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HJ 44

Interim study of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and water quality

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Zack Wirth

HJ 44 establishes an interim study to assess endocrine-disrupting chemicals in waters, review monitoring and regulation, and propose actions to protect drinking water.

(H) Filed with Secretary of State
#environmentalprotection #legislature #interimstudies #water
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Bill Summary · HJ 44

Summary — HJ 44: Interim study of endocrine‑disrupting chemicals and water quality

Status: Joint resolution (HJ 44) — Filed with Secretary of State (May 6, 2025)
Introduced: January 24, 2025
Primary sponsor: Rep. Zack Wirth
Subject areas: Environmental protection; water quality; interim legislative study

Purpose / intent

HJ 44 creates an interim legislative study focused on endocrine‑disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their implications for water quality. The resolution directs the Legislature’s study authority (through the Natural Resources committees) to examine scientific, monitoring, regulatory, and policy issues related to EDCs in the state’s surface and drinking waters and to develop findings and recommendations for possible legislative or administrative action.

Key provisions (summary of scope and tasks)

The resolution itself is procedural (establishing a study) rather than prescriptive law. It generally directs that the study should:

  • Inventory and review known and emerging endocrine‑disrupting chemicals detected or likely to be present in the state’s waters (including sources such as municipal wastewater, agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and consumer products).
  • Assess current state monitoring programs, laboratory capacity, detection methods, and data gaps for EDCs.
  • Review public health and ecological science on health effects and exposure pathways relevant to state populations and aquatic ecosystems.
  • Evaluate existing state and federal regulatory frameworks, permitting practices, and treatment standards related to EDCs.
  • Identify potential response options (e.g., monitoring expansion, treatment upgrades, source control, voluntary programs, funding needs, and statutory or rule changes).
  • Solicit input from relevant stakeholders — state agencies (environmental and health), water utilities, wastewater operators, agricultural interests, industry, academic researchers, tribal governments, and public interest groups.
  • Prepare a report with findings and recommendations for the Legislature (and agencies) before the next regular legislative session.

(Exact procedural instructions, deadlines, or membership for the study are set by committee practice and the adopted resolution text.)

Who is affected

  • State Natural Resources and Health agencies (data provision, participation).
  • Municipal and regional drinking-water and wastewater utilities (monitoring, potential future regulatory changes, infrastructure planning).
  • Agricultural producers, industrial dischargers, and product manufacturers (source control and compliance implications if future rules change).
  • Public health entities, researchers, tribes, and the general public (beneficiaries of improved information and potential future protections).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • HJ 44 is a joint legislative resolution establishing an interim study (non‑regulatory; does not itself change statutes or create binding regulatory requirements).
  • Legislative actions show rapid passage through the House and Senate in early 2025 (adopted on consent calendars and advanced through Natural Resources committees). Key dates: introduced January 24, 2025; committee hearings and amendments in April 2025; enrolled and signed by legislative leaders and the President; filed with the Secretary of State on May 6, 2025.
  • The resolution replaces draft LC 4346.

Potential impact

  • Short term: creates a coordinated, transparent review of EDC issues to inform lawmakers and agencies.
  • Medium/long term: could lead to recommendations for enhanced monitoring, targeted funding, revised permitting or standards, and legislative proposals addressing EDCs in water if the study identifies actionable gaps or risks.

If you’d like, I can draft a one‑page brief of potential policy options the study may recommend (monitoring program design, funding mechanisms, or regulatory approaches).

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

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