Water rights: Republicans have made it a priority to respond to the state Supreme Court's recent Hirst decision, which has led to some rural property owners being unable to build on land that relies on wells as a water source. The high court's 6-3 ruling said counties must ensure, independently of the state, that water is physically and legally available before issuing building permits in certain areas. Senate Bill 5239 would ensure so-called permit-exempt wells could be used for development.