Transcript Highlights:

• When this was in our ESD, we responded with tankers that carry 3000 gallons of water to help subsidize
• the issues with the water supply.
• permits, um, were not approved in, um, in 45 days.
• Um, examples of the delays and permits and how the businesses were struggling because of it.
• Districts that can be created in the water code.

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• declare and provide notice of water shortages and emergencies. reservations no no need a no vote for
• Next up is SB 984, relating to water pollution.
• Next up is SB 1481, relating to motorcycle instruction permits.
• It would also clarify that previously permitted or authorized means permitted or authorized at the time
• </c><00:12:53.639><c> and</c> which currently are permitted and which currently are permitted and authorized

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a series of Senate bills and generally advanced most of them, often with technical or substantive amendments. SB 15 on the definition of historic property was amended to narrow the definition to properties at least 50 years old that are culturally significant or otherwise significant for Hawaii Register purposes, and it passed. SB 97 on excessive speeding was amended to clarify felony penalty language, license revocation timing, and fingerprinting procedures, and passed. Other bills passed as is or unamended included SB 145 on water shortages, SB 108 on accessible parking enforcement, SB 660 on hospitality anti-harassment measures and panic buttons, SB 1662 on landlord application fees and tenant screening reports, SB 1421 on Department of Health provider arrangements, SB 1439 on DOH nuisance authority, and SB 1452 updating controlled substances law. SB 1454 on wage payment violations passed with technical amendments only, while SB 1481 on motorcycle instruction permits was deferred as not ready. Several bills received more substantial changes. SB 253 on condominium association budget summaries was amended to require a single document and to shift the standard to substantial compliance; it passed. SB 371 on critical infrastructure damage was amended to remove a section affecting manslaughter law and to apply specifically to broadband and cable networks; it passed. SB 984 on water pollution liability for large landowners was advanced with a defective date. SB 1517 on public land leases for recreational residential use was amended to change the lease term to five years and add a defective date. SB 1074 on temporary continuation of challenged activities during environmental review was significantly amended to limit the provision to currently authorized activities, add a one-year limit with possible court extension, and clarify other terms; it passed. SB 1322 on emergency mental health transport was amended to restore provider-initiated transport language, require notice and coordination, remove special immunity provisions, and clarify court-ordered treatment procedures; it passed. The committee also passed SB 1496 on disability access to information in public accommodations, with a request that the committee report discuss the Roe v. St. Pizza case and the distinction between physical and digital accommodations. SB 1255 on Uniform Information Practices Act record retention was deferred as not ready. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that both agendas were completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the flow of water from SWP, from the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project, why that's
• Every water district that's listed on here is a water district that will benefit from water being moved
• 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
• Municipal Water District, both State Water Contractors, opposed to the audit.

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:

• So it's the different pool of water, CAP water.
• And so you need to get that permit from the Department of Water Resources.
• to access critical Water Banking Authority water?
• CAP M&I water, and so they might be storing that water.
• The permit would be for the volume of water allowed under the IGFR and its associated water duty, and

