Transcript Highlights:

• Who is responsible for the potable water lines, the maintenance, repair, and replacement of potable water
• North Miami Beach, our water fund, funds the salary, benefits, pensions of over 130 water utility employees
• The residents that receive water from Miami-Dade County and receive water from Opelocker, their surcharge
• That receive water from Miami-Dade County and receive water from Opelocker, their surcharge is not as
• Our primary purpose is to assist water and wastewater systems with every phase of their water and wastewater

Summary: The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief debate and roll call votes. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it had support from Americans for Prosperity. SB 606 clarified when nonpaying guests may be removed from public lodging establishments, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from Florida Realtors, the Asian American Hotel Association, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. SB 202 addressed a long-running dispute between Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach over a water utility surcharge, requiring the utility to charge residents in the city where the plant sits the same rate as its own residents; supporters argued it was a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach opposed it as a burden on its residents. All three bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 570, which updates and clarifies the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and CS/SB 928, which targets non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display visible to minors, increasing inspections and penalties, and adopting an amendment to clarify the bill does not cover fully unlawful products and to add a 500-foot school buffer for smoke shops. SB 346, dealing with state preemption of local regulation of hoisting equipment, was reported favorably after testimony about the St. Petersburg crane collapse during Hurricane Milton; supporters said local governments need authority to address hurricane-related crane safety, while builders and contractors warned against patchwork regulation and urged a more targeted approach. The committee then considered SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks under veterinarian supervision, including limited surgical procedures after an amendment clarified those procedures are limited to spay/neuter and non-cavity surgeries. Supporters said the bill would expand access to veterinary care and help shelters, while some veterinarians expressed concern about training and safety; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up SB 354 on the Public Service Commission, adopting a substitute amendment that would expand the commission, require stronger financial expertise and more detailed rate justifications, set rate-filing schedules, tighten storm-hardening review, and add transparency rules for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the bill drew support from consumer advocates and AARP, while Florida Rural Water warned of unintended consequences for nonprofit systems. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 354 is still underway, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:11:30.920><c> piping</c> a waste vent domestic water piping a waste vent domestic water piping
• It is for their water main assessment replacement planning and design, water treatment plant, and Priority
• It is for their water main assessment replacement planning and design, water treatment plant, and Priority
• It is for their water main assessment replacement planning and design, water treatment plant, and Priority
• for and so Kentucky waters stands for Kentucky<00:18:46.280><c> water</c><00:18:46.679><c> and</c><00

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Approval of Minutes 00:59 Information Items 03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet 12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority 21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt 23:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have not given any deal with Utah over our water.
• We have a situation in Idaho where we're short of water.
• Basically, it asks for two studies by the Water Resource Board.
• What can we do to better utilize that water?
• So it keeps people off the water, or keeps the skiers on the water early in the morning and away from

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee considered a full agenda of water, irrigation, and outdoor recreation bills and resolutions. Speaker Moyle presented House Concurrent Resolution 34, which seeks two Water Resource Board studies on Bear River water allocation and options for better using Idaho’s share under the 1980 compact with Wyoming and Utah; the committee sent it to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1307, a statewide code cleanup clarifying responsibilities for lateral ditches and maintenance costs, with support from a member who said it was needed in his area. The committee then moved House Bill 567 to General Orders after the sponsor said additional amendments were needed to avoid unintended effects on compact and irrigation language. House Bill 855, which increases the residency requirement for a lifetime hunting license from six months to five years, drew support from the Idaho Wildlife Federation and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and was sent to the floor. Senate Bill 1304, clarifying that ditch easement access may be used to move equipment and water infrastructure so long as it stays within the easement, also received a do-pass recommendation. Additional water district bills were approved: Senate Bill 1305 would allow water districts, by membership vote, to set a fixed fee for handling property-transfer and water-right tracing work; Senate Bill 1306 would clarify the process and timelines for withdrawing from a water district, including notice and hearing deadlines; and Senate Bill 1337 would expand eligibility for board service in smaller irrigation districts by allowing landowners who live in the county or adjoining county to serve if approved by a two-thirds board vote. Finally, House Bill 887 was advanced to allow two-person boating for skiing on public water without a slalom course, provided a mirror is used and the activity ends by 9 a.m. in summer. Most measures received unanimous or near-unanimous approval, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were handled.

