Transcript Highlights:

• morning as acting administrator for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission.
• morning as acting administrator for the Soil Water Conservation Commission.
• The Soil and Water Conservation Commission agreed to that.
• , or WQPA, which provides cost-share assistance for projects designed to conserve water quality and water
• We can... ...to preserving soil and water. We maintain infrastructure.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee opened by welcoming a BYU-Idaho agribusiness class visiting the committee, then took up a rule docket, 020601-2501. Senator Lakey moved to approve the docket except for section 112, new subsections 01 through 05, which were rejected because the incorporated-by-reference documents lacked a specific date, creating a conflict with the Administrative Procedures Act. The motion carried. The committee then printed two RSs. RS 33272, presented by Senator Nichols, would create standards for kratom products, preserving access to natural leaf kratom while prohibiting adulterated or artificially enhanced products, requiring limited third-party testing, setting an age restriction, and clarifying supply-chain responsibilities. RS 33226, presented by Senator Lakey, is the Idaho Direct to Consumer Act, aimed at reducing regulation on small-scale homemade food and non-alcoholic beverage sales, including direct farm and ranch sales, while keeping basic labeling, recordkeeping, and food-safety education requirements. Both RSs were moved to print without opposition. The Idaho Department of Water Resources, speaking through the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, gave an agency update on district support, conservation programs, and budget requests. Staff described funding distributed to the 50 conservation districts, CREP and water-quality work, and the Water Quality Program for Agriculture (WQPA), which has seen strong demand and funded many projects statewide. In response to a question, Director Weaver said WQPA is not included in the governor’s budget. The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts then emphasized the value of locally led, voluntary conservation, citing education, infrastructure, and wildfire-related projects, and said districts return $2.82 in local benefit for every state dollar invested. No further actions were taken before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the topic of water, we aim to be a good water steward wherever we go.
• hogs causing both water pollution and water depletion.
• hogs causing both water pollution and water depletion.
• hogs causing both water pollution and water depletion.
• water out of it water or a net uh zero water out of it in<01:04:50.440><c> terms</c><01:04:50.680><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our water system is the second largest rural water system established under 116A in Minnesota.
• </c> the manager of Red Rock Water System. the manager of Red Rock Water System.
• </c><00:07:31.520><c> The</c><00:07:31.759><c> water</c> with safe drinking water.
• The water with safe drinking water.
• </c> receiving safe drinking water. receiving safe drinking water.

Bills: HF1667, HF2526, HF68

Keywords: correctional fees, supervision fees, probation, Department of Corrections, criminal justice funding, electronic home monitoring, drug testing, restitution collection, community service work, postprison supervision, court-ordered services, fee sunset, fee phaseout, offender fees, community corrections, supervised individuals, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We also need to improve water management. We need to keep cold water in stream at the...
• A big part of that is creating cold water habitat, protecting streams that provide cold water habitat
• quality and good cold water.
• Warm water is a concern, so we're seeing warm water.
• , potable water, and so forth, how we move water on the Delta.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture held its annual State of the Fishery forum, focusing on salmon, Dungeness crab, kelp, ocean conditions, and related aquaculture and committee reports. Opening remarks from committee leadership emphasized climate impacts, reduced federal NOAA support, state investments through Proposition 4, coastal resilience funding, and the importance of fisheries to rural economies and tribal communities. Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot described a decade of drought and climate stress, highlighted progress such as Klamath River dam removal, wetland restoration, and the state’s salmon strategy, and warned that federal funding uncertainty and staffing cuts could undermine restoration and fishery recovery efforts. Senator Cortese raised concerns about illegal cannabis cultivation damaging riparian habitat and water flows, and both Crowfoot and Fish and Wildlife Director Bonham said enforcement against illicit grows remains a major environmental priority but is constrained by resources. Director Bonham provided a broad update on California fisheries, reporting encouraging signs for salmon after several difficult years, including improved ocean conditions, stronger returns in some runs, and successful short recreational openings in 2025. He also noted major challenges, including reduced federal hatchery production at Nimbus, ongoing uncertainty around winter-run and spring-run recovery, and the need for continued habitat restoration, monitoring, and hatchery investment. On Dungeness crab, Bonham said the fishery remained valuable but constrained by whale entanglement risk, warming ocean conditions, and domoic acid concerns; he described new marked-line distribution, ropeless and alternative gear trials, and ongoing aerial and vessel monitoring. He also said the department’s unified cannabis enforcement task force had served numerous warrants and seized large amounts of illegal cannabis, but more funding is needed for sustained operations. In the salmon panel, Yurok Tribe fisheries director McCovey said the Klamath still faces low run sizes, climate-driven warming, wildfire impacts, and federal uncertainty, but he pointed to dam removal, restoration work, and AB 263’s river-flow protections as major advances. PCFFA president Bradshaw stressed that the three consecutive salmon closures have devastated coastal communities and argued for major reinvestment in aging Central Valley hatchery infrastructure and better broodstock management at Fall Creek. CalTrout’s Schneider said salmon remain at risk statewide, but cited Prop 4, habitat reconnection, floodplain restoration, improved water management, and monitoring as the main tools for recovery. In the crab panel, CDFW’s Schumann reported that the 2024–25 season produced record prices per pound and about $55 million in value despite delays and trap reductions, but he warned that three confirmed whale entanglements and elevated whale presence could force a conservative opener for 2025–26. PCFFA’s Domrash supported marked line, alternative gear, and a new gear-recovery network, while also criticizing the current ramp system as a response to a problem not fully grounded in science.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our members, both wholesale and retail water suppliers, provide over 75% of water to Californians.
• One, role divisions between the State Water Board, third-party providers, and water suppliers.
• We are going to support SB 1125 because we're paying three bills for water: a well, bottled water, and
• water for the drainage.
• They're paying the regular water bill, they're paying for bottled water, and they're paying for wastewater

