Bills: SB1928, SB259

Keywords: groundwater, water rights, waste prevention, conservation, permitting, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, water permits, water use reporting, metering, permit enforcement, groundwater waste, well permitting, cease and desist, fines and penalties, permit suspension, data centers, data processing facilities, cooling systems, evaporative cooling

Summary: The committee took up two water-related bills, both on committee substitutes with titles stricken. Senate Bill 259, carried over from the prior year, was described as a shortened version of earlier language that removed some provisions seen as burdensome and eliminated funding for the Water Resources Board. The author said the bill aims to recognize that water extends beyond property lines, add measuring requirements for permitted users, and preserve water for future generations while exempting domestic uses and pasture/livestock taps. After no questions or debate, the committee passed SB 259 by a vote of 7-1. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1928, which creates a voluntary five-year flex allocation program beginning January 1, 2027. The author said the program is intended to help existing permit holders measure and use water more efficiently without requiring new permitting or mandatory metering, and noted the proposal mirrors House language. He also explained that the original 200% annual cap had been reduced to 150% in the committee substitute. The bill passed 10-0. At the close, the chair noted both bills were heard to help develop broader water policy for Oklahoma and encouraged continued cooperation among interested parties. The committee then adjourned.

Bills: SB1928, SB259

Keywords: groundwater, water rights, waste prevention, conservation, permitting, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, water permits, water use reporting, metering, permit enforcement, groundwater waste, well permitting, cease and desist, fines and penalties, permit suspension, data centers, data processing facilities, cooling systems, evaporative cooling

Transcript Highlights:

• waste the money?"
• > jeopardize</c> groundwater does not jeopardize groundwater does not jeopardize groundwater<00:14:26.639
• The infectious waste comes in on trucks mixed with tons of other regular waste.
• </c> getting all their infectious waste. getting all their infectious waste.
• It is um waste stream.

Bills: HF1531, HF4017, HF3399, HF4146, HF4019, HF3677

Keywords: crossbow, crossbow hunting, archery season, deer hunting, bear hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, common carp, rough fish, game and fish, wildlife management, hunting license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, sunset clause, expiration removal, archery equipment, outdoor recreation, infectious waste, pathological waste

Transcript Highlights:

• What this amendment looks to do is say that if groundwater is the primary cooling source for a data center
• Groundwater is a precious resource. We need to protect that.
• If these facilities need to utilize groundwater, they shall use some means of low-consumptive.
• If they do find waste of water, the first day is fines.

Bills: SB259

Keywords: groundwater, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, water permits, water use reporting, metering, permit enforcement, groundwater waste, well permitting, cease and desist, fines and penalties, permit suspension, data centers, data processing facilities, cooling systems, evaporative cooling, closed-loop cooling, dielectric immersion cooling, animal feeding operations

Summary: The committee met for its final Energy meeting and took up Senate Bill 259, with Chair Newton offering an amendment as a condition for hearing the bill. The amendment focused on water protections for data centers, requiring low-consumptive cooling methods such as closed-loop, dielectric fluid, or air cooling when groundwater is the primary cooling source, and prohibiting traditional open-air evaporative cooling. Newton explained that the bill applies to permitted water users, not domestic household use, and is intended to ensure accurate measurement of high-volume water use such as irrigation and industrial use. Newton said the bill would require metering or another measuring device at a central point for permitted users, would not reduce a user’s allotment if they do not use their full permitted amount, and would allow the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to investigate complaints and assess escalating fines for waste or abuse. He also described a five-year averaging system that would allow users to exceed their annual allotment up to 150% in a single year as long as they remain within their permit over five years, and said the metering requirement would be phased in over time to reduce cost burdens. Members questioned the fiscal impact, whether the Oklahoma Water Resources Board costs would be covered by appropriations or fees, and why mandatory metering was preferable to a voluntary system. Newton responded that the board’s costs would be covered within its fee schedule, and argued that mandatory reporting and metering were needed to ensure compliance and long-term groundwater conservation, citing concerns about aquifer depletion and the importance of protecting water resources for future generations. The committee voted 8-0 to report Senate Bill 259 out with a do pass recommendation. The chair then thanked members and adjourned the meeting, noting it would be the committee’s last meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• the current committee sub is that it makes it clear that we're talking about treated wastewater, not waste
• If it's groundwater versus surface water, the groundwater is going to have more pollutants in it naturally
• continue to be a problem and it's even more exacerbated with the drought because if you're getting groundwater

Bills: HB 29, HB 685, HB 1633, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 1918, HB 2010, HB 2500, HB 2608, HB 2626

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• If they're wasting a lot of groundwater, then it would be good to see them included in this program.
• Groundwater is... ...not supposed to be wasted, and it happens year after year.
• are to groundwater resources.
• It's a massive taking of groundwater.
• Yet, groundwater conservation districts cannot directly deny groundwater production; they can only...

