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.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jack Werson on behalf of the Alevenheim Municipal Water District and the Santa Clara Valley Water District
• Municipal Water District and the Santa Clara Valley Water District, in support.
• David Kintana with the Irvine Ranch Water District, in support.
• Chair and members, Weth Franco here on behalf of the Contra Costa Water District, in support.
• Weth Franco here on behalf of the Contra Costa Water District, in support.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to promote nonlethal human-wildlife conflict reduction and support coexistence efforts for species such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Supporters, including wildlife groups and local government representatives, said the prior program was effective and that proactive tools like fladry, guardian animals, deterrents, reporting, and outreach reduce conflicts and costs. Ranching and agricultural groups were opposed unless amended, saying they supported the concept but wanted changes to the wolf-livestock compensation program, including clearer practicability standards, protection of compensation funds, and more flexibility on nonlethal requirements. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the measure left on call. The committee then took up SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA, so local agencies still receive information about whether sufficient water exists for the project. The author and sponsor argued the bill would keep water planning and land use planning linked and prevent “paper water” problems, while the California Building Industry Association opposed it, warning it could add delay, uncertainty, and litigation risk for housing projects already subject to other water-supply safeguards. Members discussed how the bill would affect different local structures, especially cities that also operate their own water systems, and whether the assessment adds value in those cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government and was left on call. SB 1270 was next, expanding the California wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot beyond the original six counties to include four additional high-risk counties identified by Cal OES and Cal Fire, and directing future funding toward those areas. Supporters said the recent Los Angeles fires showed the need to broaden access to home-hardening assistance, while members discussed whether the program should remain geographically targeted or be made available statewide based on need. The bill was amended in committee and passed 5-0 to Emergency Management, left on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major proposal to place a $23 billion bond on the ballot to create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research and stabilize scientific research funding in the state. The author, UC, UAW, and many research, labor, health, and university groups supported the measure, arguing that federal cuts and instability threaten California’s research workforce, innovation, and economy. Some members raised concerns about the size of the bond and about political issues involving one sponsor, but the author said the foundation would operate under California law and the bill is intended to keep science funding open and collaborative. The bill was moved out of committee on a 5-0 vote and left on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• County of Ventura Water District and Fire Suppression.
• Lily McKay on behalf of the United Water Conservation District and the members district very much share
• And that flexibility has not reflected well on the water district.
• We want our water districts to be better prepared.
• water districts have to pay.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So by supporting District 4, we're securing the water supply for the rest of the state.
• District 3 of the Idaho Water Resource Board, encompassing the Agricultural Heartland.
• Of the state of Idaho, whereas Water District 2 of the Idaho Water Resource Board, encompassing the rapidly
• the water infrastructure projects ongoing in the second water district in our state. ...of the water
• infrastructure projects ongoing in the second water district in our state.

Summary: The Senate convened with 34 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, and heard an opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The chaplain’s prayer focused on drought, low snowpack, and asking for rain and conservation, and the Senate also noted Senator Woodward’s absence due to his son’s injury. Senator Den Hartog outlined the day’s plan, including gubernatorial appointments and several water-related concurrent resolutions. The Senate confirmed David Dean to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board and Amy Anderson to the Commission of Pardons and Parole after committee reports and brief debate highlighting Dean’s financial and business background and Anderson’s 30 years with the Department of Corrections. The chamber also received House Bill 559 and introduced several Senate bills, including measures on state budget limits, rural health transformation, chiropractic prescribing, mental health detention, blindness reporting, and child protection. The main policy action centered on water resolutions. SCR 117, supporting Water District 4 projects such as managed aquifer recharge, cloud seeding, infrastructure modernization, and the Upper Snake River Study, passed after debate. SCR 118, supporting Water District 3 projects in the Magic Valley, including Milner Dam work, the Little Wood River Channel project, and canal improvements, also passed by roll call despite several senators voting no over cloud seeding language. SCR 119, supporting Water District 2 projects including Treasure Valley recharge, the Mountain Home Air Force Base water conveyance project, and Anderson Ranch Dam work, was adopted by voice vote. The Senate then moved through second-reading business, referred SB 1232 to the 14th order for possible amendment, and adjourned until 11:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• districts with at least 90,000 residents, and require water districts that compensate members for more
• With me to testify in support of the bill are Greg Young, director of West Valley Water District, the
• My name is Greg Young, and I serve on the board of directors for West Valley Water District.
• , we have 3,500 small water districts.
• Jack Werson, on behalf of Santa Clara Valley Water District, in support. Thank you.

