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Bill

LC 147

Generally revise state water quality laws

2025 Regular Session

LC 147 seeks a broad overhaul of state water quality laws, but the draft died in process and did not advance toward enactment.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 147

LC 147 — Generally revise state water quality laws

Overview

LC 147 is a bill titled “Generally revise state water quality laws.” Introduced on September 4, 2024, the bill’s text is not provided here, but the title indicates a broad, comprehensive revision of the state’s water quality regulatory framework. As of May 22, 2025, the draft is described as “Died in Process,” indicating it did not advance toward enactment in its current form.

Purpose and Intent (inferred from the title)

  • The primary aim appears to be a broad overhaul of existing state water quality laws rather than targeted amendments.
  • Such revisions typically seek to reorganize regulatory authority, update standards, modify permitting and enforcement mechanisms, and streamline or modernize administration of water quality programs.

Potential Provisions (not yet confirmed for LC 147)

Because the bill text is unavailable, the following areas are commonly addressed in revised water quality regimes. These are illustrative possibilities and may not reflect LC 147’s actual provisions:
- Redefinition or modernization of water quality standards and protected uses
- Revisions to permit programs (e.g., discharge permits, nonpoint source management, stormwater)
- Changes to compliance monitoring, reporting, and enforcement tools
- Updates to funding, cost recovery, or fee structures for water programs
- Enhanced public notice, participation, and transparency requirements
- Clarifications on state-federal coordination under the Clean Water Act
- Transition provisions for phasing in new standards or timelines
- Provisions affecting local governments, industries, and agricultural operations

Affected Parties

  • State environmental or water quality agencies responsible for implementing and enforcing water standards
  • Local governments and municipalities administering local water quality programs
  • Regulated entities, including industrial facilities, wastewater and stormwater dischargers, and agricultural operations
  • The general public, which could gain or lose certain participation or notification rights depending on the final language

Procedural History and Timeline

  • 2024-09-04: Drafter Assigned
  • 2024-12-27: Draft On Hold
  • 2025-05-22: Draft Died in Process
  • Status: Died in Process (LC), meaning the draft did not progress toward enactment in its current form.

Status, Implications, and Next Steps

  • The bill is not enacted and its draft has died in process. There is no current active path to passage unless reintroduced or reworked in a future legislative session.
  • If a successor bill is introduced, it could readdress the same policy area with revised scope, provisions, and timelines, potentially reflecting updated priorities or stakeholder input.

Notes

  • Specific provisions, thresholds, timelines, and fiscal impacts cannot be confirmed without the bill text. If you can provide the full text or a summary of the provisions, I can produce a detailed, line-by-line analysis and a more precise impact assessment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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