HCR 197 Summary

• Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a working group to clarify the Commission on Water Resource Management's purpose and review its leadership structure and board composition

• Working group shall recommend a more explicit public trust purpose for the Commission and determine whether the Commission should retain independent counsel

• Working group shall evaluate whether to establish an Executive Director position to replace the First Deputy to Chairperson position and whether the Commission should be administratively attached to DLNR

• Working group shall determine eligibility criteria for the Commission's Chairperson and whether the Board of Land and Natural Resources Chairperson and Director of Health should be ineligible to serve in that role

• Working group shall address emergency order challenges, water shortage notification requirements, and whether to impose harsher penalties for water use violations

• Working group membership includes the DLNR Board Chairperson, Director of Health, Attorney General, county Water Supply directors/managers, and county Mayors