Summary: The committee hearing covered a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with the chair repeatedly noting the committee was operating without a quorum for much of the meeting. Several measures were heard with no opposition, including AB 2639 on Merced County flood control coordination, AB 1788 on allowing best-value contracting for general law cities and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, AB 2058 on reducing duplicative permitting and inspection costs for factory-built housing, AB 2576 on clarifying historic resource protections in a housing law, AB 2568 on increasing the compensation cap for water district board members, AB 2224 on updating county recorder fees and requiring electronic recording, AB 2469 on water-supply review and cost responsibility for data centers, and AB 2397 on requiring local governments to justify denials of certain housing-finance decisions. Most of these bills were presented as targeted fixes to improve efficiency, reduce delays, or modernize outdated statutes, and the authors generally requested aye votes and noted committee amendments where applicable. The most extended debate centered on AB 1751, which would streamline approval of qualifying townhome projects while setting a $28 hourly minimum wage floor for construction workers on covered private projects. Supporters argued the bill would expand homeownership opportunities, raise wages for largely non-union residential workers, and preserve existing prevailing wage law while adding enforcement tools and developer liability. Opponents, including several building trades and labor organizations, argued it would undercut prevailing wage standards, create a race to the bottom, and potentially affect wage-setting more broadly. Committee members asked detailed questions about land-use barriers, the relationship to prevailing wage, and whether the bill would affect unionized work; the author and supporters responded that it applies narrowly to private for-sale townhome projects and does not alter prevailing wage requirements. AB 2469 also drew a substantive split. Supporters said data centers should be required to provide water-supply assessments before approval, pay for infrastructure they trigger, and account for impacts on overdrafted groundwater basins and local ratepayers. Opponents from the Chamber of Commerce, Data Center Coalition, counties, and tech groups argued existing law already covers water planning, that the bill imposes unique and burdensome requirements on one industry, and that some reporting provisions could raise security concerns. The author responded that the bill is about front-end planning and local accountability, not daily reporting, and emphasized the hyperlocal strain data centers can place on small water systems. No final votes were taken during the hearing because the committee lacked a quorum, though members repeatedly indicated support or intent to vote aye once a quorum was present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1305 helps resolve an issue that's been cropping up in some of our water districts.
• So if a landowner at some point chooses to withdraw from a water district, there is a process to do so
• Senate Bill 1305 helps resolve an issue that's been cropping up in some of our water districts.
• So if a landowner at some point chooses to withdraw from a water district there is a process to do so
• This simply clears it up and states that if you petition to be withdrawn from a water district, there

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:

• Thank you Kasha with Naussman on behalf of Padre Dam Water District, Santa Clara Valley Water District
• Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Cucamonga Valley Water District, and the Water Blueprint for the San
• Water District, United Water Conservation District, and West Valley Water District, opposed unless amended
• Brenda Bass on behalf of Western Growers Association, Western Municipal Water District and Mojave Water
• Water District, and on behalf of my colleague at Inland Empire Water Agency in support.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ashley Walker with Nossaman, on behalf of Santa Clara Valley Water District, in support.
• scarcity plan, a water supply assessment, and a water use assessment.
• Ashley Walker with Santa Clara Valley Water District in support. Thank you. Anyone else in support?
• We believe water policy should focus on the actual water consumption and local water conditions, not
• , and denied bottled water when the facility's water system was releasing dark, rust-colored water.

