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Committee unanimously tables HB 1783 after members cite redundancy with DES and fiscal concerns
Summary
The committee voted 16‑0 to rule HB 1783 ITL after members said the bill repeats existing DES duties and raised concerns that statutory water‑use standards could undermine local control; DES opposition and a significant fiscal note were noted in testimony.
The Resources, Recreation and Development committee voted unanimously, 16‑0, to rule HB 1783 inexpedient to legislate after members said the proposal duplicated work already handled by the Department of Environmental Services and raised fiscal and local‑control concerns.
At the opening of the executive hearing the mover noted DES had opposed the bill and a sizable fiscal note accompanied the measure. Representative Knapp told the committee he had initially thought the bill was "very good," but that testimony and written materials showed it overlaps with DES activity and could in some provisions create water‑use standards that reduce local control. He said those issues supported an ITL vote.
After brief discussion the clerk read the roll and the chair announced the ITL motion passed 16‑0. The chair indicated the item would be placed on consent.
What it means: The unanimous ITL vote removes HB 1783 from active consideration in this committee for now. Members recommended further consideration only after concerns about redundancy, fiscal impact and potential effects on local authority are resolved.
