SB 541-FN-A (2026): relative to capital appropriations for regional drinking water infrastructure.

SB 541-FN-A (2026)

relative to capital appropriations for regional drinking water infrastructure.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Public Works and Highways
• Senate committee: Finance
• Subject: Environment - Conservation
• Chapter law: 194

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Finance committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 20, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 7–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1223s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The bill was taken off the consent calendar on March 26, 2026. The committee's amendment (2026-1223s) was rejected on a voice vote on March 26, 2026. A floor amendment (2026-1274s), offered by Sen. Timothy Lang, was adopted on a voice vote on March 26, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 26, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 26, 2026 and was referred to the House Public Works and Highways committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 7, 2026, with 3 people signed in online: 3 in support. The committee met in executive session on April 7, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 15–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On April 23, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. On April 23, 2026 the bill was referred to the Finance committee. The committee held a work session on May 4, 2026. The committee met in executive session on May 5, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 24–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On May 14, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 19, 2026, making it Chapter 194 of the session laws. It took effect on July 1, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Daryl Abbas (R - SD22) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Sen. Sharon Carson (R - SD14)
• Rep. Debra DeSimone (R - Rock 18)
• Rep. Tanya Donnelly (R - Rock 25)
• Rep. Robert Harb (R - Rock 20)
• Sen. Tim McGough (R - SD11)
• Rep. Jodi Nelson (R - Rock 13)
• Rep. Joe Sweeney (R - Rock 25)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 20, 2026, 1:15 PM: hearing, Senate Finance, SH 103
• March 26, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• April 7, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Public Works and Highways, GP 228
• April 7, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Public Works and Highways, GP 228
• April 23, 2026: floor debate, House
• May 4, 2026, 10:00 AM: work session, House Finance, GP 230
• May 5, 2026, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Finance, GP 230
• May 14, 2026: consent calendar, House

Votes

• March 26, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1274s — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 1
• SC 11
• SJ 7
• HJ 9, page 54
• HJ 11, pages 11 and 15
• HC 19, page 14
• HJ 13, page 25
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 43
• House Calendar 16, 2026, committee report