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SB 1887

WATER COMMISSION-CONSTRUCTION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Don DeWitte

SB 1887 establishes a Water Construction Commission to oversee planning, funding, and construction of major water projects statewide, centralizing state control over infrastructure.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 1887

Summary of SB 1887 - WATER COMMISSION-CONSTRUCTION

Overview

SB 1887, titled "WATER COMMISSION-CONSTRUCTION," is a bill that aims to establish a new state-level Water Construction Commission. The commission would be tasked with overseeing and funding the planning, construction, and maintenance of major water infrastructure projects across the state.

Key Provisions

  • Creates the Water Construction Commission, a 7-member body appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders
  • Grants the Commission authority to identify, prioritize, and fund water projects such as dams, reservoirs, pipelines, and treatment plants
  • Establishes a dedicated Water Construction Fund to finance approved projects, resourced by annual state budget allocations
  • Requires the Commission to develop a 10-year Statewide Water Infrastructure Plan, updated biennially
  • Directs the Commission to coordinate with local water authorities and other stakeholders in the planning process
  • Allows the Commission to issue bonds and enter into public-private partnerships to fund major projects

Impact and Affected Parties

  • If enacted, this bill would centralize control over the state's water infrastructure development under the new Water Construction Commission
  • Local municipalities, water districts, and other regional water authorities would be required to align their project plans with the statewide strategy developed by the Commission
  • Taxpayers would be impacted through the budget allocations and potential bond measures required to fund the Commission's activities and approved water projects
  • Environmental groups and landowners may be affected by the siting and construction of new large-scale water infrastructure

Timeline and Procedure

  • SB 1887 was introduced in the state legislature on March 4, 2025 and has been referred to the Assignments Committee
  • The bill has a companion measure, HB 5022, which was introduced in the state House of Representatives
  • If approved by the legislature, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2026, giving the newly created Water Construction Commission one year to organize and begin its work

Overall, SB 1887 represents a significant shift in how the state approaches the planning and funding of critical water infrastructure, centralizing these responsibilities under a new specialized commission. The bill's passage could have far-reaching impacts on water resource management, local government authority, and environmental considerations across the state.

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

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