Transcript Highlights:

• Fee rule docket 37-0312-2505 is the rulemaking for the revised water distribution rules for Water District
• and groundwater to water rights within Water District 34 in the Big Lost River Basin.
• IDWR published the notice of intent to negotiate the Water District 34 water distribution rules on April
• IDWR published the proposed water distribution rules for Water District 34 on October 1, 2025.
• The pending water distribution rules for Water District 34 were published without any modifications on

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently we do 50 mgD for North Texas Municipal Water District that helped them get buy enough time
• So we have river authorities, we have regional water districts, cities, groundwater conservation districts
• Regional water districts and having enough water from different water sources whether that's groundwater
• district where the entire board of that water district was all made up of their employees.
• The majority of our members are nonprofit water supply corporations, districts, and small cities.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Jamie Miner, on behalf of Eastern Municipal Water District as well as Santa Margarita Water District,
• Lily McKay, on behalf of West Valley Water District and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, in
• Water District, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District, in support.
• Kasha Hunt here with California Water District. Thank you.
• , Walnut Valley Water District, and Rallon Water District, in support.

Summary: The Committee on Emergency Management heard several bills related to public safety, wildfire preparedness, and fireworks regulation. SB 1299, by Senator Arreguín, would place in statute a certification and training framework for fire sprinkler fitters and apprentices after a court decision disrupted prior State Fire Marshal regulations. Supporters said the bill would protect life safety by ensuring qualified installation and maintenance of fire suppression systems, while opponents raised concerns about added costs, housing affordability, and labor-related effects. The committee passed the bill as amended to the Committee on Labor and Employment on a roll call vote, with DeMaio and Hadwick voting no. SB 1153, by Senator Caballero, would require urban retail water suppliers to incorporate wildfire-specific procedures into emergency plans and clarify that water systems are not designed to serve as wildfire defense systems. Supporters from water agencies and fire organizations said the bill would improve coordination, planning, and ratepayer protection while acknowledging infrastructure limits. Members discussed transparency, backup generators, and whether the bill should require more public disclosure; the author said he would continue working on possible amendments. The committee passed the bill as amended to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. SB 828, by Senator Cabaldon, responds to the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion by requiring fireworks licensees to disclose storage locations, verify local permits, and meet other compliance conditions. The author said the bill was developed with the State Fire Marshal and local public safety partners to close information gaps and improve enforcement. An opposition witness argued the permit-verification requirements could not be met in all jurisdictions, especially for hobby rocketry and small-scale uses, prompting discussion about clarifying different rocket categories and administrative implementation. The committee passed SB 828 as amended to the Committee on Local Government, and the meeting then adjourned after all bills were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• We get all of our water from Hayden Lake Irrigation District.
• of water a minute.
• We serve two separate waters to each property within our district.
• No more than 50% can be spent in any one of the department or the water boards for districts.
• North Idaho is Water District 1, and there's always projects from North Idaho on the list, and so it

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This question I don't mind every water district.
• Water District.
• So we have river authorities, we have regional water districts, cities. districts, flood and drainage
• brackish water through working with the groundwater district. and as well as surface seawater.
• . district, where the entire board of that water district was all made up of their employees, because

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and 29 Palms Water District.
• Water District, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, and CalChamber
• Lily McKay on behalf of Velsenar Valley Municipal Water District and West Valley Water District in support
• Jack Wherson, on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, the Levenheim Municipal Water District
• District, the Leavenheim Municipal Water District, and the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, in support

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent House District 68.
• Um, for Water Rights Administration and, and increasing water use penalties, so.
• to the Water Protection Fund for water infrastructure projects.
• Specifically at NMED, it would be the Water Protection Bureau. Water Protection.
• The building and development community, water reuse professionals, and water water policymakers in a