Bills: HB29, HB685, HB1633, HB1689, HB1690, HB1918, HB2010, HB2500, HB2608, HB2626, HB29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• current committee substitute is that it makes it clear that we're talking about treated wastewater, not waste
• Groundwater versus surface water; the groundwater is going to have more pollutants in it naturally occurring
• continue to be a problem, and it's even more exacerbated with the drought because if you're getting groundwater

Bills: HB29, HB685, HB1633, HB1689, HB1690, HB1918, HB2010, HB2500, HB2608, HB2626, HB29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:22.240><c> fuels</c> waste-based fuels waste-based fuels within<00:08:24.280><c> less</c><00:08
• <00:20:16.800><c> fuels</c><00:20:17.400><c> SAF</c><00:20:18.040><c> industry</c> waste-based fuels
• SAF industry waste-based fuels SAF industry that<00:20:19.560><c> would</c><00:20:19.680><c> not</c><
• That construction and demolition waste includes treated woods.
• We’ve got almost 100 people working for the company, both on the waste collection and the agriculture

Bills: HB1986, HB1694, HB1695, HB2030, HB1673

Keywords: clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean vehicles

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on three measures related to cleaner fuels. On HB 1986, which would require the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for a clean fuel standard by January 1, 2028 and include reporting and public informational sessions, testimony was largely supportive from state commissions, fuel companies, airlines, and other industry and advocacy groups. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term framework for reducing emissions and developing cleaner fuels in Hawaii. Opposition came from Energy Justice Network, which argued that so-called clean fuels are not carbon-free, would be costly, and could delay a needed transition to electrification. The department later said it was monitoring the bill and was concerned about costs. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1694, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit bill that would provide a per-gallon credit for SAF, cap annual credits at $20 million, require reporting, and sunset in 2035. The Department of Taxation testified on administration, while the Department of Transportation said it supported the measure as a short-term strategy to jump-start SAF until the clean fuel standard ramps up. Airlines, fuel companies, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and others supported the bill, saying it would send a market signal, help close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, and encourage local production and investment. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network, Life of the Land, and Ted Metros, argued the bill would be expensive, could lock in a transitional fuel system, and would not produce enough fuel to meet demand. Committee members asked about the likely impact and the share of total fuel demand the credit could support; DOT said the supported gallons would be only a very small percentage of annual demand and that the credit was intended to work alongside the future clean fuel standard. Finally, the committee took up HB 1695 HD1 on renewable fuel, which expands the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was again mixed but generally supportive from the Department of Transportation, Department of Taxation, Island Energy Services, airlines, the Tax Foundation, Pana Pacific, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters said the measure would encourage local feedstock production, create agricultural opportunities, and help attract investment in renewable fuels. Pana Pacific requested an amendment to explicitly include camelina in the definition of renewable feedstocks. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and Life of the Land, repeated concerns about cost, imported feedstocks, and the risk of undermining full electrification goals. The hearing transcript does not show any vote or final committee action on HB 1694 or HB 1695 HD1.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is streamlining the enacting statute to cut wasteful spending.
• Groundwater Conservation District. you, Mr.
• Groundwater Conservation District.
• The Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District consists of four counties.
• It's estimated to be the 11th largest groundwater district in the state.

Bills: HB3115, HB5671, HB5693, SB790, SB1055, SB1302, SB1504, SB1625, SB1663, SB2692

Keywords: Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater, water wells, domestic well, livestock well, exempt well, metering device, well meter, groundwater conservation district, Special District Local Laws Code, Water Code, Section 36.117, groundwater regulation, water rights, aquifer management, municipal utility, retail public utility, groundwater export, water supply contract, election

