Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'legislative proceedings'
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TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe this legislation is a sound, science-based approach that will benefit both the economy and
- All right, we're going to show Cyrus Reed with the legislative
- Thank you very much, Representative Vasut, for filing this legislation
- Chris Reid, Legislative and Conservation Director for the
- We had legislation, well, we're supposed to talk about other legislation.
Keywords:
construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, oyster mariculture, HB3724, ecological balance, migratory birds, construction regulations, environmental protection, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting focused on the discussion of several bills, with members engaging in detailed commentary on the implications of each legislative proposal. Notably, House Bill 3724, aimed at supporting oyster mariculture along the Texas coast, was highlighted by Representative Villalobos, who provided insights into its potential ecological benefits. Public testimony was sought, and Representative de Villalobos garnered support from environment advocates who emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy oyster populations for ecological balance. The discussion around this bill reflected a collaborative approach to environmental legislation, indicating a consensus on the need for sound management practices.
In addition, House Bill 3556 was introduced, which mandates notification to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the construction of tall structures that may pose risks to migratory birds. Representative Flores expressed concerns over potential exemptions for spaceflight structures, indicating the complexities of balancing development with environmental protection. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending, emphasizing a commitment to careful scrutiny and consideration of the legislative impacts before final decisions are made.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the legislative chairman of the Sheriff's Association
- And then we gave it to Legislative Council, and we got it
- On rare occasions, Legislative Council makes a mistake, but
- That's a pretty good forecast for a legislative body. I just wanted to compliment you on that.
- We do recognize that the legislation is complex as a result of many months of stakeholder engagement.
Keywords:
sidewalk user, pedestrian safety, traffic laws, bicycles, electric scooters, mobility devices, transportation, aviation, economic development, grants, loans, SB1598, SB1493, law enforcement, collision report, public safety, flashing stop lamps, CARFAX program, crime solving
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- To ensure strong legislative oversight, Senate Bill 7 creates the Water Advisory Fund and the Texas Water
It establishes legislative reporting requirements for
- The actions we take through legislative...
- Our minds in the legislative process think in two-year segments. It's just the nature of the beast.
- Then we have legislators starting to ask why, and wouldn't that money be better spent somewhere else?
Keywords:
Senate Bill 7, water supply, infrastructure, Texas, public testimony, accountability, stakeholders, legislation
Summary:
This meeting of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs focused on substantial discussions regarding Senate Bill 7, which is a key legislative initiative addressing Texas' long-term water supply crisis. Chairman Perry emphasized the collaborative efforts over the past years to engage various stakeholders in crafting the bill, promoting transparency and accountability in the management of water resources. The bill aims to enhance Texas' water infrastructure and secure funding through dedicated revenue streams for water supply projects, as the state faces challenges associated with dwindling water availability. Several public testimonies were heard, reflecting both support and concerns from various sectors affected by water policies in the state. The committee aimed to ensure that the legislation not only addresses immediate needs but also creates a sustainable framework for future generations.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals
Transcript Highlights:
All comments will be posted on the electronic legislative
- Could we do that legislatively? That's a policy decision that you could make.
- I'm the legislative committee chair.
- It's made up of 15 chief appraisers, and we review potential legislation.
- I'm the legislative committee chair.
Summary:
The meeting covered a range of legislative topics, including key discussions about various bills and public concerns surrounding new policies. Committee members engaged in a robust debate regarding the economic impact of proposed legislation, with several representatives sharing differing viewpoints. The discussion highlighted the importance of public input in shaping effective laws.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We really do appreciate the Legislative Budget Board (LBB).
- , or this piece is related to this piece of state legislation.
- There was legislation in the 87th regular session.
- We are a legislative agency overseen by a 12-member commission.
- We are a legislative tool.
Keywords:
budget, House Bill 1, public education, healthcare, border security, federal funding, spending limits
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm
House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- ...lawsuit that's halted almost identical legislation in
- This legislation will make Texas a global outlier.
- This legislation will have far-reaching implications.
- As a lifelong Texan, I implore the legislators not to follow this path.
