Video & Transcript : 'water scarcity' :
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 6th, 2026 at 04:27 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- It set them aside to provide timber and water for the nation in perpetuity.
- Now, now, So much water coming down the watersheds.
- It focuses primarily on protecting public lands, waters, and wildlife for all.
- Let's rehabilitate the floodplain so we can just let the water flow.
- Let's rehabilitate the floodplain so we can just let the water flow.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Keywords:
natural resources, motorboat, boating safety, personal watercraft, PWC, watercraft operator permit, boater safety exam, off-road vehicle, ORV, ATV, snowmobile, state trail pass, cross-country ski pass, horse pass, state park permit, game and fish, hunting license, fishing license, wildlife permit, invasive species
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They're just, they don't hold water.
- are going from county judge and commissioners association are to. to help us navigate through the waters
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water permit, water appropriation, dam permit exemption, reservoir, flood control, floodwater control, erosion control, sediment control, watershed protection, flood prevention, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, USDA, local sponsor, district, authority, water infrastructure
TX
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
municipal libraries, state funding, gender identity, public events, children's literature, SB 19, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county, city, municipality, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying ban, public funds, registered lobbyist, Chapter 305, Government Code, Local Government Code, county association dues
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They provide water. Our clients provide water at their venues.
- </c> saying the the event doesn't have water. saying the the event doesn't have water.
- Um, water is life.
- Um, water is life. me about it. Um, water is life.
- </c> bottled water in or their own water bottled water in or their own water bottles.<01:16:15.679><c
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
Keywords:
consumer protection, restitution, attorney general, consumer enforcement, unclaimed funds, victim compensation, settlement funds, special revenue fund, general fund, restitution account, consumer fraud, state treasury, eligible consumers, distribution of funds, tax subtraction, income tax, refund, unpaid compensation, Minnesota Department of Revenue, consumer redress
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 409, 5 March, 2026; 9:30 A.M.
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 3:30 P.M.
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res
Transcript Highlights:
- end of the committee sub that is it just says it deleted language that charges a $10 permit fee for water
- /c><00:10:52.240><c> permit</c><00:10:52.640><c> fee</c><00:10:53.120><c> for</c><00:10:53.440><c> water
- </c> charges a $10 permit fee for water charges a $10 permit fee for water wells.<00:10:54.800><c> And
Committee:
Joint Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res
MS
Mississippi 2025 Regular Session
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 216, 17 March, 2025; 4:00 PM
MS
Mississippi 2025 Regular Session
Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 210; 30 January, 2025: 11:00 AM
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> paper uh asking about is water paper uh asking about is water available?
- water to these parcels.
- water to this to water system to provide water to this to these<01:02:59.480><c> parcels.
- </c> Board of Water Supply to do this. Board of Water Supply to do this.
- </c> don't know what the other county water don't know what the other county water water<02:24:55.760
Bills:
SB2613 , SB2543 , SB2398 , SB2046 , SB2800 , SB2818 , SB2973 , SB2367 , SB2907 , SB3067 , SB3053 , SB2944 , SB2074 , SB2596
Committee:
House Water & Land
Keywords:
public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2613, SD1, HD1, relating to public school land transfer. The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Education supported the bill’s technical cleanup of Act 307, but strongly opposed a new provision that would convey school parcels containing public and school library facilities to the Hawaii State Public Library System. They argued the added transfer language conflicted with Act 307’s purpose of consolidating school land for more efficient school operations, and said existing law already allows co-located library use through rights of entry, licenses, or other agreements. The library system supported the bill and said it was trying to resolve longstanding operational conflicts on shared school-campus libraries, especially where public access, construction, and campus safety issues arise.
Members questioned whether the Board of Education should simply mediate the dispute, whether the bill was the right solution, and whether a formal memorandum of agreement might be a better approach than a land transfer. The library system described years of difficulty coordinating with DOE on projects and said it needed a clearer process to complete work and spend CIP funds. Discussion also touched on a Kauai parcel in the bill, identified as a tennis court, and whether resurfacing could be completed before any transfer. The Attorney General indicated that if the goal is to preserve library uses while keeping title with the state, DLNR or another documented arrangement may be more appropriate than transferring fee title to the library system.