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the water system. the water system.
• And when they actually need the water, it could be a while before they actually need that water.
• And when they actually need the water, it could be a while before they actually need that water.
• </c> need that water. need that water.
• </c> is water reservations. is water reservations.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• water.
• water supplies.
• We can't afford the water.
• water supplies.
• We can't afford the water. Your constituents are not going to be able to pay. water.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2025 — DRW and Energy and Water. HB 2026 — Shared water supply.
• Resources and Energy and Water. HB 2030 — Resources and Energy and Water.
• HB 2095 — Sure water supply will debt. Natural Resources, Energy and Water.
• Natural Resources, Energy and Water. HB 2099 — County water augmentation.
• Natural Resources, Energy and Water. HB 2102 — To best water hauling.

Summary: The House convened for opening-day proceedings with prayers in English and Spanish, the Pledge of Allegiance, and musical performances, then recorded attendance and welcomed the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jason Jameson. The Speaker introduced numerous guests and dignitaries, including statewide officials, university presidents, former lawmakers, and family members, and delivered remarks about Arizona’s history, the importance of civility, and the role of state government in protecting residents from federal overreach. Coaches Kenny Dillingham and Tommy Lloyd also addressed the chamber, speaking about leadership, talent development, and the ways sports can unite and inspire Arizona communities. The House then took up organizational business. Members adopted proposed changes to Rule 9 and then adopted the amended rules for the 57th Legislature, Second Regular Session. The chamber also agreed to read bills by number and short title only, declared an emergency for that purpose, and announced the creation of two new standing committees: Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, chaired by Representative Justin Wilmeth, and Rural Economic Development, chaired by Representative Teresa Martinez. A House Organizational Committee was appointed to notify the Senate that the House was organized and ready for business and to inform the Governor that the Legislature was ready to receive her message. The remainder of the session was largely devoted to points of personal privilege, with members introducing family, constituents, local officials, educators, veterans, business leaders, and advocacy groups. Several members highlighted issues they intend to work on this session, including affordability, water security, deed fraud, education, health care, rural development, and veterans’ issues. The House later recessed to accommodate the joint organizational proceedings with the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> private drinking water come from. private drinking water come from.
• ,</c> will mean an incredible need for water, will mean an incredible need for water, an<00:04:26.040
• First, water use and water quality.
• </c> water use and water quality. water use and water quality.
• </c> to protect our waters. to protect our waters.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:58.240><c> Um,</c> for Water Month in Hawaii. Um, for Water Month in Hawaii.
• </c> testifying first is the board water testifying first is the board water supply. >> Good afternoon
• in high-water-use agriculture.
• </c> management of public trust water management of public trust water resources<00:25:17.440><c> in<
• </c> Department of the East Maui Water Department of the East Maui Water Authority.