- The truth is this bill is a doppelganger for Illinois legislation that's been advocated by their governor
Bills:
HB245, HB700, HB2783, HB3526, HB3900, HB4061, HB4124, HB4166, HB4395, HB4534, HB4609, HB4641, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HJR175
Keywords:
military service, retirement, law enforcement, custodial officer, Employees Retirement System, commercial financing, brokers, registration, disclosures, finance, consumer protection, fees, deferred compensation, automatic participation, county employees, payroll deductions, retirement plans, fiscal transparency, local government, bond issuance
Summary:
The meeting exhibited a heated discussion on the implications of House Bills 4124, 4061, and 40. Chairman Darby emphasized the importance of reducing credit card swipe fees that adversely affect small businesses in Texas, presenting HB 4124, which aims to exempt sales tax and gratuities from being subject to these fees. Various witnesses, including representatives from the Texas Retailers Association and the National Restaurant Association, supported HB 4124, arguing that it would alleviate financial burdens on local businesses and promote economic fairness. However, several opposing voices raised concerns regarding potential complications and regulatory hurdles that could complicate the business landscape further.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Apr 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The district's enabling legislation includes the powers of Chapters 49, 50, and 56 of the Water Code.
- This bill builds upon the success of previous legislation.
- This bill seeks to amend legislation passed in 2011 known as the streamlined expedited release of a water
- I'm here on the bill, showing my age, but I worked on that legislation.
- We have a legislative committee that monitors pending legislation and a formal...
Keywords:
water management, Senate Bill 1190, groundwater certification, water loss mitigation, public testimony, Senate Bill 1855, infrastructure, water supply
Summary:
The committee meeting was centered around critical discussions on various bills aimed at improving water management and mitigating losses in municipal water systems. Notably, Senate Bill 1190 sparked significant conversation regarding the high water loss rates among large utilities, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for stringent, consistent validation measures and penalties. The chair expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts to enhance groundwater management through Bill 1855, which aims to clarify the certification process for groundwater availability, addressing concerns on the ambiguities in the previous legislation. Public testimonies were heard, with supportive sentiments towards improving water conservation strategies and accountability measures within water utilities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Recently, OPIC made a legislative recommendation to preserve consumer rights to...
- Chairman, for bringing this legislation forward into the House.
- Appraisal legislation got so close last session.
And you heard our study referenced in the last legislative
Bills:
HB345, HB721, HB2580, SB815, HB3057, HB4603, HB3233, SB495, HB3863, HB3914, HB4570, HB5099, HB5173, SB458
Keywords:
insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, insurer obligations, natural disasters, appraisal expenses, insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, umpire selection, appraisal expenses, natural disasters, insurance, residential property, appraisal process, disputed losses
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding SB458 and its companion bill HB4570, which address appraisal provisions in insurance policies. Chairman Dean emphasized the importance of preserving consumer rights regarding appraisals in dispute resolution and thanked stakeholders for their involvement. Testimonies were presented by various experts who supported the bill, highlighting how it could help consumers by providing a more efficient alternative to litigation in settling claims and potentially leading to higher awards for policyholders. The bill aims to streamline the appraisal process and ensure timely resolutions for insurance claims related to both personal and auto insurance.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am
House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
The language in this bill is also very similar to previous legislation
- The legislation gives us the opportunity...
- We respectfully ask for your support in passing this legislation.
- But again, we don't take positions for or against legislation.
- I represent the legislative committee of the Texas Cemetery and Crematory Association.
Bills:
HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737
Keywords:
retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits
Summary:
The meeting was focused on a range of significant legislation including discussions on retirement benefits for public safety officers and specific bills aimed at addressing current challenges in the pension systems. Representative Busey introduced HB2802, aimed at stabilizing the Austin Firefighters Retirement Fund, which received support from various stakeholders including Mayor Kirk Watson, reflecting months of collaborative effort. Testimony emphasized the need for proactive changes to prevent future financial crises in the fund. Additionally, HB4029, proposed by Chairman Guillen, generated appeals from various members about the necessity of addressing retirement needs for peace officers in public schools, linking it directly to their recruitment and retention challenges in the current environment. Issues regarding recruitment and the financial sustainability of the Houston Fire Department were also highlighted with HB2688, enabling timely action on pressing pension reform to retain skilled personnel.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
A freshman legislator, Representative Villalobos assumed
- , I came here to the Capitol to open my eyes to opportunities, dreaming that I, too, could be a legislator
- ">The Victoria Chamber brought several of their members to the Capitol to meet with their state legislators
- Also here today are the justices of the peace and constables' legislative teams.