The committee then heard SB 2543 SD2 HD1, relating to state construction projects. DAGS supported the measure, and the Hawaii Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Hawaii Building Construction Trade Council strongly supported it, saying the bill would help spot-check high-cost projects and reduce waste from overruns and delays. One testifier opposed the bill, arguing the proposed construction manager role was too limited and that DAGS needed more training, decentralized authority, and better internal decision-making rather than a new layer of oversight. Supporters said the bill was intended as a pilot program to address repeated cost overruns and improve accountability on state construction projects.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Apr 13th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- And this deals with brine water and how it can be used.
- this is not your basic water around your house. and stuff like this is permitted water users that request
- a permit from the OwRB and are given a permit for water to use so much water every year.
- These are made up of members that are from all aspects of water.
- water use, soil conservation, industrial water use, irrigation interest, and oil and gas production.
Bills:
SB3 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB259 , SB1191 , SB1246 , SB1314 , SB1439 , SB1613 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB330 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB3 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB259 , SB1191 , SB1246 , SB1314 , SB1439 , SB1613 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB330 , SB2069 , SB2095
Committees:
House Energy , House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight
Keywords:
industrial hemp, program licensing, agriculture, cannabinoids, state regulation, water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Apr 13th, 2026
Energy and Natural Resources Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Because you still have to be able to have access to that water. Permitted water. You recognize.
- This is permitted water users.
- These are water users that request a permit from the OWRB and are given a permit for water to use so
- much water every year.
- I mean, for permitted water users? Current statute now? I mean, for permitted water users?
Bills:
SB3 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB259 , SB1191 , SB1246 , SB1314 , SB1439 , SB1613 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB330 , SB2069 , SB2095
Committee:
House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight
Keywords:
industrial hemp, program licensing, agriculture, cannabinoids, state regulation, water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield
Summary:
The committee took up a long agenda of agriculture, water, energy, wildlife, and licensing bills, often adopting policy committee recommendations or full committee substitutes as working drafts before hearing brief explanations and questions. Several measures were described as request bills from agencies or industry groups, including bills on hemp/THC limits, groundwater and aquifer management, brine water use, dairy and milk regulation, livestock transport accidents, unpasteurized milk sales, egg sales, outfitter licensing, LP gas, DEQ permitting, and an elk population study. Members raised recurring concerns about water rights, landowner protections, enforcement authority, and whether certain bills would affect private property or due process.
Among the more debated items was SB 3, which narrows Oklahoma’s hemp definition to align with the federal standard and was framed by the author as a way to keep intoxicating hemp products away from children; it passed 14-0. SB 1439, which would limit certain climate-related lawsuits against energy producers, drew constitutional and due process questions and passed 10-4. SB 1930 on brine water and iodine production passed 14-0 after discussion of landowner compensation, and SB 259 on aquifer management and five-year averaging for permitted water users passed 8-6 after extensive questions about metering and water allotments. Other water-related bills included SB 1346 creating a water infrastructure loan program, SB 1509 on well spacing, and SB 1314 increasing an indemnity fund cap for well-drilling contamination incidents.
The committee also advanced SB 2117 clarifying authority for stop-sale or destruction orders, SB 2127 creating an advisory council on product classification, SB 1191 dissolving an unused low-energy/low-carbon board, SB 2110 expanding direct sales of ungraded eggs, SB 2134 setting procedures for livestock transport accidents, SB 2028 authorizing unpasteurized milk sales with a higher monthly gallon limit, SB 269 prohibiting baiting for migratory birds, SB 2095 requiring certain out-of-state outfitters to be licensed and insured, SB 1613 as an LP gas industry mirror bill, SB 1246 to speed DEQ permitting, SB 1976 phasing in surety bond requirements, and SB 330 directing a comprehensive elk study. Most bills were reported out do pass, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to divided, and the meeting adjourned after the final bill.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- That was the nexus that select water. That was the nexus that select water<00:02:46.800><c> took.
