 25 organizations, with input from conservation districts, state agencies, and federal partners. The presenters said the evaluation recommended IDWR as the appropriate home for the commission, citing overlapping administrative functions, water-related work, and opportunities for shared technical and career resources. The presenters emphasized several proposed safeguards if a merger moves forward: preserving the commission’s non-regulatory mission and branding, retaining local conservation district autonomy, protecting funding and staff, maintaining the current relationship with conservation districts and NRCS, and formalizing a partnership framework to prevent regulatory confusion. They said the commission board would continue in statute, with the IDWR director serving as a nonvoting member and the commission chair serving as a liaison to the Idaho Water Resource Board. Members generally expressed support for the process and the proposed sideboards, and asked about stakeholder involvement and timing. Weaver said Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 and House Bill 503 are the next legislative steps, with additional statutory review, a memorandum of understanding, and a combined budget expected to follow; the committee indicated it was comfortable considering the measures as early as the following Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• During drought, we need stored water to provide water to communities and the environment.
• natural way to store water that can support both water uses and environmental flows in dry times.
• The bill repeatedly refers to excess and flood flows, but water that may appear excess from a water supply
• The cause of that is water management, high water temperatures, and excessive water diversions.
• water right users.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So a water contaminant for an ag purpose could just be something as simple as Water contaminant for an
• Because I don't discharge water contaminants from any water contaminant. Like, what does that mean?
• I just don't understand how we, why we're removing water contaminants from water contaminants.
• And I'm not sure that I really, I don't, where do you see water contaminant and water?
• The water contaminant source is being removed because the water contaminant source definition includes

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where House Bill 2686 was voted do pass on a 10-0 roll call. The committee then moved to public testimony on House Bill 3076, sponsored by Representative Doyle Justice, which would remove the words “water contaminant” from a Clean Water Law provision. Justice and supporters said the change is intended to clarify that routine agricultural practices and non-point sources, such as runoff, sediment, manure, fertilizer, grazing, and field drainage, are not subject to DNR permitting, while point sources like wastewater plants and CAFOs would still remain regulated. Committee members focused heavily on the distinction between point sources and non-point sources and on whether the bill would exempt harmful pollution. Justice and witnesses explained that the bill would not remove DNR authority over point sources or egregious conduct, but would prevent permits for diffuse, routine runoff that cannot realistically be permitted event-by-event. Several members used examples like deer, dogs, cattle, and rain runoff to probe the issue, and witnesses repeatedly said the bill is meant to eliminate uncertainty and avoid absurd permitting requirements. Support came from the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Dairy, and Missouri Wine and Grape Board/Missouri Grape Growers Association. They argued the bill aligns state law with existing federal and state practice, preserves voluntary soil and water conservation programs, and provides regulatory certainty. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing on HB 3076 concluded with no further business before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Given that preference to the body of water from which the water was withdrawn.
• So we are cognizant of water bodies that serve as sources of drinking water for folks.
• Who is testing the water? Or the municipalities testing the water? Are you all testing the water?
• their water tremendously.
• We got a water problem in every direction. We got a water problem.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented. House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable. Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has helped to restore our degraded waters and even remove waters from the impaired waters list, and
• Restore waters, protect waters, and make a difference for drinking water across the state.
• </c> length of the water systems. length of the water systems.
• </c> water use? water use?
• </c><01:29:49.440><c> the</c><01:29:49.600><c> water</c> jurisdictions for clean water the water jurisdictions

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It saves water.
• Regional water security planning and water data are essential.
• Including stormwater, brackish water, water importation, and water reuse.
• 50-year water action plan: water education for the general public.
• We're always talking about and complaining about water, water access, and water resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Shoshone Water Rights Settlement, there was a water bank included.
• the state water supply bank.
• The Water Resource Board in Idaho has the authority, as being over the entire state water bank for the
• for a water bank.
• The thing that binds us all together is water. Water is the life of us all.

Summary: The Resources and Conservation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 789, which would ratify and implement the Coeur d’Alene Tribe water rights settlement. The bill was described as resolving long-running litigation in the Coeur d’Alene-Spokane-Spokane River Basin adjudication by confirming the tribe’s reserved water rights, protecting existing state-law water users through subordination, and authorizing a local water bank/rental pool arrangement for the tribe’s natural flow rights. The chair disclosed a Rule 80 conflict because he was among the original plaintiffs in the adjudication, but said the settlement affected his district and the committee’s work. Norm Somanco explained the settlement structure and said the legislation was needed because existing law did not allow the state water board to delegate a natural-flow water bank to the local level. Tyrell Stevenson for the tribe and Chairman Chief Allen emphasized that all parties supported the agreement and that it would provide certainty for the tribe, farmers, businesses, counties, and municipalities while avoiding further litigation. Joy Vega of the Attorney General’s office said the settlement was a win for all parties, protecting state water rights with priority dates of September 6, 2023 or earlier and future municipal development, while giving the tribe finality on its rights. Candace McHugh, representing the City of Coeur d’Alene, said the city supported the settlement because it also resolved key water-right issues affecting Lake Coeur d’Alene, including the governor’s and Avista’s rights, and provided certainty for lake operations. Vice Chairman Shepard moved to send HB 789 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water comes from rain.
• Water comes from rain.
• Water comes from rain.
• Kōloa water for life, that's our vision for the Board of Water Supply.
• </c> back or water supply we're a water back or water supply we're a water utility<01:10:44.080><c> we

