The bill, known as General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6224, aims to enhance water supplies and address workforce shortages in the water treatment sector. It mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive plan that includes several key initiatives: improving the dam permitting process by expanding existing general permits, enhancing the preapplication and intake process for better project understanding, prioritizing permit reviews based on dam classification and function, collaborating with water utilities to address liability concerns related to the Department of Transportation's encroachment permit process, and providing incentives to attract and retain qualified water treatment facility operators. The plan, along with any legislative recommendations, is required to be submitted to the relevant General Assembly committee by February 1, 2026.

The bill introduces new legal language that outlines these initiatives and emphasizes the importance of qualified water treatment operators in addressing workforce shortages. It also specifies that the new section will take effect upon passage. The proposed deletions from current law are indicated but do not appear to be relevant to the new provisions being introduced. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water supply management and bolster the workforce in the water treatment industry.