Transcript Highlights:

• waters.
• Clean Water Program.
• discharge, and water.
• were traditional navigable waters and not all waters.
• Surface water.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlike public water providers, mutual water providers, mutual to shareholders within a designated area
• Lincoln Avenue Water Company ...receive water primarily from one of three companies: Lincoln Avenue Water
• Company, Rubio Canyon Land and Water Association, and Los Flores Water Company.
• And my only issue is water is... ...water is our most important asset.
• Shirley Lane residents this past year reported their mutual water company for illegal water shutoffs

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:46.920><c> Resources</c> fund our ecological and Water Resources fund our ecological and Water
• </c> aquatic invasive species and water aquatic invasive species and water protection<00:10:05.839><c
• So just as an example, the first water use fee tier is up to 50 million gallons of water per year.
• </c> Watershed based approach to water Watershed based approach to water management<00:23:55.039><c>
• </c> the overall goals of the Clean Water the overall goals of the Clean Water fund<00:24:24.720><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does it make sure water is clean, drinking water? I don't understand.
• quality and water supply.
• and water supply.
• So water management, water quality, water cleanliness is not just an issue of politics; it is an issue
• If anyone in here knows about water, water management, it's you.

Summary: The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments. Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71. The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• because water will movement.
• There's a tremendous flow of water to deal with.
• It leaches out into the water.
• Those are drinking water sample protocols that they anticipate the water to be very clean, not have a
• Those are drinking water sample protocols that they anticipate the water to be very clean and not have

Summary: The meeting focused on the use of biosolids on farm and ranch land, with testimony from Oklahoma State University experts, a conservation official, and an engineering representative about the benefits, risks, and regulatory implications. Dr. Lusk described OSU’s long history of soil fertility research and said biosolids can provide nutrients and organic matter, but also may carry contaminants such as PFAS, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and pathogens. He emphasized that many questions remain unanswered, especially about contaminant uptake into soil, crops, livestock, and humans, and said existing EPA and Oklahoma DEQ regulations address some treatment and application standards but may not fully cover PFAS. Dr. Arnell expanded on nutrient management, explaining that biosolids can function similarly to manure as a fertilizer source, especially for nitrogen and phosphorus, but should be tested, incorporated into soil, and applied under permit conditions to reduce runoff and other losses. He said PFAS testing methods are not yet standardized and that more research is needed to determine sampling protocols, movement in soil, and long-term effects. Committee members asked whether farmers and ranchers should be notified of risks, whether PFAS is currently tested, how many counties use biosolids, and what research would be needed for a dissertation-level study. The witnesses generally agreed that landowners should be informed of known risks and uncertainties, but said the science is still developing. Dr. Arnell said a unified testing method is needed before reliable PFAS monitoring can be done, and suggested that a multi-year study would be required to understand soil movement, crop uptake, and livestock impacts. Greg Scott of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission framed the issue as a waste-management problem, noting that human waste streams contain contaminants and that soil type affects how pollutants move; he said sandy soils pose greater movement risks than clay soils and that current best practice is incorporation, careful timing, and avoiding steep or sensitive sites. He also said PFAS are widespread and not naturally occurring in the way some other compounds are, and that liability and cleanup costs are major concerns. Mary Elizabeth Mock of Garver Engineering focused on the practical and financial consequences of a possible moratorium on land application, saying most of Oklahoma’s biosolids are currently land applied and would otherwise have to go to landfills. She warned that many landfills are nearing capacity, tipping fees could rise sharply, and cities such as Tulsa and Norman could face large increases in disposal costs, which would ultimately be borne by ratepayers and taxpayers. She also said septic system maintenance costs could rise if land application options shrink, potentially leading to deferred maintenance and system failures. Mock urged a tiered, data-driven approach to PFAS regulation and said advanced treatment technologies may help in the future, but they are still emerging and expensive. No votes were taken; the session consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water is the biggest need.
• Water is the biggest need.
• Water is the biggest need.
• I think the biggest infrastructure need above everything else is water. Water is the biggest need.
• c> in</c> um solve the water situation water uh in um solve the water situation water uh in the<00:43