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the City and County of Honolulu’s effort to site a replacement landfill for Oahu before the Waimanalo Gulch landfill closes in 2028. Chair Nicole Lowen and other legislators opened the meeting by framing the issue as important statewide and encouraging recycling, composting, and proper use of the curbside bins. The city’s Department of Environmental Services, led by Director Roger Babcock and Deputy Director Mike O’Keefe, then presented the background and siting process. ENV explained the legal and technical constraints that shaped the search, including the 2019 Land Use Commission decision requiring closure of Waimanalo Gulch by March 2, 2028, and the 2020 Act 73 restrictions on landfill siting near residences, schools, hospitals, conservation districts, airports, and tsunami inundation areas. They said a landfill advisory committee reviewed six candidate sites in 2021-2022 and rejected them because they fell within the Board of Water Supply’s no-pass zone. After further evaluation and an extension of the naming deadline, the city selected a site in central Oahu near Wahiawa, on agricultural land currently used as a Dole pineapple field. City officials said the selected site was chosen as the best of the evaluated options and, in their view, could be permitted under state and federal law. They described planned environmental protections, including a modern sanitary landfill design with double liners, leachate collection systems, monitoring wells, and post-closure monitoring, and said the existing Waimanalo Gulch landfill has operated for 35 years without leachate leaks. They also emphasized that the site would still require a special use permit, Department of Health approvals, an environmental impact statement, and other public permitting processes, and that public engagement would continue over the next several years.

Transcript Highlights:

• While public water systems were designed to provide customers with safe and reliable drinking water,
• systems were designed to provide customers with safe and reliable drinking water and to provide water
• and reliable drinking water.
• is potable water.
• And there's a difference between water you can throw on a fire and water that's potable.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to the water system. to the water system.
• </c> is that clear water.
• So the storm water is that clear water.
• </c><01:00:04.000><c> revolving</c> water and drinking water state revolving water and drinking water
• plants, wells, water mains, water main replacement, water storage, water towers, water meters, and of

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is in response to several water districts concerned that the prohibition of imported water
• off water imports to local water supplies, and of course it's my county, L.A.
• We are one of three wholesale water agencies responsible for importing water to replenish the main San
• These actions have prevented water agencies from storing imported water supplies that are essential to
• off water imports to local water supplies, and of course it's my county, LA County.

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee heard several measures focused on conservation, coastal protection, water supply, and invasive species. AB 1987 by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry would direct fees and lease revenues generated by state wildlife areas back to those areas for operation and maintenance; the author accepted committee amendments, and Audubon California testified in support with no opposition. AB 1448 by Assemblymember Hart would strengthen California’s restrictions on offshore oil and gas development by limiting the use of existing infrastructure for new offshore drilling and adding review requirements for lease transfers and related actions; it drew broad support from coastal governments and environmental groups and no opposition, and was sent to Appropriations. AB 1894 by Assemblymember Rubio addressed imported water deliveries for groundwater recharge in the context of golden mussel control plans, aiming to prevent local restrictions from blocking deliveries that comply with state-approved invasive species plans; supporters said it protects groundwater reliability, while opposition argued it could weaken local authority and liability protections. After discussion, the committee approved the bill 6-0 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee also considered ACR 107 by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, a resolution recognizing the Diablo Range as a major conservation priority and highlighting its habitat, watershed, and 30 by 30 value. Support came from Save Mount Diablo, and members emphasized the range’s ecological importance and regional reach; the resolution was adopted on a 7-0 vote. Finally, AB 1946 by Assemblymember Bryan sought to elevate investment in urban conservation and park creation in historically underserved communities as part of California’s 30 by 30 goals. Testimony from Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation and park/recreation organizations stressed the need to reduce “nature poverty,” improve access, and remediate degraded urban lands; members discussed equity, biodiversity, and park maintenance, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Several items, including AB 1987 and the consent calendar, were also approved on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, with some measures held on call before final roll calls were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a focus on water issues.
• So there's that nexus there with water.
• There's a focus on water issues.
• So there's that nexus there with water.
• beyond water resources.

