Legislative update: Bills making their way through committee

By Diana Carlen
WAWG Lobbyist

Week two of the legislative session was filled with a flurry of new bills being introduced and committees holding work sessions and public hearings on proposed legislation. Most committees have not started the process of passing bills out of committee since they have more time in a long session to act on bills. The first legislative deadline is not until Feb. 17, 2016, when all policy bills must make it out of their policy committee.

Ag-related hearings this week:

Senate Agriculture, Water, Trade & Economic Development

  • SB 5024 – Concerning groundwater supply availability in areas with ground and surface water interaction.
  • SB 5239 – Ensuring that water is available to support development.
  • SB 5075 – Concerning dispute resolution between seed buyers and dealers.

House Agriculture & Natural Resources

  • HB 1132 – Concerning dispute resolution between seed buyers and dealers.