- This is for the Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy as they observe their legislative advocacy
Keywords:
legislation, constitutional amendments, taxation reforms, public testimony, mental health, Ketamine Treatment Grant Program, daylight savings time
Summary:
The committee meeting predominantly focused on a multitude of bills concerning various legislative amendments. Key discussions included the pros and cons of constitutional amendments, such as one by Schofield proposing year-round daylight savings time, and issues around taxation reforms highlighted by various members. The committee engaged in vibrant discussions, inviting public testimonies from both supporters and opponents of several bills, emphasizing the importance of community input in legislative processes. Notably, there were extensive debates on HB720, which pertains to the Ketamine Treatment Grant Program for veterans and first responders, underscoring the significance of mental health legislation. Members expressed their concerns about implementing the program effectively while ensuring adequate funding and oversight.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Local Government (Part I) Mar 31st, 2025
Senate Local Government Committee
Transcript Highlights:
In order to accomplish this, two-party ownership legislation
In drafting the original dissolution legislation, Legislative
- Both Walker County and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice support this legislation.
- There should be legislative language to cause it to serve in some way. Thank you.
- at least two legislative sessions, and maybe more.
Bills:
SB1079, SB1243, SB1504, SB1579, SB1708, SB1844, SB1851, SB1879, SB1921, SB1951, SB2237, SB2238, SB2406, SB2407
Keywords:
public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, telecommunication, board meetings, Gulf Coast Authority, conference call, videoconference, abandoned property, tax delinquency, urban development, receivership, local governance, disannexation, municipality, services, property owners, jurisdiction
Summary:
The committee meeting on [date] focused on several key pieces of legislation, primarily addressing land use and city governance issues. Prominent discussions included SB1579, which seeks to empower municipalities in El Paso County to manage abandoned properties through a court-appointed receiver process. This bill aims to tackle long-standing challenges posed by undeveloped and neglected land parcels that hinder community growth. Public testimonies highlighted concerns regarding safety, illegal dumping, and the economic potential of reclaiming these properties for housing and development. Notably, Mayor Rudy Cruz Jr. of Socorro expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the need for a clear process in handling unoccupied land.
Additionally, SB1851 was discussed, aimed at addressing audit compliance for Texas cities to improve financial transparency and accountability. Senator Nichols presented this bill, arguing for its necessity in ensuring cities cannot raise taxes without adhering to established audit requirements. Public testimonies underscored the experiences of city officials facing obstacles due to outdated audit practices, with calls for legislative action to protect taxpayers while enforcing compliance. The meeting was characterized by substantial participation from public officials, showcasing a collaborative effort to address these pressing issues.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That is what we're seeking to fix with this piece of legislation, and I'm happy to take any questions
- My patients urgently need legislation to require general anesthesia to be covered when their dental cases
- States like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Connecticut, New York, and others have reduced or passed legislation
- This is a really important piece of legislation for us, as my colleague Jackie laid out.
- I will say that the other legislation that's out there, again without getting into specific details,
Keywords:
autism, health insurance, coverage, medical treatment, health benefit plan, HIV prevention, prescription drug, prior authorization, health benefits, insurance coverage, insurance, contract termination, property and casualty, insurance agents, discrimination, insurance, appraiser, umpire, licensing requirements, continuing education
Summary:
The meeting of the House Committee on Insurance centered around numerous healthcare-related bills, focusing heavily on issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) in medical determinations, autism insurance coverage, and HIV prevention. Representative Garcia Hernandez presented HB4635, aiming to ensure transparency in the use of AI in medical claim denials, which has become increasingly prevalent. The bill introduces mandates for disclosures on AI algorithms used in decisions, enhancing patient rights and keeping the Texas Department of Insurance informed of potential denials. Public testimony supported the bill as essential for safeguarding Texans from unintended biases in AI applications. Additionally, HB813, presented by Representative Goodwin, garnered attention for its effort to update autism-related insurance mandates, removing outdated age restrictions for therapy coverage. This legislation is seen as a crucial step in accommodating the needs of all individuals on the autism spectrum, regardless of the timing of their diagnosis.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we have four different pieces of legislation that we'll
- /p>
We also manage all the reporting, and we send it to the Legislative
- These are the standard rules that each committee is using in the legislative session.