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land opened with housekeeping remarks about testimony limits, video availability, and that decision-making would follow the hearing. The committee then heard and considered several SCRs authorizing long-term nonexclusive easements over state submerged lands for existing public or private infrastructure on Oahu, including stormwater outfalls, shoreline protection structures, concrete stairs, seawalls, and a rock revetment. DLNR supported each measure and generally requested only technical or clarifying amendments; for SCR 3, DLNR asked that the title be clarified to specify the easement would be granted to the City and County of Honolulu. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations, passing SCR 3 with amendments and SCRs 4, 6, and 7 unamended, while SCR 5 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. Senator Meli noted general concerns about seawalls and hardening but said he would support the measures because they involved repair of existing structures and public access, though he indicated a reservation on SCR 6. The committee then took up governor’s messages for HCDA appointments. For GM 58, Gerald Gordner was nominated to the Kalaeloa district seat; HCDA’s executive director and another supporter praised his urban planning, housing, zoning, GIS, and collaborative skills, and Gordner described his interim service and background in housing affordability and disaster recovery. Members also discussed a former military hangar in Kalaeloa and possible future uses, with Gordner noting he understood there had been restrictions that were later lifted, while the chair raised concerns about airport operations and modular housing use. The committee also heard support for GM 559, nominating Micki Lidstone as cultural specialist; HCDA said she had been an active and reliable board participant and cultural resource, and Lidstone said she valued learning from Native Hawaiian testimony and helping balance community perspectives. Finally, GM 688 nominated Deborah Kabibi to the Leeward Oahu/Maui district seat; HCDA said her community ties would be valuable for South Maui planning, and Kabibi said she had learned a lot from the board’s collaborative process and was eager to represent her community. The transcript ends during discussion of GM 688, before any vote on the nominations is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> dangerous areas such as bodies of water dangerous areas such as bodies of water busy<00:14:59.680
• They are drowned to water.
• And just naturally, children are drawn to water. Children are drawn to water.
• Um, but with it, I guess I just say definition of water: you could go into, is it water fountains?
• a specific attraction to water.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We use 11% of the water.
• I live north of I-10, which is on private water. South of I-10 is on city water.
• I live north of I 10, which is on private water. South of I 10 is on city water.
• So, you know, whether it's water pipe, sewer pipe, water treatment facilities, wastewater facilities,
• They are paying for water parks. The town of Florence has a water park.

