Bill > LD646

This bill establishes a Commission to Study Unmanaged Storm Water Pollution, a 13-member group tasked with reviewing and analyzing existing scientific literature and data on how storm water pollution affects the state's waters, habitats, and species. The commission will compile data on the effects of storm water pollution on public and environmental health, identify knowledge gaps that hinder effective policy, pinpoint pollutants not adequately managed by current laws (like chloride pollution), and recommend strategies to address storm water pollution associated with development, particularly concerning municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), which are systems designed to collect and discharge storm water. The commission will also identify barriers, such as staffing and budget limitations, to implementing necessary policies. The Legislative Council will provide staff assistance, and the commission can seek outside funding, subject to approval. The commission is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, by December 1, 2026, to the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, which can then introduce related legislation in 2027.