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with a presentation from the Arizona Water Banking Authority on its role storing Colorado River water underground and holding long-term storage credits for CAP municipal and industrial subcontractors, on-river contractors, the Hualapai Tribe, Mojave County Water Authority, and Nevada. Members asked about future firming for CAP subcontractors, recovery constraints, funding sources, and whether the authority could use groundwater withdrawal fee credits for Indian firming and CAP users. The manager explained the authority has no post-2026 firming policy yet for CAP M&I subcontractors, relies mainly on withdrawal fees and ad valorem taxes, and distributes credits on paper through ADWR transfer forms rather than delivering wet water. No action was taken on the presentation. The committee then heard SB 1445, which would allow certain small municipalities to conduct bacteriological testing on site with EPA-approved equipment and originally limited ADEQ sampling requirements to no more than four times per month. The sponsor and the mayor of Kearny argued the bill would reduce costs and travel burdens for rural towns while allowing more frequent testing. Committee discussion focused on whether the change was already possible under existing law and whether the amendment would weaken testing requirements. The Griffin amendment removed the language restricting ADEQ’s sampling frequency. The bill passed as amended on a 6-4 vote. The committee also considered SB 1137, a modernization measure for Arizona’s 811 call-before-you-dig system that sets procedures for large project coordination meetings, positive response communication, and related enforcement. Supporters from Associated General Contractors and an underground utility contractor said the bill reflects stakeholder consensus and would improve safety and efficiency without adding state costs. The Taylor amendment shifted implementation procedures from the Corporation Commission to the One Call Notification Center and made other technical changes. The bill passed unanimously, 10-0. SB 1287, which extends to all active management areas the ability of holders of irrigation grandfathered rights to withdraw up to 10 acre-feet annually for stockwatering or domestic use, also passed 9-1. The committee next approved SB 1335, as amended by a strike-everything amendment tied to the Ag-to-Urban program, allowing a groundwater savings holder to continue irrigating for up to two years after issuance of groundwater savings credits. DWR and irrigation district representatives said the change would address timing problems between relinquishing irrigation rights and finalizing development, while some members objected that it could increase groundwater pumping. The bill passed 5-4. Finally, SB 1336, which continues the State Land Department for four years and adds reporting, planning, and oversight provisions including a new oversight board, passed 5-4 after debate over whether another board was necessary and whether the reauthorization period was long enough. The committee concluded with SB 1677, appropriating $3 million for salt cedar mitigation along the lower Gila River and the Gila-Colorado confluence. Supporters from Audubon Southwest, the City of Buckeye, and local landowners described flood, fire, habitat, and water-supply benefits, while members questioned herbicide use and the need for data. The bill passed 9-0, and the meeting adjourned after all votes were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a new parking spot that we will require with a new permit? Thank you, Mr.
• But Other public entities across the state and follow their permitting process.
• Is there water sewer? I mean, it's just very difficult to do. Gas? Is there water sewer?
• They don't have a permit, hanging tag, or the license plate.
• system, our water, clean water, all of those issues that are important.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections. The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders. HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's it take to get a permit?
• They have more water going into the system than they have going out, and water is precious to all of
• For water.
• Now, mind you, it was a very small water system that only served 20 homes, but you know, you haul water
• a piece of Work to haul water to a house, to feed all the water needs in a house.

Transcript Highlights:

• have pressurized water reactors or boiling water reactors.
• Traditionally, we have used water as a coolant.
• At the same time, we have not given up on water. There are water-cooled advanced reactors also.
• It was a specialized water reactor. And GE, NuNuva, VWXRT is a boiling water reactor.
• looking at a pressurized water reactor or a boiling water reactor, 300, BDRRX 300, what is the supply

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we were primarily concerned with the water permitting and environmental assessment components of
• </c><00:15:30.240><c> permitting</c><00:15:30.800><c> and</c> concerned with the water permitting and
• concerned with the water permitting and environmental<00:15:31.760><c> assessment</c><00:15:32.320><
• The bill also requires the DNR to ensure that a water use permit is authorized for those centers that
• </c><00:16:56.800><c> for</c><00:16:57.040><c> those</c> water use permit is authorized for those water

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This does not apply to cooling systems that don't require a permit.
• There's nobody from CalEPA or the regional water quality board or the L.A.
• It's a state action by the Regional Water Board.
• But that is undertaken by the Regional Water Board as a delegation from EPA.
• , or for an MPDS permit for the sewer installation for a major project.