Summary: The committee heard several housing, local government, coastal, and infrastructure bills. AB 306 would create a statewide appeal and code-interpretation process for building code issues at the California Building Standards Commission; supporters said it would reduce inconsistent local interpretations and speed housing delivery, while no opposition testified, and it was moved on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations. AB 956 would clarify ADU law to allow up to two detached ADUs on a property and address ADUs in HOAs/common interest developments; supporters framed it as a flexibility and housing-supply measure, while local government and county groups raised concerns about ministerial approval, parking, density, and impacts on neighborhood character. After committee questions, the bill was moved do pass as amended to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the bill remaining on call. Members also considered AB 1751, which would create a ministerial approval path for qualifying townhome projects and allow local inclusionary ordinances for larger projects. Supporters said it would expand attainable homeownership and help produce missing-middle housing, while cities and counties objected to reduced density, by-right approval, and potential housing-element net-loss issues. The bill was moved do pass as amended to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and remained on call. AB 912, which would revise the governance structure of the Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District board, drew unanimous support from the district, city, and county; it passed 3-0 to Appropriations and remained on call. AB 1710, aimed at preserving housing project entitlements from later regulatory changes, also advanced on a 4-0 do-pass-as-amended vote after opponents said they were awaiting the committee amendments. The committee also heard AB 2080, which would make county treasurer investment authority delegations ongoing until revoked rather than requiring annual renewal; supporters said it would reduce technical noncompliance and administrative burden without reducing oversight, and it was moved to the Senate Floor. AB 1740, a coastal bill for Santa Monica, would set timelines and reporting for a local coastal program and create an expedited Coastal Commission process for bike, transit, and pedestrian projects; supporters said it reflected a negotiated path forward with the city and commission, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. AB 2181, backed by Unite Here, would limit use of hypothetical density bonus value in hotel and motel appraisals; supporters said it would protect hospitality jobs from speculative lease-rent increases, and it was moved to the Senate Floor on a 4-0 vote. Finally, AB 2469 on data centers and water use drew the most extended debate. The bill would require water supply and water use assessments before approval, and shift infrastructure costs to project proponents; supporters said it would improve transparency, protect ratepayers, and ensure local governments have information before approving water-intensive facilities. Opponents, including business, city, county, and tech groups, argued existing law already covers water assessments and fees, warned the bill could create a separate permitting regime, and raised concerns about privacy, security, and investment impacts. The committee had not yet taken final action on AB 2469 when the transcript ended, and members were still asking technical questions about data center cooling and water reuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Drinking Water Act.
• Water services.
• Again, easy to say Arizona needs more water, but what does that mean? Who needs more water?
• Again, easy to say Arizona needs more water, but what does that mean? Who needs more water?
• supplies. ...showed that water providers have a real need, a large need, for new water supply, new water

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee convened for introductions of members, staff, interns, and pages, with members briefly noting their districts and roles. The committee’s only agenda item was a presentation from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) by Director Chelsea McGuire, who outlined WIFA’s mission and recent work financing water infrastructure across Arizona. McGuire described three major funding programs: the rural water supply development revolving fund, the water conservation grant fund, and the long-term water augmentation fund. She said WIFA has financed nearly $3 billion in water infrastructure over 30 years, awarded about $87.3 million through the rural fund, and allocated $211 million in conservation grants expected to save 6.6 million acre-feet of water. She also said WIFA is out of conservation money and requested continued state support, while noting the revolving funds remain stable even if federal funding declines. A large portion of the discussion focused on the long-term augmentation fund and its competitive solicitation process. McGuire said WIFA identified a projected 100,000 to 500,000 acre-foot supply gap in 10 to 15 years and selected seven projects for further due diligence after receiving 17 responses, including desalination, reuse, groundwater storage, and exchange-based projects involving private partners. Senators asked about public transparency, project timelines, costs, and the need for state funding; McGuire said public engagement will continue, the projects are intended to match the identified time frame, and state funding is needed both to pay for due diligence and to reduce project risk and cost. No votes or formal actions were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• District 34 and East Idaho. Mr.
• So what you have before you are four resolutions that are tied to the specific water board districts
• District 3 covers the Magic Valley, and then District 4 covers East Idaho.
• And then finally, in RS 33051, this is in reference to Water District 1, which is up north.
• public drinking water system stakeholder Water systems to address public drinking water system stakeholder

Summary: The committee first handled two gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, moving the appointments of Carl Ray and Kenneth Long to the floor with recommendations that both be confirmed by the Senate. It then introduced a joint memorial on depredation claims, which would urge Congress to ensure that reporting livestock losses to wolves or grizzly bears does not affect a rancher’s grazing lease or permit; the memorial was sent to print. Next, the committee introduced RS 32927C1, which would require Idaho Fish and Game to provide a 30-day public comment period for season-setting proclamations. It also introduced four related water-resources resolutions, RS 33051 through RS 33054, covering the state’s four water districts and highlighting projects such as managed aquifer recharge, dam and spillway work, canal and irrigation improvements, and aquifer stabilization efforts. All of these introductions were approved by voice vote. The committee then considered several administrative rules from the Department of Environmental Quality. It approved a docket on cyanidation mining rules, with DEQ explaining the changes were needed to conform to 2025 statutory revisions and that some issues would continue through negotiated rulemaking; the Idaho Mining Association testified in support of that process. It also approved drinking water rules adopting federal Consumer Confidence Report and Lead and Copper Rule improvements, and a separate technical correction restoring the prior 100 PSI maximum static pressure standard for distribution systems, with Idaho Rural Water Association supporting the change. Finally, the committee approved rules for administration of wastewater and drinking water loan funds. DEQ said the revisions implement zero-based regulation, create a tiered affordability system to prioritize disadvantaged communities for SRF loans, and add flexibility to professional liability insurance requirements for engineering firms while still protecting public funds. The committee adjourned after approving the docket, with one senator noting a potential conflict related to professional engineer status for the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jack Werson on behalf of the Alevenheim Municipal Water District and the Santa Clara Valley Water District
• Municipal Water District and the Santa Clara Valley Water District, in support.
• David Kintana with the Irvine Ranch Water District, in support.
• Chair and members of Weth Franco here on behalf of the Contra Costa Water District, in support.
• Weth Franco here on behalf of the Contra Costa Water District, in support.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• district has a soil and water conservation field staff assigned to assist in carrying out their locally
• to improve water quality.
• It is my pleasure to be here and talk about soil and water conservation districts in Idaho.
• through preserving soil and water.
• So areas like our Teton district see this issue with water quality and working with DEQ on keeping that