Bills: HB2780, HB4029, HB4030, HCR2052

Keywords: judicial foreclosure, tax lien, redemption rights, excess proceeds, property auction, income tax, federal tax conformity, revenue analysis, legislative session, tax reporting, municipal fees, county fees, utility rates, moratorium, tax classification, local government, inflation, economic stability, tax increases, cost-of-living protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> over 30 years focusing on um water over 30 years focusing on um water issues<00:05:22.479><c> and
• </c> quantity of our Water quantity of our Water Resources<00:13:44.000><c> subdivision</c><00:13:44.639
• But, you know, the impact of flooding, especially with water and clean drinking water, what it does to
• </c> districts uh it's called the water districts uh it's called the water quality<00:30:33.679><c> 3D
• </c> he certainly wants you know clean water he certainly wants you know clean water as<00:51:26.240>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of that water comes back into the river down below the Milner Dam through what we know. ...water
• And we skipped over Water District 2, but you heard about Water District 1 and 3, and Water District
• of water you're hearing about from all these water districts.
• , critical water resource.
• , critical water resource.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Resource and Conservation Committee approved the minutes from February 23 and February 25, 2026, then heard three concurrent resolutions related to Idaho water projects. SCR 116, presented by Rep. Shepherd, emphasized Northern Idaho water needs and support for water projects there; SCR 118, presented by Rep. Pickett, highlighted water resource and flood-control projects in District 3, including Milner Dam and related Snake River infrastructure; and SCR 117, presented by Rep. Manwaring, supported managed aquifer recharge and storage projects in Water District 4, including work on the Henry’s Fork, Teton River, and upper Snake River system. Each resolution received a motion for a due pass recommendation and was approved by voice vote to be sent to the floor. The committee then took up code cleanup legislation from Rep. Manwaring. House Bill 566 repeals outdated references to the outdoor recreation enhancement/STORE fund, which has not been active since its creation in 1995, and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 568 repeals multiple obsolete provisions related to Department of Lands timber-floating and townsite claims, described as historical artifacts no longer used in modern practice, and it also received a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 774, a replacement bill that repeals one remaining obsolete section setting minimum fines for illegal hunting of mountain lion, buffalo, and caribou because those penalties are already covered elsewhere in code. After brief explanation and no opposition, the committee voted to send HB 774 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, concluding the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• quality and water supply.
• So water management, water quality, water cleanliness is not just an issue of politics; it is an issue
• So water management, water quality, water cleanliness is not just an issue of politics; it is an issue
• So water management, water quality, water cleanliness is not just an issue of politics; it is an issue
• Cross, if anyone in here knows about water, water management, it's you.

Summary: The House met in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber then took up CS/House Joint Resolution 1F, the Governor’s property tax proposal, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and restrict county and municipal ad valorem revenue to public safety and certain other uses. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf said the measure would return money to homeowners and give local governments flexibility, while opponents repeatedly argued the ballot language was misleading and that the proposal could create large local revenue shortfalls, shift costs to other taxpayers, and threaten local services and debt obligations. Members debated a series of amendments aimed at protecting specific programs from the bill’s effects. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to exempt Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was defeated 25-74 after supporters said those entities fund child care, mental health, aftercare, and family support, while opponents said local governments could still choose to fund them. Rep. Cross’s amendment to include water management districts in allowable uses of ad valorem taxes was also defeated, despite testimony that the districts are essential for flood control, water supply, Everglades restoration, and drought response. Rep. Eskamani’s amendment to require the Legislature to backfill public safety funding failed 25-71 after debate over whether the proposal could reduce police and fire budgets and response times. The House then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other aging services, and opponents saying the state already funds senior programs. Finally, Rep. Gant’s amendment to protect veteran services was introduced and debated, with members emphasizing housing, mental health, transition assistance, and homelessness concerns for veterans; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment. Throughout the debate, sponsors and supporters of the main resolution maintained that local governments would retain spending discretion and could use other revenue sources, while critics argued the measure lacked clear backfill provisions and could force cuts or tax shifts at the local level.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll now have the Water, Idaho Water Resource Research Institute, Director Kendrick Kaiser, if you'd
• Water professionals across the state.
• And then beyond that, water quality was...
• I'll focus on water quantity.
• Communities are concerned about drinking water.