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources heard testimony on a series of water, utility, and groundwater-related bills. Early items included HB 5693, which would let Drainage District 7 hold board elections in November of odd-numbered years when a countywide election is occurring, and HB 5671, which would update the Johnson County Special Utility District by clarifying board eligibility, allowing bond issuance, and removing redundant TCEQ approval language to reduce costs and delays. Both bills were left pending after brief testimony from bill sponsors and local witnesses. The committee also heard SB 1504, which would update the Gulf Coast Authority to allow video-conference participation in meetings, and SB 1302, aimed at closing a TCEQ permitting loophole that allowed dischargers with prior denials or suspensions to reapply through an automated process without meaningful review. SB 2692 drew substantial discussion: it would change the signature threshold for outside-city-limits customers appealing municipal utility rates to the PUC by customer class. Valero supported the bill as a way to avoid requiring large-volume users to gather signatures from unrelated residential customers, while the City of Corpus Christi opposed it, arguing that lowering the threshold to one customer could trigger expensive appeals costing $500,000 to $1 million. A PUC witness said such cases are increasing and that the agency would need additional staff under the fiscal note. SB 790, creating a simplified PUC complaint process for small water and wastewater billing disputes, and SB 1663, expanding TCEQ notice requirements for nearby residents when groundwater contamination is discovered, were also heard and left pending. Additional bills included HB 3115, clarifying that the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District cannot require meters on exempt domestic or livestock wells; SB 1055, raising the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District’s production fee cap from 1 cent to 7 cents per 1,000 gallons; and SB 1625, requiring private water and wastewater utilities to report cybersecurity incidents to TCEQ and DIR. The committee then took up pending business and adopted a substitute for SB 7, which made several changes to water fund use, eminent domain coordination, and EDAP-related provisions, and voted 10-0 to report it favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute for HB 2347, a county water conservation program bill, and reported it favorably 9-1. HB 5675 and SB 2476 were each reported favorably 10-0. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Bills: HB3115, HB5671, HB5693, SB790, SB1055, SB1302, SB1504, SB1625, SB1663, SB2692

Keywords: Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater, water wells, domestic well, livestock well, exempt well, metering device, well meter, groundwater conservation district, Special District Local Laws Code, Water Code, Section 36.117, groundwater regulation, water rights, aquifer management, municipal utility, retail public utility, groundwater export, water supply contract, election

Transcript Highlights:

• um e-waste comprehensive um e-waste uh<00:54:15.760><c> collection</c><00:54:16.240><c> bill</c><00:
• </c> member of the Minnesota Zero Waste member of the Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition<00:58:17.040><c>
• </c> waste issues in the future. Thank you. waste issues in the future. Thank you.
• </c> materials are lost to the waste stream. materials are lost to the waste stream.
• </c> responsibility mechanism for that waste. responsibility mechanism for that waste.

Bills: HF3426, HF3896, HF1426, HF3793, HF4061, HF4246

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, wild rice, watercraft regulation, environmental protection, aquatic ecosystems, HF1426, product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, EPR, electronics recycling, e-waste, battery recycling, circuit boards, printed circuit boards, electrical products, covered products

Transcript Highlights:

• development of brackish groundwater.
• And the only way you can protect your right, your rights in your groundwater is to have a groundwater
• Including wells to dispose of municipal and industrial waste, oil and gas waste, and hazardous waste,
• Are, are there any of these brackish groundwater production zones that are not within a groundwater district
• actions to protect groundwater quality.

Bills: HB 937, HB 2078, HB 2080, HB 3322, HB 3350, HB 4212, HB 4630, HB 4896, HB 4951, HB 5348, HB 5675, SB 565, SB 971, SB 1662, SB 2124

Keywords: special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility

Transcript Highlights:

• This allows for a petition and hearing process. ...groundwater districts to amend brackish groundwater
• of brackish groundwater.
• covers wells used to dispose of municipal waste. and industrial waste, oil and gas waste, and hazardous
• waste.
• So if we're doing production in an area that's not in a groundwater district for brackish groundwater

Bills: HB937, HB2078, HB2080, HB3322, HB3350, HB4212, HB4630, HB4896, HB4951, HB5348, HB5675, SB565, SB971, SB1662, SB2124

Keywords: special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility

Bills: SB 28

Keywords: groundwater, groundwater conservation district, Water Code, Water Development Board, modeled available groundwater, aquifer, water permit, groundwater transfer, export groundwater, out-of-district transfer, management area, desired future conditions, well permit, retail public utility, potable water, emergency interconnect, subsidiary, controlled entity, aquifer management, water resources

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Department of Health, Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch.
• Solid Waste Task Force of Hoy support.
• </c><00:34:21.520><c> And</c><00:34:22.000><c> 14</c> Waste Kauaii in support.
• And 14 Waste Kauaii in support.
• Please come forward. waste reduction as well and we'd like to waste reduction as well and we'd like to

Bills: HB2241, HB2316, HB1566, HB1926, HB1673, HB1948, HB2602, HB1598, HB2334, HB2451, HB2243

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, lead materials, drinking water, public health, water infrastructure, safety regulations, HB1566, energy efficiency, LED lighting, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent bulbs, fluorescent fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps, CFL ban, mercury-free lighting