Bills: HCR31

Keywords: rangelands, pastoralists, Hawaii, livestock, environment, sustainability, ecosystem services, Paniolo traditions, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing first heard HCR 85, which urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer parcels in the East Oahu area. DLNR, OPSD, HHFDC, and HCDA testified, and the chairs noted an intent to keep revenues from the lands with DLNR while agencies collaborate until parcels are ready for substantive transfer. Both committees then voted to pass the measure as is, with the recommendation adopted. The committees also heard HCR 101 and HCR 166. HCR 101 was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted by both the Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committees. HCR 166, which asks DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, received no opposition in testimony and was also recommended and adopted unamended by both committees. Later, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee took up several resolutions. HCR 36, establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, Japan, drew support from DBED, which highlighted educational, agricultural, and airport-related opportunities, and the committee moved it forward. HCR 19, designating March as March for Water Month, was supported by the Board of Water Supply. HCR 162, creating an arts data mapping task force, received support from DBED and arts advocates, including the Hawaii Youth Symphony. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, and nursery capacity, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple community testifiers emphasizing climate resilience, native forests, and storm recovery. The committee also heard HCR 106 on designating Waikīkī as a world surfing reserve, with support from the University of Hawaii, and HCR 14 on a perpetual non-exclusive easement for existing drainage improvements at Waikīkī, which DLNR said had already been approved by the board and only needed legislative passage to execute. HCR 178, concerning a county set-aside for East Maui public trust water resources, drew testimony from the East Maui Water Authority and others supporting local control and public stewardship, while HCR 179, directing the Aamoku Advisory Committee to follow its rules and comply with Sunshine Law, drew testimony both in support and urging amendments to preserve Aamoku’s independent, semi-autonomous role. Because quorum was not available, decision-making on the later measures was deferred to the end of the 3 p.m. agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we'll jump around a little bit to H.R. 661, the one-water approach toward the state water supply
• So the one-water resolution specifies that the House of Representatives expresses support for a one-water
• approach toward the state's water supply, managing all water, whether from the tap, a stream, a storm
• It's different players in the overall scheme of water resources, water management, utilities.
• But if this one-water approach is the next step to have a water committee, which I've heard on and off