- water is treated and piped through.
- </c> things here. the enhancement of water things here. the enhancement of water yield<00:15:41.680><
- water flow which helps the<00:23:56.240><c> adjudicated</c><00:23:56.880><c> water</c><00:23:57.120>
- </c> and we lose the ability to bring water and we lose the ability to bring water to<00:34:29.919><c
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:27:24.799><c> we</c> and storm water because we and storm water because we Uh<00:27:26.320><c
- , wastewater, and storm water.
- , wastewater, and storm water.
- on the Select Water Committee.
- That's a Hoboach Junction public water system where they're standing up a new water system.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Keywords:
forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- of both water and wastewater.
- of both water and wastewater.
- So then again, all that water coming into the valley just is getting into those water lines.
- Has this appropriation for the Mora mutual domestic water system been proposed? Water system.
- it can also go through the Water Projects Fund or the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Committee:
Senate Senate Conservation
Keywords:
motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 22, which would allow certain motor vehicle manufacturers, including electric vehicle companies, to be licensed as dealers in New Mexico and sell/service directly to consumers. Supporters, including the sponsor’s office, Taxation and Revenue, Rivian, and clean-energy advocates, argued the bill would expand consumer choice, lower prices, improve EV access and service in-state, and bring new investment and jobs without eliminating existing franchise dealers. Opponents, including auto dealer associations, chambers of commerce, and franchise owners, argued the measure would weaken the franchise system, harm local businesses and jobs, reduce community reinvestment, and could disadvantage rural and tribal communities. After questions about trade-ins, tribal land sales, tax effects, and economic impacts, the committee voted to table SB 22 by a vote of 7-2.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 310, which appropriates $1.1 million to the New Mexico Environment Department for planning, design, and construction improvements to the Mora mutual domestic water system. Supporters described aging water and wastewater infrastructure, an AOC related to discharge into the Mora River, flood and fire impacts, and heavy-metal contamination concerns in private wells. They said the project is part of a larger effort to address inflow and infiltration, improve treatment capacity, and protect public health, with additional funding already sought through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and the Water Trust Board. Some senators questioned whether the request should instead go through existing water funding programs and raised concerns about piecemeal financing and the Environment Department’s role, but others supported the need for the project. The committee approved SB 310 on a 5-3 due-pass vote.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 10th, 2026 at 11:16 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Rio Puerco, which actually had water in it once a couple of months ago.
- knobby-kneed and a little nervous because the swim instructor made us jump in head first and get used to the water
- Swim instructor made us jump in head first and get used to the water. Welcome, Bernalillo County.
- The Water Project Fund changes on House Bill 109-8 temporarily allow the New Mexico Finance Authority
Bills:
HB111 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB49 , HB60 , HB108 , HB120 , HB124 , HB145 , HB154 , HB158 , HB164 , HB180 , HB291 , HJR6 , HJR7 , HR1 , HJM1 , HM13 , HM47
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 10th, 2026
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Rio Puerco, which actually had water in it once a couple of months ago.
- The Rio Puerco, which actually had water in it once a couple of months ago.
- So I just want to thank you all. which actually had water in it once a couple of months ago.
- Speaker, the Water Project Fund changes on House Bill 1098 temporarily allow the New Mexico Finance Authority
- Speaker, the Water Project Fund changes on House Bill 1098 temporarily allow the New Mexico Finance Authority
Bills:
HB111 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB49 , HB60 , HB108 , HB120 , HB124 , HB145 , HB154 , HB158 , HB164 , HB180 , HB291 , HJR6 , HJR7 , HR1 , HJM1 , HM13 , HM47
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
Summary:
The House opened with a series of ceremonial recognitions, including Bernalillo County Day, Pecos Elementary, Las Vegas, New Mexico Highlands University, the New Mexico International School, and the Sun Country golf organizations. Members and guests offered brief remarks praising county staff, educators, university programs, and local public service, and several caucus and committee announcements were made. The House also received a gubernatorial message authorizing consideration of House Bill 303, which was then removed from Rules, ordered printed, and referred to the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
The chamber then adopted a long slate of committee reports, moving multiple bills and memorials forward, including House Bills 294, 298, 38, 127, 151, 165, 47, 63, 64, 184, 200, 309, 311, 329, 310, and memorials 20 and 51. Most reports were adopted without objection, and several measures were advanced with committee substitutes or amended versions. The House then proceeded to third reading on selected bills.