- Mitch Fuller, I'm the Legislative Director for VFW.
- Members, that's all the legislation we had today, and those are going to be left pending.
Keywords:
mental health, veterans, community support, grant program, family assistance, veterans affairs, mental health services, Senate Bill 897, Senate Bill 1818, temporary licensing, public testimony, military families, Texas legislature
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs convened to discuss several significant bills aimed at enhancing support for veterans in Texas. The primary focus was on Senate Bill 897, which aims to adjust the funding match requirement for mental health services for veterans. There was substantial public testimony in favor of this bill, as many speakers highlighted the financial burden that large counties face under the current requirements. These discussions underscored the necessity of providing adequate mental health resources to veterans, emphasizing the challenges they encounter in accessing such services. Another notable bill, Senate Bill 1818, introduced provisions for temporary licensing for military spouses, ensuring they can continue their professional pursuits while transitioning to Texas. Testimony supporting this bill was also positive, showing a strong consensus on the need to ease professional transitions for military families.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- business is an update on the implementation of the sunset recommendations adopted during the last legislative
- Bucknell: Checking on agency's progress in implementing sunset recommendations from the previous legislative
- We now have a large body of work to support throughout the 89th legislative session.
- span marker="37" data-time="1080"> We now have a large body of work to support throughout the 89th legislative
Keywords:
Sunset Commission, Texas Ethics Commission, Trinity River Authority, modifications, recommendations, late filing penalties, public testimony
Summary:
The final Sunset Commission meeting of this biennium was marked by a series of votes on modifications and new recommendations affecting multiple agencies, including the Texas Ethics Commission and the Trinity River Authority. Notable discussions included a modification proposed by Senator Middleton, aimed at alleviating concerns regarding the accumulation of late filing penalties, particularly for post-election reports. The modifications addressed public feedback on the need for clearer guidance and support from the Ethics Commission for filers navigating the complexities of compliance. The committee successfully passed all recommended changes without objection.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
We do this for, I think we passed legislation that allowed
Previous legislation here, and I think this fine-tunes
- "684"> relicense and practice in good standing, and this bill very closely tracks our own model legislation
- Chairman, Senator Mitch Fuller, the legislative director for the Department of Texas, here to testify
Keywords:
military education, early registration, ROTC, corps of cadets, higher education, military academy, scholarship, military, higher education, ROTC, Texas Armed Services, military spouses, occupational licensing, state agency, license requirements, reciprocity, training and education, occupational licensing, military spouses, SB2255
Summary:
The meeting centered around various legislative bills, notably focusing on HB102, HB300, and SB2255. Senator Sparks presented SB2255, aimed at easing occupational licensing for military spouses and veterans, eliminating bureaucratic delays that hinder their employment opportunities after relocation. Key testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the importance of this bill, emphasizing how it could alleviate the economic burden faced by military families when transitioning to new roles. The updates on HB300 aimed at revitalizing the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program underscored efforts to modernize assistance for military students.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: Testing & Accountability Aug 25th, 2025 at 09:08 am
Transcript Highlights:
The legislation
- Too often, the legislation that we pass out of this Capitol.
- >Can you tell us, at this point, what your plan is for this legislation
- work on something that makes sense because this bill wouldn't go into effect until after the next legislative
Keywords:
House Bill 8, standardized testing, student testimony, education policy, mental health, parent concerns, Texas Education Agency
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the impacts of House Bill 8, which proposes increasing the frequency of state testing for students in Texas. During the meeting, various testimonies were provided by students, highlighting their concerns about the negative effects of standardized testing on their educational experience. Students expressed that the pressure of multiple assessments causes significant stress and detracts from the joy of learning. Some lawmakers voiced their opposition to the bill, emphasizing the need for a thorough review and consideration of alternative evaluation methods that prioritize student well-being over testing metrics.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- On slide five, you'll see our new legislative funding request.
