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Bill

HB 211

PFAS Receiver Shield Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Barton and 4 co-sponsors

HB 211 requires counties to maintain streams and manage abandoned properties, enhancing environmental health and public safety while impacting local governments and property owners.

House Withdrawn, Recommitted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 211

Summary of HB 211: Relating to Stream Maintenance

Bill Number: HB 211
Introduced: January 15, 2025
Status: Deferred by the committee on JHA as of February 27, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Abandoned Property, Channels, Counties, Drainageways, Personal Property, Property Storage, Streambanks, Streambeds

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 211 is to establish guidelines and responsibilities for the maintenance of streams, including their banks and beds, within the jurisdiction of counties. The bill aims to address issues related to abandoned properties and the management of drainageways, ensuring that stream maintenance is conducted effectively to promote environmental health and public safety.

Key Provisions

  • Stream Maintenance Responsibilities: The bill outlines the responsibilities of counties in maintaining streams, including the removal of debris and the management of vegetation along streambanks and streambeds.

  • Abandoned Property Management: It includes provisions for the handling of abandoned properties adjacent to streams, ensuring that these areas do not contribute to environmental degradation or public hazards.

  • Regulatory Framework: The bill proposes a regulatory framework that allows counties to establish procedures for stream maintenance, including the authority to impose penalties for non-compliance.

  • Funding and Resources: While specific funding mechanisms are not detailed in the bill, it encourages counties to seek state and federal resources to support stream maintenance efforts.

Impact

  • Counties: The bill directly affects county governments by imposing new responsibilities for stream maintenance, which may require additional resources and planning.

  • Property Owners: Individuals owning property adjacent to streams may be impacted by the regulations concerning abandoned properties and maintenance requirements.

  • Environmental Health: The bill aims to improve the ecological health of waterways, potentially benefiting local ecosystems and communities reliant on clean water.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 15, 2025: Bill introduced and passed the First Reading.
  • January 21, 2025: Referred to the committees on WAL (Water, Land) and JHA (Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs).
  • February 4, 2025: Scheduled for a hearing by the WAL committee.
  • February 6, 2025: WAL committee recommended the bill be passed with amendments.
  • February 11, 2025: Passed Second Reading as amended and referred to JHA.
  • February 25, 2025: Scheduled for a hearing by the JHA committee.
  • February 27, 2025: JHA committee recommended that the measure be deferred.

Related Legislation

  • SB 366: A companion bill that addresses similar issues regarding stream maintenance and management.

This summary provides an overview of HB 211, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on counties and property owners. The bill is currently deferred, and further discussions may shape its future.

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

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