Summary: The committee began by introducing several RS drafts and sending them to print by unanimous voice vote. It then heard the gubernatorial reappointment of Dave Bobbitt to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Bobbitt described his background in banking and lifelong hunting and fishing in Idaho, and said his priorities include wolf and grizzly bear delisting and more state control over wildlife management. Senators asked about wolf depredation, population goals, hunting technology rules, and federal involvement in wolf management. The chair said the confirmation would not be voted on until the next meeting. The committee next considered House Bill 502, which would move Idaho Forest Products Commission provisions from administrative rule into statute and consolidate related definitions, nomination, chair/vice-chair, and assessment requirements in the code. Senator Harris said the bill was mainly a codification and streamlining measure with no material policy change. The bill was moved to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Joint Memorial 9, urging Congress to reaffirm FLPMA as the primary authority for federal land management and exchanges. Support testimony came from J.R. Simplot Company representative Elizabeth Kreiner, who described a long-running land exchange dispute and argued the memorial would preserve certainty for western land exchanges. The memorial was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee received an update from Idaho Water Resources Research Institute Director Kendra Kaiser on the institute’s funded research and priorities. She said the institute had distributed more than $500,000 across Boise State, Idaho State, and the University of Idaho, and that water scarcity, technology/monitoring, and water quality were the main statewide research themes. She highlighted projects on snowpack and streamflow forecasting, flood forecasting, harmful algal blooms, managed aquifer recharge, monitoring gaps, East Snake Plain water supply modeling, and Lake Pend Oreille management. Senators asked about curtailment forecasting, the Snake River Basin Study, and how the research would help tributary water users. Kaiser said the institute’s curtailment analysis was for early planning only and that results would be posted publicly and shared through presentations and advisory groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, there's regulation of produced water. Right now, there's regulation of produced water.
• We are threatened by permanent water shortages, making the extraction of our sacred waters in this way
• , or taking unnecessary steps to clean the water but inadvertently polluting the water.
• So there are a number of... clean the water but inadvertently pollute the water.
• air, land, and water as much as possible.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director at the Utah Division of Water Resources.
• And when I say water projects, that is in the broadest sense, from a drinking water system to a wastewater
• of Drinking Water, and the Division of Water Quality, that submitted their relevant agency plans to
• the Water Development Coordinating Council.
• residents pay for that cost of water, right?

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You mentioned that, um, water. Y'all service how many homes with water?
• </c> about 6,000 water connections. about 6,000 water connections.
• water.
• water.
• water.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 20 January, 2026: 8:45 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide financial assistance from the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund to water, agricultural,
• Trust may accept and hold water rights to water, agricultural, and rural affairs.
• Senate Bill 1623 by Johnson relating to the dedication of certain water rights to the Texas Water Trust
• Senate Bill 1624 by Johnson relating the purposes for which the Texas Water Bank and the Texas Water
• Water Bank and the Texas Water Trust may accept and hold water rights to water agriculture and rural

Summary: The Senate convened, adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so committees could meet during the reading and referral of bills, and then proceeded to first reading and committee referral of a large number of measures. The bills covered a wide range of topics, including judicial qualifications, alcohol sales at racing facilities, health care provider participation programs, abandoned land receiverships, local mental health authority governance, school trustee employment eligibility, DFPS review procedures, groundwater district management plans, early voting by mail, contracts with companies from foreign adversaries, wastewater permitting, nondisclosure provisions involving child sexual abuse, child abuse reporting, veterans’ claims assistance, hotel occupancy tax collection by accommodations intermediaries, apprenticeship grants, Sunset Commission renaming, health care entity ownership reporting, firearms and school trespass offenses, water trust and water bank issues, construction contract trust funds and payments, Medicaid recoupment, colonia real estate contracts, epinephrine use in schools, forensic analyst apprenticeship training, online ticket sales disclosures, and public water system security incident reporting. The chamber also received and read several resolutions, including SCR 27 authorizing burial of Guy Herman in the State Cemetery, SCR 28 urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment on regulating money in campaigns and ballot measures, SCR 29 designating El Paso as the official boot capital of Texas, and multiple joint resolutions. Those included proposals on county tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting and graywater systems, creation of a Texas Health Care Workforce Education Fund, authorization of sports wagering, dedication of state tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund, a statewide referendum on standard time versus daylight saving time, and clarification of impeachment-trial and removal provisions for public officers. After the readings and referrals, the Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 11.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> other water other water customers<00:03:10.120><c> and</c><00:03:10.560><c> uh</c><00:03:10.760>
• </c> through water tanks to through water through water tanks to through water treatment<00:06:09.280
• </c><00:06:18.919><c> drinking</c><00:06:19.479><c> water</c> actually providing water drinking water
• actually providing water drinking water meeting<00:06:20.759><c> all</c><00:06:20.960><c> federal</c
• </c><00:48:40.280><c> Resource</c> the commission on Water Resource the commission on Water Resource

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes. During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.