SB 3053: DOH; DLNR; Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program; Waikele Watershed; Report; Mangrove Removal; 19th Senatorial District; Appropriations
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-24
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-04-27: Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 762).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed. Requires report to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed. Requires report to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed. Requires report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Appropriates moneys to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3053 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(1) Monthly stream monitoring and assessment;
(2) Monitoring of watershed conditions contributing to stream health;
(3) Identification of potential sources of pollutants; and
(4) A report of findings and recommendations to improve water quality, including any proposed legislation, that shall be submitted to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for mangrove removal and other shoreline and stream maintenance in the nineteenth senatorial district and nearby areas, including the Pearl Harbor shoreline along West Loch and Middle Loch. Expenditures may include:
(1) Phased invasive mangrove removal across shoreline and estuarine areas;
(2) The planting of native vegetation;
(3) Necessary maintenance to prevent regrowth of mangroves;
(4) Biological and habitat monitoring; and
(5) Coordination with partner agencies, including the United States Navy and United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as necessary for access and other jurisdictional issues.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the division of aquatic resources of the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DOH; DLNR; Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program; Waikele Watershed; Report; Mangrove Removal; 19th Senatorial District; Appropriations
Description:
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed. Requires report to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3053 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(1) Monthly stream monitoring and assessment;
(2) Monitoring of watershed conditions contributing to stream health;
(3) Identification of potential sources of pollutants; and
(4) A report of its findings and recommendations to improve water quality, including any proposed legislation, that shall be submitted to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for mangrove removal and other shoreline and stream maintenance in the nineteenth senatorial district and nearby areas, including the Pearl Harbor shoreline along West Loch and Middle Loch. Expenditures may include:
(1) Phased invasive mangrove removal across shoreline and estuarine areas;
(2) The planting of native vegetation;
(3) Necessary maintenance to prevent regrowth of mangroves;
(4) Biological and habitat monitoring; and
(5) Coordination with partner agencies, including the United States Navy and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as necessary for access and other jurisdictional issues.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the division of aquatic resources of the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
DOH; DLNR; Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program; Waikele Watershed; Report; Mangrove Removal; 19th Senatorial District; Appropriations
Description:
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed. Requires report to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3053 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(1) Monthly stream monitoring and assessment;
(2) Monitoring of watershed conditions contributing to stream health;
(3) Identification of potential sources of pollutants; and
(4) A report of its findings and recommendations to improve water quality, including any proposed legislation, that shall be submitted to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
DH; Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program; Waikele Watershed; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Health for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed. Requires report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3053 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to Natural resources.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(1) Phased invasive mangrove removal across shoreline and estuarine areas;
(2) The planting of native vegetation;
(3) Necessary maintenance to prevent regrowth of mangroves;
(4) Biological and habitat monitoring; and
(5) Coordination with partner agencies, including the United States Navy and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as necessary for access and other jurisdictional issues.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the division of aquatic resources of the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
DLNR; DAR; Shorelines; Streams; Maintenance; Mangrove Removal; 19th Senatorial District; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates moneys to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Apr 27, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 762). |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Lee, C. Chairs; Inouye Co-Chair; Lamosao. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 735). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Deferred one day 04-14-26. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2068-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Alcos; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Morikawa. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Tuesday, 04-07-26 10:10AM in conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on FIN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 04-07-26. |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 04-02-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Matsumoto, Perruso excused (2). |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1430-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Morikawa, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Poepoe, Woodson, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Tuesday, 03-24-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to WAL, FIN, referral sheet 17 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 350) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2935) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 03-03-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-25-26 10:57AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Reported from WLA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2524) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WLA were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Chang. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee(s) on has rescheduled its public hearing to 02-13-26 1:01PM; CR 224 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 8, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA deleted the measure from the public hearing scheduled on 02-09-26 1:00PM; CR 224 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 02-09-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Referred to WLA, WAM. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Department of Health | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Department of Land and Natural Resources | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Division of Aquatic Resources | *** Support | Feb 13, 2026 |
| Environmental Management Division - Clean Water Branch | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Environmental Management Division, Clean Water Branch (EMD-CWB) | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| UHM | *** Support | Feb 13, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2935
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 3053
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3053, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys for, and require a legislative report regarding, a Comprehensive Watershed-Based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed, including Waikele Stream and the Kapakahi Stream Watershed.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health and Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from one individual.
Your Committee finds that the proposed pilot program will help to improve water quality in the Waikele area through monthly stream monitoring and assessment, watershed monitoring, and the identification of potential pollutants.
Your Committee has amended this measure by re-inserting from the original draft of the measure an appropriation for mangrove removal and other shoreline and stream maintenance in the nineteenth senatorial district and nearby areas, and making the appropriation amount an unspecified sum to facilitate further discussion on the measure.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3053, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3053, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2524
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 3053
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 3053 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the West Loch and Middle Loch shorelines.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and one individual.
Your Committee finds that Pearl Harbor is the largest estuary in the State and represents a high-priority aquatic resource that supports native fish, waterbirds, and important cultural and community uses. Unfortunately, the Pearl Harbor estuary continues to experience the introduction of invasive species, pollution, and degradation to its aquatic ecosystems. Your Committee further finds that the Department of Land and Natural Resources has been actively working in West Loch Pearl Harbor since approximately 2018, conducting invasive mangrove removal, native wetland and shoreline restoration, and ongoing water quality and biological monitoring within the Honouliuli, Waikele, and adjacent watershed areas. This measure will help to improve water quality, restore habitat function, and support long-term, place-based watershed stewardship.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Deleting language that would have appropriated funds for the mangrove removal and other shoreline and stream maintenance in the Nineteenth Senatorial District and nearby areas, including the Pearl Harbor shoreline along West Loch and Middle Loch, to be expended by the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources;
(2) Inserting language that appropriates funds for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed, including Waikele Stream and Kapakahi Stream Watershed, to be expended by the Department of Health;
(3) Changing the appropriation amount from $800,000 to an unspecified amount;
(4) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and
(5) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
Your Committee notes that although this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount, should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it considers inserting an appropriation amount of $230,000 for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Watershed-based Water Quality Monitoring Pilot Program for the Waikele Watershed, including Waikele Stream and Kapakahi Stream Watershed.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3053, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3053, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts,
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________________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 2, 2026 | SB3053_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_04-02-26_.PDF |
| Mar 24, 2026 | SB3053_SD2_TESTIMONY_WAL_03-24-26_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2026 | SB3053_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 13, 2026 | SB3053_TESTIMONY_WLA_02-13-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
59SEC
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
32SEC
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):