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and so we want to know how feasible are those districts.
• after district after district, which we do, I would like to see some type of result of that so that
• And the City and Sewage and Water Board.
• But can private water companies tap these funds, too?”
• So people are pretty alert, and again, the Sewage and Water Board and that part of the Sewage and Water

Summary: The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is in response to several water districts concerned that the prohibition of imported water
• Jose Reynosa from the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.
• Jose Reynosa from the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.
• I'm the general manager for the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.
• And Patrick Foy with the Three Valleys Municipal Water District in support. Thank you.

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:

• management district...
• Where it is we spend the money, most notably federal matching, water management districts, agencies,
• My district is Senate District 40, which is the southernmost district here in Florida.
• quality in a water body that is not meeting water quality standards.
• And so like in the IRL, you have water management districts, DEP, the Indian River Lagoon Protection

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present, heard opening remarks from Chair Rodriguez and member introductions, and discussed broad priorities including water quality, climate change, budget oversight, and accountability for environmental investments. Members emphasized concerns about nutrient pollution, springs, Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, and the need for better data and measurable results. The committee then received a presentation from DEP Deputy Secretary Adam Blaylock on the state’s water quality restoration framework. He explained how water quality standards, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), and reasonable assurance plans work together to address impaired waters, and noted that BMAPs are updated every five years with annual reviews in between. He also described recent statutory changes requiring five-year milestones, restrictions on new septic systems in certain areas, and public-facing data tools to track projects and water quality trends. Members questioned whether BMAPs are producing enough improvement and whether the five-year update cycle is too slow. Blaylock said results can take years because of project lag and environmental variability, but that the department can adjust plans if data show they are not working. He also highlighted $2.9 billion in statewide water quality funding since 2019, nearly 1,100 funded projects, and a $1.1 billion water quality improvement grant program that now covers impaired waters beyond BMAP areas. The committee discussed agricultural projects, DEP and FDACS funding roles, and a new dashboard and centralized monitoring platform under development. No formal votes or other actions were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment moved by the vice chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Forest Protective District, that's a district that we recently reestablished based out of Idaho Falls
• in our districts.
• for some of those large water system and water system infrastructure.
• Large water system and water system infrastructure grants that the agency oversaw.
• My understanding is low-interest loans in many cases to entities, including communities and water districts

