Representative Burns presented Joint Resolution 3814, explaining it arises from a budget proviso that required a study and report on surface water.

"It came out of a proviso out of the budget, that passed last year, and it was a study to report back to the general assembly on surface water," Burns said. He told the committee the work had not progressed on the original schedule and that the resolution would do two things: expand the study scope to include groundwater and give the committee an additional year to submit findings.

Burns said the panel already formed includes three House members and three senators; he and Senator Clymer agreed to serve as co-chairs. He also identified Myra Reese from the Department of Environmental Services as a key participant and said the larger WaterSC study comprises roughly 30 members who would feed information back to the joint committee.

Committee members voted to adopt the joint resolution. Chairman Bill Hixson announced the result as "13 to 1 with 4 not present." The resolution extends the study's scope and timeline so the panel can develop findings the General Assembly can consider in future legislation.

The committee packet, Burns said, included material submitted to date; he offered to answer questions with the help of committee staff. The transcript did not list the final report deadline or the specific statutory language that would change if the study produces legislative recommendations.