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee took up eight bills focused on water policy, coastal resilience, environmental regulation, beaches, wildlife funding, and carbon sequestration. HB 7001 preserved the public-record exemption for site-specific location information on endangered and threatened species before its scheduled repeal, and it was reported favorably 16-0. H.R. 661, expressing support for a “one-water” approach to the state water supply, drew discussion about whether it implied centralized control; an amendment aligning the resolution with Senate language was adopted, and the resolution passed 16-0 with a committee substitute. The committee also advanced HB 1345 on infrastructure and resiliency, which after a strike-all amendment authorized DEP to procure coastal resiliency projects through public-private partnerships and use incentives such as revenue-sharing, expedited permitting, public engagement, and workforce training; it passed 16-0. HB 477 on weather modification was substantially amended to return to current statute and add a $10,000 fine for failing to obtain a permit; the bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against weather modification and cloud seeding, and it passed as amended with a committee substitute. HB 6043, repealing the 2018 customary-use beach statute affecting Walton County, prompted testimony about beach access, tourism losses, and private property rights; it passed 17-0. The committee then approved CS for HB 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds and allowing use of the non-game wildlife trust fund for law enforcement and coordination with related agencies and landowners; it passed 17-0. HB 1169 revised water management district planning, budgeting, reporting, and procurement practices, including restrictions on lobbyist funds and updated project preference rules; two amendments were adopted and the bill passed 16-0. Finally, HB 1063 created a task force to study carbon sequestration and related ecosystem services in Florida’s natural and agricultural lands and waters; after amendments removing a fiscal component and clarifying voluntary participation and property-rights protections, it passed 15-2. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• When it's above water, it exfiltrates. So water, wastewater comes out of those pipes.
• pull water in from the sea.
• to water.
• You can see both above water and below water.
• water.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy focused on infrastructure, pollution, climate resilience, public health, access, and economic impacts of sea level rise in California, with an emphasis on San Diego and the Bay Area. Chair Tasha Boerner Horvath opened by describing the committee’s purpose, the state’s sea level rise action planning, and the need for better monitoring and early warning systems. She also referenced her prior bills AB 66 and AB 72, which supported Scripps research on coastal bluff collapse warning capabilities. Assembly Members David Alvarez and Jessica Caloza later joined and emphasized that sea level rise affects not only coastal communities but inland areas as well, and that the issue should inform future legislative and budget decisions. In the first panel, Dr. Mark Merrifield of Scripps Institution of Oceanography described observed sea level rise of roughly 0.8 to 0.9 feet since the early 1900s, with acceleration expected by mid-century and potentially much greater rise by 2100 depending on emissions. He highlighted flooding, groundwater rise, beach and cliff erosion, salinization, and risks to transportation, sewage, ports, and national security. Dave Gibson of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board discussed how sea level rise affects wastewater systems, stormwater, contaminated sites, wetlands, and coastal groundwater basins, and said the board is requiring climate adaptation planning, updating stormwater permits, and seeking more flexible state permitting and mitigation tools. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better mapping, more monitoring, and more state funding, especially if federal support from NOAA and other agencies declines. The second panel addressed public health, equitable access, and local economies. Ramon Chiras of Un Mar de Colores described how sea level rise, pollution, and access barriers threaten the Tijuana River Valley and Imperial Beach, especially for underserved communities and youth programs that rely on safe, welcoming access to the ocean. He stressed the cultural and spiritual importance of coastal access and the need for water safety and environmental education. Jessica Fane of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission explained that the Bay Area faces major economic exposure from sea level rise, citing a regional estimate of $96 billion in adaptation costs versus $230 billion in potential losses from inaction, and said BCDC is working with local governments under SB 272 on shoreline adaptation planning, funding, and regulatory innovation. Members discussed the tension between environmental permitting and the need to move projects faster, including the possibility of planned retreat in some areas and the use of simultaneous permitting and longer-term state authority to streamline adaptation work. In the final panel, Philip Gibbons of the Port of San Diego described the port’s climate adaptation efforts and its vulnerability assessments under AB 691. He said the port manages state tidelands, supports maritime commerce and recreation, and is already seeing flooding at king tides and during El Niño events, including storm-drain backflow and damage to bikeways and parks. He explained that future sea level rise could inundate major port areas and disrupt operations, underscoring the need for continued planning, mitigation, and infrastructure investment. The hearing did not take formal votes, but it concluded with a clear call for more science, funding, coordination, and regulatory streamlining to prepare California’s coast and nearby communities for worsening sea level rise impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• District 3 is very interesting as far as water management goes.
• 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.
• But this is known as the headwaters, or the water tower, for the Snake River system in Water District
• , critical water resource.

Summary: The Resource and Conservation Committee approved the minutes from its February 23 and February 25, 2026 meetings. It then heard and advanced three Senate concurrent resolutions focused on water issues: SCR 116, which highlighted Northern Idaho water needs and projects; SCR 118, which recognized water resource, flood control, and aquifer recharge projects in District 3; and SCR 117, which supported managed aquifer recharge, storage, and infrastructure modernization in the Upper Snake River/Water District 4 area. Each resolution received a due pass recommendation and was sent to the floor. The committee also considered three code-cleanup bills introduced by Rep. Dustin Manwaring. House Bill 566 repeals outdated references to the State Trust Fund of Outdoor Recreation Enhancement (STORE) and related park recreation code provisions. House Bill 568 repeals obsolete Department of Lands provisions concerning floating timber and townsite claims, described as historical artifacts no longer used in modern practice. House Bill 774 repeals a duplicative section setting minimum fines for illegal hunting of mountain lion, buffalo, and caribou because those penalties already appear elsewhere in code. Members asked few questions, and each bill was moved by committee members and approved without opposition. All three bills received due pass recommendations and were sent to the floor. The meeting concluded after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• lower division of the Bear River, and that water belongs to Idaho under the compact.
• Paul Arrington with the Idaho Water Users Association.
• We've heard from surface water users and groundwater users on the Eastern Snake Plain.
• create at least as good as, if not a better, water future for the citizens of the state.
• to the betterment of our citizens for a brighter water future.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 1396, a Code Cleanup measure repealing Idaho Code 67-452, which had authorized Idaho membership on the Pacific Fisheries Task Force. It was noted that Idaho has not participated since 2022. Senator Cook moved the bill be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion passed unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 855 from Representative James Petsky, which would extend the residency requirement for purchasing a lifetime hunting or fishing license from six months to five years. Petsky said the change was intended to close a loophole he described as people moving to Idaho briefly to qualify for the license and then leaving. Idaho Fish and Game testified in support, saying the bill would reduce abuse of the program and better align with the state’s nonresident draw system. After questions about how residency is verified and whether the bill would affect current license holders, the committee voted to send HB 855 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Next, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 34 from Senator Mark Harris, which reaffirms Idaho’s rights under the Bear River Compact and calls for studies, reporting, and planning related to water storage, recharge, and stream gauging in the Bear River Basin. Paul Arrington of the Idaho Water Users Association supported the resolution and said it would help identify ways to better manage and develop water supplies. The committee asked about costs, and Arrington said the resolution was focused on study and reporting rather than immediate project spending. The committee then moved HCR 34 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also approved the February 25 minutes and concluded with a recognition of page Antoine, who spoke about his future plans and was presented with a gift.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 125,000 acre-feet of water that come down the Bear River.
• 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

