Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Conservation Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House substitutes budget for severance tax and approves Land and Water Reinvestment plan
Summary
Lawmakers replaced a proposed severance-tax funding mechanism with a general-fund appropriation to support watershed restoration, rangeland programs and the LeRay McAllister Fund. The House passed the first-substitute HB 102 as amended (64–10).
The House on Feb. 6 substituted and passed first substitute House Bill 102, changing the funding source for a Land and Water Reinvestment package from a severance tax to a general-fund appropriation. Representative David Clark explained that the substitute eliminates the severance-tax funding mechanism and instead proposes an ongoing general-fund appropriation divided equally among three programs: watershed restoration, rangeland program, and the LeRay McAllister Fund for conservation easements.
Representative Clark moved an amendment reducing the proposed annual allocation from $5 million to $3 million for each fund; that amendment passed. Clark argued the programs leverage private and federal matching funds and that prior state investments produced significant matches and results.
Supporters representing rural and agricultural districts argued the bill helps preserve watersheds, support agricultural productivity, and protect critical lands; some members emphasized the bill's project‑based structure and lack of new staff. Opponents raised concerns about placing the appropriation in the competitive general‑fund pool and whether it falls under the budget cap.
The House voted to pass the first substitute, as amended, 64 yes, 10 no, 1 absent; the measure will be sent to the Senate.