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WE DEVELOP SOMETIMES AND HIGH SEASONAL WATER TABLES.
• WITH THAT BEING SAID, THE PERMITTING PROCESS DOES REQUIRE AN OPERATING PERMIT.
• THESE WOULD REQUIRE AN OPERATING PERMIT AND MAINTENANCE.
• IT TENDS TO BE YOUR LIMITING FACTOR IN FRESH WATERS.
• PEOPLE SPEND DAYS AND WEEKS ON THE WATER.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the time permitted between the request of the permit and the approval of the permit?
• I'll leave out permitting right at the moment.
• They were able to get all of those permit fees.
• access to that water...
• And our water controllers, our water skilled laborers—those are part of the trades that we're not talking

Committee: House Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• There are non-light water reactors that use alternatives to water for coolants.
• The discharge has caused them to shut down, and the discharge of water actually heats the water significantly
• Do the SMRs utilize water in any major capacity?
• If you have SMRs that are light water reactors, the way that If you have SMRs that are light water reactors
• water...

Bills: SB5821 , SB6004 , SB6010 , SB5941

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: nuclear energy, energy strategy, advanced technology, sustainability, state policy, renewable energy, public entities, electric generation, contracting, SB 6010, Washington energy siting, EFSEC, Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, tribal consultation, government-to-government consultation, federally recognized tribes, energy facility siting, RCW, clean energy, alternative energy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Service lands in Wyoming commonly permit Service lands in Wyoming commonly permit camping<00:02:
• </c><00:37:40.000><c> for</c><00:37:40.240><c> for</c> temporary use permit for for temporary use permit
• We've got they don't lose any water.
• Um, it's not—yeah, they're not getting any water, and it's not um— Well, I've got the number one water
• </c><01:15:29.199><c> in</c><01:15:29.440><c> these</c> water upstream and downstream in these water

Committee: Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because right now you can get your city permit, but if you're still waiting around for other permits,
• Yeah, so the permit timelines that we've done in the past were only around cities and counties permitting
• The Permit Review Bill.
• Finally, this bill affects project permit application review, but not building permit application review
• And especially in smaller jurisdictions, it is the building permit that is the master permit that the

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a Northwest Florida Water Management District in my office last week, and I asked them how their
• if you are doing any sort of... ...construction project under $7,500, you don't have to get a permit
• in certain places where otherwise constructed structures would not be permitted, correct?
• We also replaced connected to public water system or a public sewer system with connected to public water
• The only thing you need to build is the promise of water and sewer being available.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, many focused on local government authority, land use, housing, and public notice requirements. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention, SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments, SB 936 on temporary door locking devices, SB 962 on affordable housing protections for farms, SB 218 on land use regulations in hurricane-affected counties, SB 1020 on regulation of chickee huts, and SB 1434 on infill redevelopment of environmentally challenged properties. SB 1180 on community development district recall elections was amended to narrow and clarify the recall process and to add provisions on synthetic turf and compact urban mixed-use districts before being reported favorably. SB 380 on legal notices was also amended and reported favorably despite significant opposition from the Florida Press Association, Common Cause, and others who argued it would further fragment public notice access; supporters said it would modernize publication options and save money. Testimony on the bills was mixed. Supporters of the housing and redevelopment measures argued they would increase attainable housing, streamline approvals, and make better use of underutilized or contaminated land, while local government groups and advocacy organizations warned about overdevelopment, reduced public input, infrastructure strain, and conflicts with comprehensive planning. On SB 1444, which combined preemptions related to religious gatherings, private clubs, and certain permitting requirements, supporters framed it as protecting religious freedom and limiting local micromanagement, while the League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties opposed it as overly broad and unclear; the bill nevertheless passed favorably after debate. SB 218 was presented as restoring normal land-use authority in counties unaffected by hurricanes while preserving protections in damaged areas, and SB 984 was described as clarifying firefighter cancer benefits and health coverage rules; both passed without controversy. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 948, a strike-all on local government land development regulations and orders that would create a statewide framework for starter homes and lot-split rules within urban growth areas. Supporters said it would expand housing supply and reduce regulatory delays, while opponents said it would override local zoning, weaken infrastructure and environmental protections, and apply too broadly. The bill drew support from housing advocates and some local officials, but opposition from the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and others. The transcript ends with SB 948 still under consideration, with testimony continuing and no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> our drinking water. our drinking water.
• But it has an immediate impact on facilities that have water discharge permits.
• </c> water discharge permits. water discharge permits.
• . permits. permits.
• . waters. waters.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• lot of makeup water.
• They treat water.
• They purchase water from another water system.
• treatment plant, and their ability to have the permits, how long it takes to get a permit to get water
• Water District or purchase water from the city of Grafton.