On final passage, House Bill 128 passed 61-1. The bill updates presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for full-time firefighters with occupational cancers and other illnesses, and debate focused on the exclusion of volunteer firefighters, the evidentiary burden for exposure claims, and whether the bill should be expanded later. House Bill 109, dealing with the Water Project Fund and allowing the New Mexico Finance Authority to award funds without legislative authorization through December 2029, passed 61-0. House Bill 158, requiring accountability and evaluation plans for agencies receiving growth funds, passed 63-0. House Bill 49, increasing the penalty for serious violent felons who possess firearms or destructive devices to a second-degree felony, was debated extensively over sentencing discretion and the distinction between serious violent and nonviolent felons; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- existing law provides, is limited to properties that do not have city ownership. ...wastewater and water
- exemptions granted to housing authorities do not apply to taxes imposed by a district that provides water
Bills:
SB208 , SB628 , SB777 , SB1042 , SB2354 , SB2477 , SB2521 , SB2523 , SB2608 , SB2703 , SB2778 , SB2835 , SB2965 , SB2367 , SB3044
Committee:
Senate Local Government
Keywords:
workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The roads, water, site prep, all require upfront investments, and in rural communities, that kind of
- We'll have to do our own water and sewer.
- the long-term sustainability of water supplies.
- According to the Texas Water Development Board, 30 to 50% of residential water use statewide goes to
- According to the Texas Water Development Board, 30 to 50% of residential water use statewide goes to
Bills:
SB208 , SB628 , SB777 , SB1042 , SB2354 , SB2477 , SB2521 , SB2523 , SB2608 , SB2703 , SB2778 , SB2835 , SB2965 , SB2367 , SB3044
Committee:
Senate Local Government
Keywords:
workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and limited public testimony to two minutes per person. The committee heard Senate Bill 628 by Senator Zaffirini, which would clarify that counties may enter interlocal agreements with emergency service districts to administer and enforce county fire codes, including for multi-county ESDs in the committee substitute. Witnesses from Travis County ESD-11, the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office, and a member of the public supported the bill as a way to reduce duplication, costs, and jurisdictional confusion. Public testimony was closed and the committee substitute was left pending.
The committee then heard several housing-related bills. Senate Bill 208 by Senator West would create a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund to provide zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders for workforce housing; Habitat for Humanity representatives, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, and housing advocates supported it as a way to finance infrastructure and land development for affordable homes. Senate Bill 2835 by Senator Johnson would allow cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings for small-scale, multi-story housing; supporters said the design is safe and could expand housing supply, while the Texas APA expressed qualified opposition over code-process concerns and fire-safety questions. Both bills were left pending after testimony.
Additional bills heard included SB 1042 updating the Kimble County Hospital District’s enabling law; SB 1708, a committee substitute protecting familial property divisions from platting requirements; SB 2778 raising the ESD expenditure threshold requiring board approval from $2,000 to up to $50,000; SB 2608 expanding LIHTC eligibility for certain public housing projects; SB 3044 adding board representation for Marfa and Presidio on the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District and adjusting an exemption; SB 2367 extending park board authority to Waller County; SB 2523 clarifying ETJ reduction procedures and owner opt-out rights; SB 2521 requiring death-certificate reporting to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead exemption issues; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in larger cities. In each case, the bills were laid out, testimony was taken, and the measures were left pending subject to call of the chair. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.
WY
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Keywords:
healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, Medicaid, emergency medical services, ground ambulance, healthcare funding, reimbursement rates, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment