HB 306: RELATING TO STATE WATER CODE PENALTIES.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Makes failure to maintain a natural stream channel that causes an unreasonable and substantial physical obstruction of the natural flow of water a violation of the State Water Code, with certain exceptions. Establishes a period of time after receipt of written notice of certain violations of the State Water Code during which a violator may remedy the violation or enter into a corrective action plan with the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM). Gives CWRM the discretion to impose a minimum penalty per State Water Code violation, increases the maximum penalty per violation, and authorizes CWRM to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Prohibits the State from acquiring a fee simple interest in any artificial watercourse, including a canal or ditch, under certain circumstances. Allows the State to acquire a fee simple interest in the artificial watercourse if the Legislature provides prior approval by concurrent resolution. (CD1)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 8, 2026Recommitted to Conference committee as amended in CD 1 with none voting no and Representative(s) Ratcliffe excused.
2. May 6, 2026Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none.
3. May 6, 2026Deferred one day 05-08-26.
4. May 6, 2026Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816).
5. May 1, 2026Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 11:35 AM; Conference Room 229.
6. May 1, 2026The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Rhoads, Hashimoto; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
7. May 1, 2026The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Tarnas, Morikawa, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none.
8. May 1, 2026Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 196-26) as amended in (CD 1).
9. May 1, 2026Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26.
10. May 1, 2026Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 196-26).
11. May 1, 202648 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26
12. April 30, 2026Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 9:00AM; Conference Room 229.

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