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:

• </c><00:57:53.760><c> to</c> Complex without a Minnesota permit to Complex without a Minnesota permit
• </c><01:09:01.199><c> uh</c> during the duration of your permit uh during the duration of your permit
• </c><01:09:35.920><c> to</c> on doing crime that were not permit to on doing crime that were not permit
• You know, uh, are we water use in operations by 15%. Um water use in operations by 15%.
• </c> improvements, for example, or water improvements, for example, or water conservation<01:23:15.840

Bills: HF3477 , HF3480 , HF3781 , HF3357 , HF3737 , HF3664 , HF3621

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, immigration enforcement, economic impact, Operation Metro Surge, study, appropriation, local government, Legislative Commission on Legislative Security, legislator security, elected official security, staff security, statehouse security, capitol security, legislative district safety, political violence prevention, threat assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• They are the source of water for tens of millions of people.
• Let me start with permitting reform.
• One major barrier to this is the slow and costly permitting process.
• And talk specifically about permitting, how it's really going to work.
• How are you going to get permitting improved so it really works and is timely?

Bills: HB471

Committee: Senate Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources Subcommittee

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the other hand, acquiring a permit restaurant permit costs $1,738.
• permits.
• But with that said, as we're thinking about every permit is different because... ...about every permit
• You don't have to do it for each permit. You have to do it for that class of permits.
• But again, when a water intention of providing water to development is there from a water agency, that

Summary: The committee heard several local government-related bills, with testimony focused on permitting, transportation funding, EV infrastructure, and commercial revitalization. AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson would require elected local and state officials to take anti-hate speech training through existing sexual harassment training. Supporters said elected officials should understand the impact of their words on hate and democracy; opponents argued the bill lacked a definition of hate speech and could chill protected speech, especially around sex-based issues. AB 2083, also by Jackson, would authorize a regional child care special district serving Moreno Valley and Paris to expand child care facilities and programs for five years. The California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions opposed the bill’s mechanism but said it was working with the author. AB 1693 by Assembly Member Suber would streamline retail tenant improvement permits by extending a process similar to a prior restaurant permitting law, with qualified professional certification and tighter local review timelines. It drew broad support from retail, business, and property groups and no opposition. Assembly Member Gonzalez presented AB 1679, which would create a temporary commercial activation permit for pop-up businesses to operate in vacant storefronts for up to 120 days. Supporters said it would help fill vacancies and lower barriers for small businesses; there was no opposition, and the bill advanced. Gonzalez also presented AB 2418, which would set timelines for nonresidential plan checks and inspections and allow private plan checkers after excessive delay. Business groups supported it as a way to reduce costly delays, while local government groups had no position but continued discussions with the author; the bill advanced with amendments. Assembly Member Shevlin presented AB 1820, which would cap local permit fees for EV charging installations and create a statewide fee schedule. Supporters said fees vary too widely and can deter charger deployment, while cities and counties argued existing law already requires reasonable cost recovery and that the bill could undercut local budgets and public safety review. Assembly Member DeMaio presented AB 1783, which would prohibit state and local mileage taxes or road user charges. Supporters framed it as a defense against a new tax burden, while opponents said studying road user charges is necessary to address declining gas tax revenue and future transportation funding needs. AB 1693, AB 1679, and AB 2418 were moved forward with motions and roll calls; AB 1783 was taken up with a motion and roll call left open, and AB 1820 remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.