Summary: The House Agricultural Affairs Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then introduced RS 331-92, a proposal by Rep. VanderWater to allow additional milk-testing quality categories to be set by rule between producers and buyers. VanderWater said the measure would give the Department of Agriculture flexibility to address testing issues beyond butterfat, protein, and somatic cell counts, including possible bacteria-related standards. Members asked whether organic dairy would be included, and he said it would apply to dairy sold to processors. The motion to introduce the RS passed unanimously. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from Matt Weaver of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission and Brian Keekley of the Langdon Group on a proposed merger of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources. They described a months-long evaluation process that included stakeholder interviews, a survey, a workshop, and a final report. The presenters said the recommended structure would keep the commission’s board and mission intact while moving support functions into IDWR, preserving local conservation district autonomy, maintaining the commission’s branding and non-regulatory identity, protecting funding, and creating a formal partnership framework to guard against enforcement or policy conflicts. Members generally expressed support for the proposal’s sideboards and the involvement of local districts. Questions focused on how the merger framework would be implemented and when. Weaver said Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 and House Bill 503 were the main legislative vehicles, with additional statutory cleanup and a combined budget expected for the 2027 session, along with a memorandum of understanding between the agencies. Committee members indicated they were comfortable with the legislation coming before them as early as Monday. The meeting concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water providers do not seek relief from enforcement by the State Water Board, nor are they requesting
• SB 466 protects public water systems from civil lawsuits so long as the water system is implementing
• water to the communities we serve.
• This legislation improves the accountability of water providers to ensure we're adhering to State Water
• This legislation improves the accountability of water providers to ensure we're adhering to state water

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three bills after beginning without a quorum and later establishing one. SB 328 would cap DTSC hazardous waste generation and handling fees for infill housing and master development projects and set response timelines for cleanup reviews. Supporters said the current fee structure has made some housing and remediation projects infeasible, while opponents warned that capping fees for one sector could shift costs to other hazardous waste generators. The committee discussed the need for broader DTSC fee reform, and SB 328 was approved on a 7-0 vote and sent to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation. SB 754 would require manufacturers of disposable menstrual products to test for and disclose concentrations of certain contaminants, with DTSC able to verify results and publish them. Supporters framed the bill as a transparency and public health measure, citing recent studies finding toxic metals in tampons and emphasizing consumer right-to-know. Opponents, including manufacturers and hygiene product groups, argued the bill adds duplicative testing, vague requirements, and public disclosure that could be misinterpreted, and urged amendments. The committee members generally supported the goal of transparency, and the bill passed 5-2 with not voting members, moving to Appropriations. SB 466 would provide temporary legal protections for public water systems that are complying with approved chromium-6 compliance plans while they work toward the new drinking water standard. Supporters from Los Banos, Coachella Valley Water District, and other water agencies said the measure would help avoid costly litigation during a lengthy and expensive compliance period, especially for systems dealing with naturally occurring chromium-6. Committee members raised concerns about limiting recourse for harmed individuals and discussed possible alternative language, but the author said the bill would not affect state enforcement authority. SB 466 passed 7-0 and was sent to the Committee on Judiciary. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of additional measures by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public water systems are designed to provide customers with safe, reliable drinking water and aid in
• and reliable drinking water.
• Water, in support.
• is potable water.
• And there’s a difference between water you can throw on a fire and water that’s potable.

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard several bills focused on wildfire preparedness, industrial safety, and recycling oversight. SB 1153 by Senator Caballero would require urban retail water suppliers to add wildfire-specific procedures to emergency plans and coordinate with fire agencies; supporters said it would improve planning while recognizing water system limits, and the bill was framed as protecting ratepayers and infrastructure. SB 811, also by Senator Caballero, would create a comprehensive DTSC permitting and regulatory framework for metal shredding facilities; supporters argued it would set clear statewide standards and protect communities, while opponents said it would weaken hazardous waste protections and carve the industry out of existing law. SB 883 by Senator Umberg would impose new safeguards for facilities storing reactive chemicals such as methyl methacrylate after the Garden Grove evacuation, including backup cooling, public review, emergency planning, and state tracking; industry groups opposed the breadth of the bill and sought further clarification, while environmental and community groups supported it. SB 1010 by Senator Ashby would strengthen oversight of appliance recyclers by improving reporting, inspections, certification, and funding for enforcement; supporters said it would reduce emissions and improve compliance, while recyclers raised concerns about fees and certification requirements. Each bill drew extensive testimony from industry, environmental, labor, local government, and community representatives. Supporters generally emphasized public safety, transparency, and the need for clearer statewide standards, while opponents warned about overregulation, reduced flexibility, or unintended impacts on existing hazardous waste and recycling systems. Committee members also raised questions about transparency, liability, size-based treatment of facilities, and whether the bills were narrowly tailored enough to address the problems identified. The committee voted to advance all four measures to the Committee on Appropriations, with votes taken on call and some members voting no or not voting on certain bills. The final add-on votes showed SB 811, SB 883, SB 1010, and SB 1153 all passing out of committee, with the roll left open for absent members before the meeting adjourned.