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee heard a series of water- and natural resources-related bills and one hunting license bill, with most measures described as code cleanup or clarification. Speaker Moyle presented House Concurrent Resolution 34, which asks the Water Resource Board to conduct two studies on Bear River water: one on current allocation by June 1 and another on available options for better use by the end of September. The committee heard no testimony and sent the resolution to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Representative Mickelsen presented Senate Bill 1307, a statewide cleanup of overlapping and inconsistent water code provisions governing lateral ditches and responsibility for operation and maintenance; it passed with support from Representative Shepherd and was sent to the floor. House Bill 567, another cleanup bill involving repeals and amendments to several water-related code sections, was sent to General Orders so amendments could be made after concerns were raised about compact-related language. House Bill 855, changing the residency requirement for lifetime hunting licenses 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. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1304, clarifying that certain water delivery equipment may be moved within ditch easements; Senate Bill 1305, allowing water districts to adopt a fixed fee to cover administrative costs related to tracing water rights during property transfers; Senate Bill 1306, clarifying the process and timelines for withdrawing from a water district; and Senate Bill 1337, which gives smaller irrigation districts more flexibility in who may serve on their boards. House Bill 887, allowing two-person water skiing operations on public water under specified conditions, including a mirror requirement and an early-morning time limit, also received a do pass recommendation. Most bills passed without opposition, and the meeting adjourned after the committee completed its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The water that is there is drier. Generally, you have less water in streams.
• They slow water down, and they increase connections. Of course, they have big impacts on water.
• They slow water down and they increase connections between surface water and groundwater.
• Starting with the increased water availability and reduced summer water temperature, I want to note,
• It can hold more water, slowing the water down.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills and a joint memorial, with testimony largely focused on steelhead recovery, agricultural viability, wildfire funding, and shellfish fees. On SB 6241, which would create a wild broodstock conservation program for steelhead, staff described a statewide program with a fiscal note of about $14.6 million in FY 2027, while sponsor Sen. Braun argued the concept could boost wild populations and fishing opportunity at lower cost than the fiscal note suggests. Proponents, including anglers and conservation groups, said broodstock programs could improve fisheries, preserve genetics, and support local economies; opponents, including Trout Unlimited, argued the bill was too broad, not sufficiently science-driven, and should be left to agency and co-manager discretion. The public hearing closed with a strong pro/con sign-in count in favor of the bill. The committee then heard SB 6104, a broad agriculture-protection bill that would require agricultural impact statements for certain agency actions, annexations, and zoning changes, and would direct mitigation measures when actions harm agricultural or natural-resource-based commercial activities. Sponsor Sen. Muzzall said Washington agriculture is under severe pressure and losing farms, while supporters from farm groups said the bill would force agencies to consider ag viability and compensate for impacts. Opponents, including a small farmer and environmental advocates, said the bill was too procedural, could burden modernization or conservation efforts, and might create uncertainty around existing conservation funding accounts. The hearing ended with more testimony in opposition than support. The committee also heard SJM 8015, urging the federal government to ensure wildfire-response consolidation does not reduce capacity or firefighter safety. Sponsor Sen. Short and many testifiers, including private forest owners, tribes, students, conservation groups, and local officials, emphasized the importance of maintaining and fully funding Washington’s wildfire response and forest-restoration investments, especially the 1168 account. Testimony highlighted fuel breaks, early detection, community protection, and the economic costs of wildfire. The memorial drew overwhelmingly pro testimony. Finally, the committee suspended the five-day notice rule to hear SB 6318 on commercial shellfish fees; staff explained it would cap Department of Health fee increases after a recent fee review, and shellfish growers strongly supported the bill as necessary to keep small farms viable. The committee also took a work session on beaver relocation and habitat restoration, where presenters described beavers as a water-retention and wildfire-resilience tool and discussed coexistence, relocation, and possible future management changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• with water supply.
• The water supply assessment process focuses on identifying the water supply needed for a large-scale
• Jack Wurston, on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Water District and the Alevenheim Municipal Water District
• Water agencies already prepare 20-year urban water management plans, and the Subdivision Map Act requires
• shortage issues when the water supply water shortage issues when the water supply assessment was not

