The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 732, aims to amend the state water plan to incorporate considerations for climate change. It mandates that the Water Planning Council, by July 1, 2017, develop a comprehensive state water plan that addresses the potential impacts of climate change on water resources. Key insertions in the bill include the requirement to "consider and address" climate change's effects on water availability and to recommend steps to enhance the climate resiliency of existing water resources and infrastructure. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for public involvement and establishes a process for public review and comment on the draft plan.

The bill also includes several deletions and modifications to existing law, such as changing the Water Planning Council's authority from "may" to "shall" in submitting the state water plan to the General Assembly, ensuring that climate change is a central focus of the plan. Furthermore, it stipulates that if the plan is not adopted within 24 months of its original submission, it will be forwarded to the Governor for adoption or rejection. The Water Planning Council is tasked with overseeing the implementation and periodic updates of the state water plan, with annual reporting requirements to the relevant legislative committees. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the state's water management strategies in light of climate change challenges.

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