Generally revise state water quality laws

2025 Regular Session

LC 146 aimed to generally revise state water quality laws, affecting standards, permitting, and enforcement; but the draft died in process, so it won’t become law.

(LC) Draft Died in Process

#water

Summary: LC 146 — Generally revise state water quality laws

Overview

Bill Number: LC 146

Title: Generally revise state water quality laws

Subject: WATER

Classification: bill

Status: Draft Died in Process

Introduced: September 4, 2024

Docket notes: Drafts assigned to a drafter; status changed to On Hold in December 2024; later recorded as Died in Process in May 2025

Purpose and Intent

The bill purports to generally revise the state’s water quality laws. Based on the title alone, the aim would be to update and streamline the regulatory framework governing water quality, potentially aligning standards with current environmental goals and statutory practices. The available record does not provide the exact objectives or policy shifts intended by LC 146.

Key Provisions (Not Available in Provided Text)

Specific provisions are not included in the available information. If enacted, a bill titled “Generally revise state water quality laws” would typically address areas such as:

Definitions and scope of water quality terms
Standards for water quality and pollutant limits
Permitting, licensing, and regulatory oversight of discharges or water use
Monitoring, reporting, and data collection requirements
Enforcement authorities, penalties, and compliance mechanisms
Funding, grants, or fiscal provisions for implementation
Interactions with local governments, industries, and environmental programs

Given the lack of text, these are common categories to expect in comprehensive water quality law revisions, but they are not confirmed for LC 146.

Potential Impacts

Environmental: Could improve or update protections for surface and groundwater quality depending on enacted provisions.

Regulatory: Might alter permitting processes, inspection regimes, or compliance timelines for regulated entities (e.g., municipalities, industries, wastewater/discharge facilities).

Economic/Administrative: Could affect compliance costs, reporting burdens, and alignment with federal standards; may require new funding or program changes for state agencies.

Local governments and stakeholders: Possible changes in how local programs interact with state water quality rules; potential need for local amendments or coordination.

Affected Parties

State environmental or natural resources agencies responsible for water quality regulation and enforcement

Dischargers and permittees (industrial, municipal, agricultural sectors)

Local governments implementing water quality programs

The general public, particularly communities impacted by water quality standards and enforcement

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Introduction: September 4, 2024

Drafters Assigned: September 2024

On Hold: December 27, 2024

Draft Died in Process: May 22, 2025

Implications: With the draft having died in process, the bill will not become law in its current form. A new or reintroduced measure would be required to advance any of its provisions.

Next Steps for Interested Readers

Monitor the legislative docket for any reintroduction or related proposals to revise state water quality laws.

Review official bill text if and when a new LC measure is filed to understand exact provisions, fiscal impact, and implementation timelines.