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a bill to expand the solar energy tax credit for single-family residential properties by removing certain cap amounts and raising the adjusted gross income limits for taxpayers to elect a refund of excess credits. The Hawaii State Energy Office and Department of Taxation both said they were standing on written testimony, while industry and advocacy groups largely supported the measure. Members questioned whether the income thresholds were set appropriately, how many taxpayers would be affected at different income levels, and how many would qualify for refundable treatment; Taxation said it did not yet have the requested numbers but was preparing a fiscal estimate. A major issue raised was drafting and administration: witnesses said the bill appears to apply differently to owner-purchased systems versus third-party leased systems, and Taxation said it likely could not easily verify household income for leased systems or cross-reference different taxpayers. Discussion also covered whether the credit should remain refundable, whether credits should be limited to amounts actually expended, and whether the bill should instead be structured to keep the credit with the system owner or lessor, with concerns about equity, market effects, and possible incentives to lease rather than buy. The committee then moved to HB 2316, which would align state restrictions on lead materials in drinking water infrastructure with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The Department of Health and other supporters testified in favor, and there were no questions from the chair. Next, HB 1566 on energy efficiency would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting, with the Hawaii State Energy Office providing technical assistance and a compliance survey prioritized for first responder facilities; testimony from state agencies and advocates was in support, and again there were no questions. For HB 1926 on Red Hill, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Board of Water Supply, and multiple organizations and individuals supported funding for remediation studies, environmental monitoring, groundwater research, independent testing, and a public dashboard, with DLNR emphasizing that decades of work remain necessary even after defueling and that the bill supports ongoing university and community partnerships. The committee then heard HB 1673 on landfill units. The Department of Health initially said it was in support but later corrected the record and stated it strongly opposes the measure, saying the bill would undo protections enacted last session that keep landfills out of areas over aquifers; the Board of Water Supply also opposed repeal of those protections, while the City and County of Honolulu supported the HD1 version that leaves siting decisions to the counties. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and the Energy Justice Network opposed the bill, arguing the original protections should remain and that the amended version had confused commenters; supporters of the original version urged restoring it and considering additional language on ash.

Bills: SB 1169, SB 1285, SB 1583, SB 1611, SB 1898, SB 1976, SB 2160, SB 2161, SB 2658, SB 2661, SB 2662, SB 2692, SB 1055, SB 1359, SB 2660

Keywords: water service, sewer service, public utility, joint operation, infrastructure, municipality, compliance, groundwater management, water conservation, district planning, environmental regulation, sustainability, groundwater, conservation, fees, agricultural uses, water regulation, wastewater treatment, environmental testing, pollutants

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 287 with Senate Amendment 2, an act to amend Title VII of the Delaware Code relating to solid waste
• provide annual recycling education to residents, and requiring commercial businesses to review their waste
• So the question is, are we talking here about waste companies that haul recyclables, or are we talking
• Jason Sunday, I'm an administrator in the Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances.
• So any business that generates waste. Okay. All right. Thank you. That answered the question.

Bills: SB287

Keywords: solid waste, recycling, universal recycling, single-stream recycling, multifamily housing, apartment recycling, commercial recycling, waste diversion, recycling grants, low-interest loans, Delaware Recycling Fund, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, DNREC, waste hauler, curbside recycling, yard waste, source-separated recycling, pay-as-you-throw, extended producer responsibility, waste bans

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and considered three Senate bills. SB 287 with Senate Amendment 2, a DNREC cleanup bill on recycling, would tighten recycling collection rules for haulers and commercial generators, require multifamily recycling education, repurpose the Delaware Recycling Fund, and add annual reporting; after brief questions and no public comment, the committee motion to release did not initially receive enough votes, so the bill was circulated for signatures. SB 346, which would speed Environmental Appeals Board hearing and decision timelines so DNREC secretary decisions become final if deadlines are missed, drew support from the Nature Conservancy and also failed to get enough votes at the meeting, so it too was circulated for signatures. The committee then took up SB 326, a major utility-regulation bill sponsored by Senator Hanson and Representative Heffernan that would cap certain non-mandatory utility spending, limit interim rates, increase oversight and transparency, and streamline rate-setting. SB 326 generated extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the Public Advocate, Sierra Club, PSC staff, and some legislators, argued that Delmarva Power’s spending on non-mandatory infrastructure has risen far faster than inflation, that the company is a regulated monopoly, and that the bill would help restrain future delivery-rate increases without harming reliability because mandatory reliability, storm response, and vegetation management spending would remain allowed. Opponents, including Delmarva Power, business groups, contractors, labor representatives, and the Delaware Contractors Association, argued the cap would delay needed reliability and capacity projects, hurt economic development, reduce jobs, and interfere with utility planning; they also said supply costs, not distribution spending, are the main driver of recent bill increases. After public comment and additional questioning, the committee voted to release SB 326 on a split roll call, but because several members were absent the bill was also walked for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.