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• County water for a year.
• water to our community.
• back to water availability and the potable water availability in the area.
• any water.
• excess water, where there's water supply needs, where there's storage capacity.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The House Committee on Natural Resources met to focus on flooding issues across Texas, with particular attention to South Texas and the recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Chair Harris and Vice Chair Martinez emphasized that flooding is a statewide problem requiring continued legislative attention. The committee heard invited testimony from Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager Raul Sassine, who described the March flood event in Hidalgo County, including more than 20 inches of rain, six deaths, over $100 million in local damage, widespread road flooding, and repeated shutdowns of Interstate 2 and its frontage roads. They argued that existing drainage systems are under capacity, that TxDOT projects must account for downstream drainage impacts, and that local governments have already invested heavily in mitigation through bonds and partnerships. Fuentes and Sassine also described the county’s long-term flood mitigation and water-reuse efforts, including the Delta region water management project, which would capture stormwater, runoff, and treated effluent, reduce flooding, and create potable water supply. They said the drainage district manages about 780 miles of channels and 1,100 acres of detention facilities, has used prior Flood Infrastructure Fund and GLO grants, and has ongoing applications for additional state and federal assistance. Members discussed the need for TxDOT coordination, emergency access on frontage roads, local “skin in the game,” and the possibility of combining flood control with aquifer recharge and water supply projects. Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Brian McMath then presented an overview of the state’s flood planning and funding framework, including the post-Harvey legislative changes that created the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund, and the regional/state flood planning process. He summarized the first state flood plan adopted in 2024, noting that about one in six Texans live or work in known flood hazard areas and that regional plans identified 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions with an estimated cost of $54.5 billion. He also reviewed TWDB programs for flood grants, community assistance, flood insurance compliance, stream gauges, TexMesonet, flood mapping, and the TexasFlood.org viewer. Members asked about drainage fees, technical assistance, gauge placement, the relationship between flood maps and FEMA FIRMs, and whether flood mitigation funds could support aquifer storage and recovery or recharge projects; TWDB staff said such projects can be eligible if they include flood mitigation components, but direct technical assistance cannot be paid from Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The committee concluded by expressing interest in further study of combining flood mitigation with aquifer recharge, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with the South Florida Water Management District, with input
• In partnership with the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Forest Service, FWC has
• Okay, we’re going to go ahead and take up tab number two, the South Florida Water Management District
• The Executive Director, Drew Bartlett, is here from the South Florida Water Management District.
• So there’s a long history with the South Florida Water Management District.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear presentations on Lake Okeechobee from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. FWC described the lake as a major recreation, water supply, and habitat resource, and outlined its habitat management plan, including control of invasive plants, prescribed fire, and restoration of native vegetation. The agency said low water levels have helped submerged aquatic vegetation recover, with gains in 2025 exceeding 24,000 acres and meeting its target, while torpedo grass and floating invasive plants remain active management priorities. Senators asked about bass fishing trends and blue-green algae; FWC said water levels are the main driver of fishery health and that it was not seeing current water-quality impacts on bass, though algal blooms can affect habitat and wildlife. The South Florida Water Management District focused on nutrient pollution, lake ecology, and restoration projects across the watershed. Director Drew Bartlett said the district’s work is aimed at reducing harmful discharges, improving water quality, and moving more water south to the Everglades through storage and treatment projects, including the EAA Reservoir, C-43 and C-44 reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery, and wetland treatment areas. He said the state and federal governments have invested about $9 billion in restoration, roughly split 50-50, and that the EAA Reservoir is now targeted for completion in 2029. He also said Lake Okeechobee BMAP participation is around 92% and that recent data show phosphorus and nitrogen loading declines, though the lake remains impaired and eutrophic. An industry witness from Associated Industries of Florida said the BMAP and agricultural best management practices are producing measurable improvements and urged continued funding for water storage and treatment. The Army Corps of Engineers then explained LOSOM and Lake Recovery operations, saying the new operating approach balances flood control, water supply, navigation, ecology, and estuary protection. Colonel Brandon Bowman said Lake Recovery was implemented in late 2024 to bring the lake below 12 feet long enough to help submerged vegetation rebound, and reported that the lake met both recovery metrics, with water levels low enough to support a major increase in SAV from about 4,000 acres to 28,000 acres in 2025. He also noted benefits such as improved water clarity and more Okeechobee gourd plants, but acknowledged drawbacks including reduced navigation and some impacts to wading birds and snail kites. Senators pressed the Corps on the C-44 reservoir’s sloughing issue; Bowman said repairs are underway, the problem is geological rather than a safety failure, and the Corps expects to award a contract by 2027 and complete work by 2030. The committee did not take any substantive vote on the presentations and adjourned after Senator Smith moved to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every water district that's listed on here is a water district that will benefit from water being moved
• You met the Municipal Water District of Orange County, the Los Banos Municipal Water District, and the
• Valley Water District, the Municipal Water District of Orange County, and the Los Banos Municipal Water
• Matt Roman, representing Eastern Municipal Water District and West Basin Municipal Water District, in
• Lily McHale, on behalf of Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, West Valley Water District, and United

Summary: The committee heard several audit requests and related testimony. The first major item was an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. The author and supporters described long-standing fiscal mismanagement, large budget shortfalls, layoffs, contracting concerns, and questions about the district’s foundation and use of public funds. District representatives and the Riverside County Office of Education said the district is already under fiscal oversight, has a stabilization plan, and is working to reduce deficits and improve student outcomes. After extensive debate and public comment, the motion to approve the audit was put on call because the committee did not have the required votes from both houses at that moment. The committee then approved an audit of East Bay transit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Senator Wahab argued the region’s many overlapping transit agencies create fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency, especially amid a fiscal cliff and possible future tax increases. Transit agencies and labor representatives opposed the audit, saying the agencies already undergo multiple audits, serve distinct local needs, and are implementing regional coordination efforts. After testimony from agency leaders and public commenters, the committee voted to approve the audit. The next item was an audit of California Community Colleges’ unrestricted reserves. Senator Archuleta and supporting faculty representatives said reserves have grown substantially and may be diverting resources from student services, instruction, and workforce programs. They argued there is little oversight when reserves become too high. The Chancellor’s Office and Calbright College were invited to respond, and the audit objectives focused on reserve growth, reasons for high balances, oversight by the Chancellor’s Office, and effects on students and staff. The transcript cuts off during the Chancellor’s Office response, so the final committee action on this item is not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water.
• water for a year.
• of water.
• Cities, counties, regional water authorities, drainage districts, engineering firms, environmental public
• And then storage Y at the bottom that stores water for water supply.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state.
• benefit of local conservation districts through match or through district operations.
• Recognize the broad mission of the commission in conservation districts beyond water resources, to include
• Recognize the broad mission of the commission in conservation districts beyond water resources, to include
• That's with the Water Board.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee approved the minutes from its February 17 and February 19, 2026 meetings and then heard a presentation from the Department of Water Resources and the Langdon Group on a proposed merger of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Department of Water Resources. The presenters described an eight-to-ten month evaluation process that included stakeholder interviews, a broad survey, and a workshop, and said the goal was to preserve the commission’s non-regulatory identity while gaining administrative efficiencies and technical support. They recommended placing the merged commission within IDWR, retaining commission oversight of programs and funding, preserving branding and legislative reporting, and formalizing a conservation partnership framework to protect the voluntary nature of the commission’s work. Committee members asked about the cost of the study, which was reported at about $90,000 total, split between the two agencies, and about expected savings. Director Weaver said the current legislation and fiscal note anticipate about $110,000 in immediate personnel savings from eliminating the administrator position, with additional modest savings possible over time in operations, equipment, IT, and office space. He also explained that the bureau chief would be hired with commission participation in the selection process, similar to the existing relationship with the Idaho Water Resource Board. Weaver said the merger has received broad support from stakeholders, including the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts, while the Idaho Farm Bureau had initially opposed it but later became neutral. He said the next steps are to complete the pending legislation, work through the executive agency legislative services process, and return with additional statutory changes and a combined budget in 2027. The meeting ended with a brief water supply update noting statewide snowpack at about 74% of normal and concerns about a warm forecast and possible drought conditions later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• TCEQ has recreated 155 Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) under the Texas Water Code, Chapter 49 and
• But there was a disguised water district that tried to go through the MUDs' template last session.
• The 216 soil and water conservation districts are led by 1,080 locally elected district directors.
• Practices, all in coordination with the appropriate Soil and Water Conservation District.
• We get a lot of pressure, especially in my waters in Senate District 18.

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Water Commission could potentially just take care of it for these water resource districts,
• Water District or purchase water from the city of Grafton.
• Rural Water District.
• They were having discussions with the Water Resource District.
• Now, full disclosure, I'm the district engineer for the Burleigh County Water Resource District.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Madam Co-Chair, that means that those conservation districts or water authorities already
• Vice Chair, I think in many cases our soil and water districts, other entities that do this work do have
• Needs on the ground in your community, in your soil and water conservation district.
• We've listened to water conservation districts throughout, well, a couple of weeks ago in here, and then
• Water we have.

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I support creative solutions to the water crisis in Hastings and up and down my district, but
• </c> in both red and blue districts in both red and blue districts unfortunately<00:03:03.720><c> this
• </c> Hastings and up and down my district but Hastings and up and down my district but I'm<00:05:04.639
• </c> aware of the situation with their water aware of the situation with their water um<00:09:09.720>
• </c><00:09:43.560><c> treatment</c> in Hastings the um water treatment in Hastings the um water treatment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been able to work with the local water users, with the El Thumbid Irrigation District, and really
• store water.
• water rights can make a call on water.
• But the way I understood the Elks and Butte district, that water right was great.
• It's all the water rights within the district that have the primary sort of surface water rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• CURRENTLY THE WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS ADMINISTER THE CONSUMPTIVE USE PERMIT PROGRAM WHICH GOVERNS
• IN 2014 THE WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS WENT THROUGH ALL RULEMAKING EXERCISE TO UPDATE THEIR RULES TO
• ENSURE CONSISTENCY THROUGHOUT THE VARIOUS WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS.
• SO YOU'VE GOT CONSISTENCY THROUGHOUT THE WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS AND THAT PORTION OF SOUTH FLORIDA
• I THINK THAT WE WOULD BE PROVIDING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Senator Gonzalez's district, the State Water Board is already in the process of consolidating the
• not typically mutual districts, which is—I didn't even know that there were mutual water districts—but
• For example, there was a major consolidation with the Sativa water system that was a county water district
• I'm chairman of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
• and to the Metropolitan Water District, and they don't have a connection.

Committee: Senate Banking and Financial Institutions

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard two bills. SB 1131, by Senator Jones, would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by requiring the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed, and by allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations from other regulators or approved third parties. Supporters from the debt collection industry said the bill would reduce duplicative costs and fix issues with the advisory committee process; an opposition witness from the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition said concerns remained. After discussion about preserving consumer protections while reducing burdens on licensees, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 1131 and re-refer it to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” by Senator Gonzalez, which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water companies by removing the 24-hour written notice requirement for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information such as consumer confidence reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including environmental justice advocates and Los Angeles County, described problems with access to water quality information, meeting notices, and board accountability in communities such as Cudahy and Maywood. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposed unfunded mandates and one-size-fits-all requirements on small systems. Members discussed the need for transparency while acknowledging concerns about compliance burdens; the committee then voted 7-0 to pass SB 1291 and re-refer it to Environmental Quality.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water District, and the Southern California Water Coalition, all in strong support.
• Municipal Water District, in support.
• Good afternoon, Brenda Bass, on behalf of Mojave Water Agency and Western Municipal Water District, in
• Tiffany Fann, on behalf of Eastern Municipal Water District and West Bay East and Municipal Water District
• Tiffany Fann on behalf of Eastern Municipal Water District and West Bay, East and Municipal Water District

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $300 million annually for 20 years to repair Central Valley subsidence damage and Delta levees to protect State Water Project deliveries. The author and supporters said the bill is needed to safeguard water for 27 million Californians, prevent threats to life and billions in infrastructure, and address long-standing levee and canal vulnerabilities. Testimony in support came from Restore the Delta, the Central Coast Water Authority, and a broad coalition of water agencies, environmental groups, local governments, and business interests; one organization, the California Chamber of Commerce, supported if amended to include federal conveyance infrastructure. No opposition witnesses appeared. Members from both parties praised the bipartisan coalition and discussed funding, beneficiary-pays concerns, and the need to prioritize water infrastructure. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 872 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1305, a study bill on the feasibility of reintroducing the California grizzly bear. The author and tribal co-sponsors framed the measure as a science-based, consultation-driven roadmap that would not authorize reintroduction but would evaluate habitat, impacts, and implementation. Supporters, including tribal representatives, conservation groups, and animal welfare organizations, emphasized the grizzly’s cultural significance, ecological role, and the value of planning for coexistence. Opposition came from retired and current law enforcement, county officials, ranching and hunting groups, and rural representatives, who raised public safety, staffing, livestock, and wildlife-management concerns, arguing the Department of Fish and Wildlife lacks resources for another apex predator. Committee members debated whether risk, public safety, local control, and potential reintroduction areas should be addressed earlier in the process. The author agreed to consider amendments on those points and on funding and local authority. The committee voted 4-1 to pass SB 1305 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill held on call. The committee also heard SB 1079, which would create a Cal Fire Fire Innovation Unit to identify firefighter needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful wildfire tools. The author said the bill would formalize a pipeline from pilot projects to statewide use and build on existing Cal Fire technology efforts. Support came from Megafire Action, Fireworks, Aurora Tech, and the Orange County Fire Authority; the California Association of Realtors supported if amended to allow nonprofits to administer grants directly to homeowners. With no opposition testimony, the bill was moved on a 2-0 vote and held on call pending additional members. The committee later took up SB 997, a district bill for the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency that would grant lien authority so it can enforce groundwater fees and sustainability plan requirements without relying on civil litigation. Support came from water contractors, rural counties, and county associations; members discussed whether similar authority should be extended to other GSAs. The bill was moved on a 2-0 vote to Judiciary and held on call.