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, land use, and local government transparency. SB 911 by Senator Becker would require notification to fire enforcement agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold with an agreement for the buyer to bring the property into defensible-space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 by Senator Cabaldon would bar local officials from signing nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the elected decision-makers of their jurisdiction; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it also passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1041 by Senator Riggins would expand PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements and add consumer protections, but it drew strong opposition from homeowner advocates, county treasurers, bankers, and others over predatory lending and lien concerns; it passed 3-2 and remained on call. The committee also considered SB 1075 by Senator Reyes, which would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality reduction measures in land-use approvals for industrial and commercial projects. Environmental justice groups supported the bill as a way to implement community air plans, while counties, cities, business groups, builders, trucking interests, and others opposed it as duplicative of CEQA and a barrier to investment and jobs. After debate over local control and environmental justice, the bill passed 3-2 and remained on call. SB 958 by Senator Cabaldon would advance the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, replacing a former arena and parking lots with housing, affordable units, parks, and a new entertainment venue; with no opposition voiced, it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. Another wildfire-related measure, SB 1182 by Senator Allen, would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in high fire hazard areas and direct state technical guidance on the issue. Supporters said insurance access is now a key indicator of risk, while some members questioned whether the bill would add useful information or burden local governments; the bill received a 1-1 vote and remained on call. The committee then began hearing SB 1116 by Senator Caballero, a starter-home/infill housing bill creating a streamlined ministerial path for small projects up to 10 units, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waters: Aye. Representative Waters votes aye. Walsh: Nay without recommendation. Aye.
• Waters: Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass.
• Waters: Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass.
• Waters: Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass.
• Waters votes aye. Do not pass. Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass.

Bills: HB2514, HB2352, HB2475, HB2206, HJR4210, HB2447, HB2661, HB2572

Keywords: HB 2514, global war on terror, GWOT, war on terror memorial, Capitol campus memorial, Washington veterans, fallen service members, military memorial, post-9/11 veterans, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, veterans memorial, capitol grounds, state memorial, Secretary of State, Capitol Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm David Basinger, Chairman. of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
• On behalf of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
• Soil and Water Conservation Board programs.
• I'm John Foster, Programs Officer for the State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
• The Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts represents 216 soil and water conservation

Bills: HB294, HB405, HB519, HB294

Keywords: food production, property owners' association, home gardening, cottage food, urban agriculture, livestock, community standards, renewable energy, ethanol, biodiesel, incentives, agriculture, grants, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties

Transcript Highlights:

• A bottle of water might keep somebody alive for a day, but communities need water in volume.
• </c> State Drinking Water Administrators. State Drinking Water Administrators.
• </c> around water needs on the ground. around water needs on the ground.
• </c> can take that out of the water. can take that out of the water.
• </c> water that we drink. water that we drink.

Bills: SB8

Keywords: utilities, public service commission, energy regulation, appointment, emergency declaration, tax increases, consumer protection, Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:51 Approval of Minutes 00:02:07 Legislator Comments 00:02:18 LIHEAP Public Hearing 00:04:19 PSC Update on RS 26 SB 8 00:32:18 WaterStep Presentation 01:04:08, 958, all