Bill

Bill > SB514


OR SB514

OR SB514
Relating to the impacts of wildfire on water quality.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/27/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Legislative Measures

Bill Summary

The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act tells agencies to study how wildfire affects water quality. The Act tells the agencies to report on the study. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.2). Requires the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Environmental Quality to study the impacts of wildfire on water quality of streams and tributaries. Directs the departments to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to water not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets January 2, 2027.

AI Summary

This bill requires the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Environmental Quality to conduct a comprehensive study on how wildfires impact water quality in streams and tributaries. Specifically, the agencies must jointly investigate the effects of first post-wildfire rains on water quality, focusing on changes in turbidity and sediment levels, with special attention to how these changes might affect salmonid (salmon) habitat, including potential infilling of deep pools and impacts on spawning gravel beds. The departments are mandated to collaborate with other relevant state agencies and submit a report to the legislative water-related interim committees by September 15, 2026, which may include legislative recommendations. The bill includes a sunset provision, meaning the study requirement will automatically expire on January 2, 2027, effectively making this a time-limited research project aimed at understanding the environmental consequences of wildfires on aquatic ecosystems.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

In committee upon adjournment. (on 06/27/2025)

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