Calvin Coolidge Quote

Action Alert for HB 545

Summary of HB 545

HB 545 aims to regulate major water users by requiring them to register their water withdrawal or diversion activities with the state division. The registration must include detailed information such as the user’s name, address, water source, type of source (e.g., well, lake, stream), withdrawal points, destination, infrastructure used, and the amount of water withdrawn or diverted (daily averages and annual totals). Mines and quarries are exempt from detailed requirements, needing only to report the quantity of water pumped and the name of any stream for discharge.

A key aspect is the confidentiality provision: information from these registrations is generally not releasable to the public or in response to records requests, except in aggregate form (e.g., total number of users and water used per county). Disclosure is only permitted in response to a court order or subpoena, and even then, only the necessary information is shared. Employees who disclose this information improperly face disciplinary action and are guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

Concerns About Transparency

The bill raises concerns about limiting transparency, particularly by restricting access to detailed water usage data. Transparency is vital for ensuring government accountability, especially in managing public resources like water. By making registration information confidential, HB 545 may prevent the public from accessing critical information through “sunshine requests,” which are formal requests for public records. This could hinder oversight of water resource management, potentially leading to environmental issues or misuse of resources.

For example, without access to specific data, it’s harder for communities to monitor the impact of water usage on local ecosystems or ensure fair distribution. This is an unexpected detail: while the bill aims to regulate water use, its confidentiality clause could inadvertently reduce public trust and hinder informed decision-making.

Action Needed:

Please complete the online witness testimony opposing HB 545 before midnight TONIGHT, March 24th.

Submit Testimony Here!

Need instruction on how to fill out online testimony? Click here for a short video.

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About Act for Missouri

Act for Missouri is a resource for Missouri Conservatives who are looking for information on how they can get involved. This resource is for Missourians who:

  • Believe that the Constitution of the United States was divinely inspired and provides the framework for a government that protects citizens right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This includes an unwavering support for the 2nd Amendment as written!
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