State Government Committee advances bills on water bottle filling stations, candidacy affidavits and pension fee transparency
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Summary
The committee agreed to an amendment and reported House Bill 11‑39 requiring water bottle filling stations in many Commonwealth buildings, replaced a notarization requirement for candidate affidavits with an unsworn statement in House Bill 12‑78, and advanced House Bill 13‑75 to improve disclosure of pension investment fees.
The House State Government Committee on Monday advanced three bills addressing building standards, election access and pension transparency.
House Bill 11‑39, sponsored by Representative Warren, would require a water bottle filling station where a drinking fountain is required in each new Commonwealth-owned building or in Commonwealth buildings undergoing major plumbing renovations. Staff reader Nick said amendment A00699 adds a requirement that the definition of “water bottle filling station” include a third‑party certified water filter meeting NSF and C53 lead‑reduction standards. The committee agreed to the amendment and reported the bill out of committee.
Representative Roy said the bill is well intended but unnecessary because the Department of General Services has routinely installed such fixtures in recent projects and he said he would vote no on the bill. Despite that objection, the amendment passed and the bill was reported.
House Bill 12‑78, sponsored by Representative Davidson, would replace a current notarized affidavit requirement for candidates with an unsworn statement still subject to penalties for perjury. Davidson said the change reflects practice during the COVID pandemic and is intended to reduce barriers to ballot access. The committee voted to report the bill.
House Bill 13‑75, sponsored by Representative Miller, would amend pension codes (PCERS and CSRS) to implement transparency recommendations from the Public Pension Management and Asset Review Commission. Miller said the bill would require clearer disclosure of fees, costs and expenses associated with pension investments — especially alternative investments such as private equity, hedge funds and real estate — and expand public access to board proceedings and performance metrics. The committee reported the bill to the next stage.
Next steps: Each bill will proceed per legislative rules to the next committee or to the floor for further consideration.