The Washington County Republican Women hosted members of Southern Utah’s Sunshine Caucus at their monthly luncheon Thursday at Santa Clara City Hall for a recap and Q-and-A session on the general legislative session. St. George Reps. Walt Brooks and Colin Jack attended along with Rep. Rex Shipp of Cedar City. Though not a member of the Sunshine Caucus, Rep. Logan Monson of Blanding also participated. Other members of the caucus were unable to attend due to prior obligations. Each legislator reviewed the bills they worked on during the 45-day session, with recurring emphasis on water management, cybersecurity, election integrity and judicial transparency. Water issues dominated much of the discussion as Southern Utah continues to face long-term supply concerns tied to population growth, drought and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Colorado River system. Shipp said lawmakers are preparing for potential litigation over water rights as tensions continue between the upper and lower basin states. “We have a problem going on with the Colorado River, as you all know, and there’s a fight basically going on between the upper river basin, lower basin states,” he said. “We appropriated $5 million for litigation because we’re going to be in a legal battle, I’m sure, trying to make sure we keep our rights in the Colorado River.” Brooks pointed to several policy efforts aimed at strengthening long-term water access, including storage planning and regional coordination. “We’re trying to do a lot of different things to see how we can get this water,” Brooks said, referencing discussions involving Lake Powell levels, water diversion strategies and partnerships with neighboring states. Lake Powell remains a central concern, with Shipp warning of critically low levels that could have statewide consequences. “Lake Powell is at 25% capacity right now,” Shipp said. “It could be a dead pool by the end