Bills: SB2373, SB2101, SB2905, SB3231, SB2486, SB2376

Keywords: carbon sequestration, marine ecosystem, climate change, renewable energy, biodiversity, nature-based solutions, organic waste, solid waste, waste diversion, composting, bioconversion, recycling, food waste, green waste, food-soiled paper, wood waste, landfill diversion, waste reduction, waste management, county solid waste plan

Summary: The committee heard SB 2006, which would clarify that a farm dwelling permit in an agricultural district may include a single-family farm dwelling with an accessory employee housing structure, subject to restrictions. Testimony was largely supportive, with comments from the Department of Agriculture Biosecurity, DPP, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Realtors, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Hawaii Farmers Union, Housing Hawaii Future, and several individuals. The chair noted there were nine in support, two opposed, and four offering comments. In decision-making, the chair recommended passing the bill with OPSD-suggested amendments to clarify the definitions of farm employee housing and bona fide agricultural services. The chair also referenced opposing testimony that raised concern the original draft could limit tourism activities that provide supplemental income for bona fide farming operations. The proposed amendments were intended to make clear that farm employee housing is only for workers and not visitor accommodations, while allowing tourism activities on the same parcel if they are secondary and incidental to a bona fide agricultural operation, do not occur in employee housing units, and comply with county ordinances. The committee adopted the recommendation and voted to pass SB 2006 with amendments. The recorded votes showed the chair, vice chair, Senator Rhoads, and Senator Awa in favor, with Senator DeCoite excused. The same pass-with-amendments recommendation was then made to the housing committee and adopted there as well, with Senator Elephante voting aye and Senator Favella excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• By four years, the groundwater withdrawal for groundwater and irrigation efficiency projects in the Pinal
• the groundwater withdrawal fee structure.
• Groundwater withdrawal fee structure.
• use and discourage unreplenished groundwater use.
• , and the total volume of increased groundwater recharge due to active and passive groundwater and stormwater

Bills: HB2026, HB2027, HB2028, HB2031, HB2078, HB2094, HB2095, HB2101, HB2102, HB2103, HB2260, HB2278, HB2827, HB2932, HB2933, HB2934, HB2986, HCM2009, HCR2038

Keywords: assured water supply, groundwater, commingling, commingled water, water supply, Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR, active management area, AMA, subdivision plat, development approval, water rights, municipal provider, private water company, certificate of assured water supply, written commitment of water service, groundwater savings credits, gray water reuse, replenishment district, Central Arizona Project

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas before issuing or amending groundwater permits.
• Or amending groundwater permits.
• and in the management of groundwater by those groundwater districts.
• districts or groundwater wells in the district.
• Relating to certain groundwater export fees collected by groundwater districts, HB 1689 by Representative

Bills: HB2018, HB1633, HB1689, SB612, SB3058

Keywords: agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources

Summary: The Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs Committee heard several bills focused on groundwater management, water infrastructure, and agricultural land conservation. SB 612 would limit certain water districts in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties from charging developers pipeline construction fees above actual, documented costs; the committee substitute removed a developer challenge mechanism to preserve district discretion over construction standards. HB 1633 would require groundwater conservation districts to consider registered exempt wells when reviewing or amending permits, and testimony from landowners, district representatives, and advocacy groups largely supported the bill as a way to protect domestic and livestock wells from drawdown caused by large export projects. HB 1689 would clarify that export fee revenues may be used for well operability, alternative water supplies, and aquifer monitoring, including through interlocal cooperation, and HB 3058 would give the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District authority to use export fees for county road improvements and environmental programs tied to well inspection and groundwater management. HB 2018 would clarify that the Texas Farm and Ranchland Conservation Program is intended to purchase conservation easements only on working agricultural lands, with support from cattle raisers and Farm Bureau representatives. The committee also considered HB 29, which would require large water systems to validate water loss audits and submit mitigation plans; a committee substitute removed the water-loss threshold and adjusted the timeline for more detailed validation. Public testimony on the bills was generally supportive, with several witnesses describing declining well levels, road damage from export projects, and the need to preserve agricultural land and local water supplies. The committee adopted committee substitutes and voted favorably on HB 29, HB 1689, HB 2018, SB 612, and SB 3058, recommending several of them for the local and uncontested calendar; HB 1633 was left pending awaiting a committee substitute.