Bill Caption

Relating to the state and regional water planning process and the funding of projects included in the state water plan.

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Under current law, regional water planning groups are required to contribute to the state water plan. SB 1511 would require the state water plan to include more information regarding the effectiveness of past strategies and would allow representatives of the State Soil and Water Conservation Board to serve as ex officio members of each regional water planning group. In addition, this bill would require regional water planning groups to make hearings and meetings readily accessible to the public, consider amending regional water plans with feasible strategies if original strategies are found to be infeasible, and allow a planning group to implement simplified planning if there are no significant changes to the water availability, supplies, or demands. Finally, SB 1511 would require the appointment of an interregional planning council in time for each five-year planning cycle to improve coordination among planning groups and share best practices.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill supports the principle of limited government by encouraging feasible strategies, public access to meetings, allowing simplified planning, and improving coordination among regional planning groups to improve consistency. Because this promotes accountability and transparency, we support SB 1511.