NY S03396

Expands the Water Resources Planning Council from 15 voting members to 17 voting members and adds 8 non-voting regional representatives, including a new Commissioner of Human Rights and an environmental justice expert.

Establishes the council's duties to manage state water resources, ensure equitable distribution of public water, incorporate environmental justice standards, and create interstate partnerships for water management best practices.

Requires the council to review state and federal water laws and regulations, issue comments on proposed legislation, and review drinking water quality council recommendations and water contaminant testing.

Mandates development of a comprehensive statewide water resources management strategy by January 1, 2026 (updated from 1987), with public hearings in each of the eight regions and strategy availability on department websites within two weeks of adoption.

Requires the Water Resources Planning Council to submit an annual report to the governor and legislature on the status and quality of the state's water resources.