Summary: The Joint Finance-Preparation Committee heard budget presentations for the Endowment Fund Investment Board, the Department of Lands, and the Department of Environmental Quality. Janet Jessup, Legislative Services analyst, reviewed each agency’s structure, funding sources, vacancies, and requested enhancements. For EFIB, she noted the board’s low operating costs and a small request for a laptop replacement. Chris Anton said the board kept costs very low and had no major budget increases beyond personnel costs. The Department of Lands discussion focused heavily on wildfire funding, staffing, and dedicated funds. Director Dustin Miller said 2025 was a record year for endowment income, but fire season was increasingly expensive and staffing pressures could affect the Eastern Idaho Forest Protective District and other fire programs. Members asked about the fire suppression deficiency fund, which Jessup explained is used only for active fires and can go negative, with any deficit later reconciled through supplemental action. Miller also described House Bill 511, which would raise the structure surcharge cap for fire preparedness funding, and House Bill 226-related fund shifts moving 1.25 FTP and $160,000 from the abandoned mine lands fund to the navigable waterways program. For DEQ, Jessup and Director Jess Byrne discussed the agency’s staffing shortages, backlog in permits, water quality monitoring, and funding structure. Byrne said targeted pay increases had reduced turnover and vacancies, but the agency still had fewer core staff than 25 years ago and faced permit backlogs and reduced monitoring, including for harmful algal blooms. He also explained that the Drinking Water Loan Fund is a revolving federal-state match loan program whose balance has grown because projects are reimbursed over time, not because demand is absent. Byrne said DEQ is considering fee increases, especially in air quality and drinking water, to reduce reliance on general funds. The committee took no formal votes or other actions and adjourned, announcing future budget hearings for the Department of Administration and the Permanent Building Fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• Companies, Eastern Municipal Water District, Monterey One Water, Monterey to Vista Water District, San
• Gabriel Water Quality Authority, Liberty Utilities, Orange County Water District, San Gabriel Water
• Water is very sensitive in my district. I'm very rural.
• have an estimate on the cost to the water districts?
• My water districts are all run, most run by volunteers.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and so we want to know how feasible are those districts.
• And so we do have oversight over crime prevention districts.
• after district after district, which we do, I would like to see some type of result of that so that
• The question he had was, this water line or new water lines are going to be from the main to the house
• And again, the Sewerage and Water Board, and that part of the Sewerage and Water Board, has been pretty

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection. Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor. The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended. Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• water from another district and even out of state?
• I just look, we have 17 water districts, eight produce water that are also selling to places outside
• districts, and the majority of the water districts in the state support this measure. sponsor, have
• districts, and the majority of the water districts in the state support this measure.
• ><c> got</c> the water districts, if you've got the water districts, if you've got concerns<00:28:44.799

Keywords: Convene 00:00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 00:05:55 Report of Committees 00:07:26 Orders of the Day/HB 419 00:09:02 HB 103 00:12:30 HB 276 00:37:54 HB 188 00:43:39 HB 189 00:47:11 HB 258 00:53:52 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:58:16 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:11:11 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 01:13:29 ConC/Rules Report 01:17:06 Adjournment 01:18:20, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Representative Petzke, that $30 million was directed to be spent in Water Board districts 3
• districts and businesses and farmers that they invested in this water project or water around the state
• districts as well.
• Districts.
• water conservation districts that exist across the state.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed the Department of Water Resources budget. Analysts and Director Matthew Weaver explained the agency’s staffing, continuously appropriated funds, and the effect of ARPA and other one-time infrastructure dollars on the budget. Members asked about efforts to stabilize the Snake River Plain aquifer, the impact of budget holdbacks, groundwater monitoring, and the status of major recharge and conversion projects. Weaver and Water Resource Board Chairman Jeff Raybould said the state is working to reduce groundwater pumping, expand recharge, and build infrastructure to reach a long-term managed recharge goal of 350,000 acre-feet annually, with current recharge averaging about 251,000 acre-feet and capacity potentially exceeding 500,000 acre-feet in good water years. They also discussed project delays caused by permitting, federal land access, and coordination with multiple landowners, and said the $30 million infrastructure appropriation was fully obligated and largely spent. The committee also discussed water projects in other basins, including the Palouse Basin, Mountain Home, Elmore County, and the Bear River. Raybould said the board is considering a Bear River study to identify storage, recharge, and irrigation opportunities under the Bear River compact, and estimated that some future projects, such as a Moscow-area pump station and pipeline, could be very expensive. Members raised concerns about data centers, water quality in the Snake River Plain aquifer, and the role of private and local matching funds in water infrastructure. Weaver said data center water use is a public-interest issue that depends on scale and location, and that groundwater contamination issues are generally handled by the Department of Environmental Quality. The committee then heard the Soil and Water Conservation Commission presentation, which focused on the proposed merger/affiliation with the Department of Water Resources and on funding for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Weaver, serving as interim administrator, said a stakeholder review recommended moving the commission’s affiliation from Agriculture to Water Resources while preserving its current duties, nonregulatory mission, and resources. He said related legislation and a concurrent resolution would support that transition and allow time for further code review and a combined budget in 2027. Analysts also explained a supplemental and FY 2027 enhancement for CREP funding, noting that rising land values increased the state match needed for enrolled acres. Weaver said CREP can help reduce groundwater pumping, that about 11,000 of the 50,000-acre statewide cap are currently enrolled, and that full enrollment could significantly aid aquifer conservation. The committee adjourned after thanking the agencies and noting the next day’s agenda.