- Our legislative ask is for civil engineering and computer
- In the legislative session, the state allocated $159 million for a new state behavioral...
- We express our gratitude for the critical legislative support that we received in the 88th session.
Team at the Texas Legislative Budget Board.
Keywords:
workforce development, health services, veterinary care, community colleges, emergency management
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss critical funding and legislative matters regarding various state initiatives, notably focusing on workforce development, health services, and emergency management. The discussions revealed the heightened importance of supporting community colleges and addressing workforce shortages in healthcare, especially considering the increased demand for veterinary services as pet ownership rose due to the pandemic. Representatives from various organizations presented their requests for funding, emphasizing the necessity of enhancing educational outcomes and preparedness programs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So I came to Austin after that big fire and worked with legislation down here to try to get some laws
- Ryman, that you want to see meaningful legislation passed.
- I think this is very meaningful legislation that's being discussed.
- And I would argue the point that that is in legislation, that the oil company owns that from that pole
- But are the next ones going to do it if there's not legislative direction that you will do it?
Keywords:
emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection, public safety, compliance plan, wildfire mitigation, utilities, electric service, liability, risk management, self-insurance, Texas Division of Emergency Management, political advertising
Summary:
During the committee meeting, significant discussions focused on wildfire prevention and emergency communication. Notably, House Bill 13 was presented as a critical measure aimed at improving interoperability among emergency communication systems to respond effectively to disasters. Witnesses, including representatives from Texas 2036 and local emergency responders, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing the increasing wildfire risks faced due to climate change. They argued that this bill will establish a statewide plan to harmonize communication systems and enhance local governments' capacity to respond to emergencies effectively. The discourse highlighted the historical context of Texas wildfires and the necessity of streamlined communication among first responders during critical incidents.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
Other legislation before us is aimed at improving our
This legislation is a timely and necessary step.
- Subject to that, it's just a Legislative Council draft is
- Court and I have legislation dealing with it.
- I believe Maryland was the first to pass some legislation to try to combat this, but their legislation
Bills:
SB476, SB664, SB745, SB826, SB989, SB1080, SB1171, SB1320, SB1437, SB1727, SB1809, SB2289, SB2320
Keywords:
education, funding, school infrastructure, public schools, teacher support, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, ignition interlock devices, youth offenders, vehicular homicide, criminal history, court officials, background check, bail determination, Texas judiciary, occupational license, criminal conviction, provisional license, licensing authority, educational programs
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to address pressing issues surrounding oil field crime and safety on Texas highways. The meeting was initiated by Chair Flores, who emphasized the need for improved tools to combat repeat offenders having committed intoxicated driving, alongside tackling oil field theft that has escalated due to organized criminal activities. The committee heard public testimonies and engaged with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and industry representatives, who highlighted the complexities and dangers associated with these crimes. Notably, a significant focus was placed on Senate Bill 1320, which aims to establish a dedicated unit within the Department of Public Safety to investigate and address thefts specific to the oil and gas industry. This initiative seeks to strengthen coordination among various law enforcement agencies and improve training for local officers to combat these sophisticated theft operations more effectively.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am
House Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
We legislators enjoy having multi-billion dollar surpluses
- We recognize a need for this legislation that would encourage further incentivizing.
- Funding for water infrastructure is our number one legislative priority on behalf of our partners.
- And I know that some legislation has been filed in both the House and Senate.
- We have a legislative committee that actively monitors pending legislation and evaluates whether a bill
Keywords:
coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation
Summary:
The committee meeting addressed critical water infrastructure issues, focusing primarily on H.J.R. 7 and HB 1400. Members emphasized the urgent need for dedicated funding to tackle Texas's impending water crisis, as population growth and drought significantly strain current water resources. Notable discussions included testimonies from representatives of the Environmental Defense Fund and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, who expressed strong support for these bills, underlining their importance in improving groundwater management and funding scientific approaches to water conservation. The committee highlighted the necessity of equipping groundwater conservation districts with resources to ensure robust groundwater science and research.