Bill > SB394

This bill addresses water theft from fire hydrants by expanding legal provisions to more effectively deter and penalize unauthorized water usage. The legislation adds new provisions to California's Civil and Government Codes that allow utilities to bring civil actions against individuals who tamper with fire hydrants, connect to them without authorization, or divert water from them. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption of water theft if someone uses a fire hydrant without proper authorization and without paying the full water charge. Local agencies that provide water services will now be authorized to adopt ordinances prohibiting unauthorized fire hydrant connections, with a graduated fine structure that increases for repeat offenses: first violations could result in fines up to $2,500, second violations up to $5,000, and third or subsequent violations up to $10,000. The Legislature's intent is to protect public health and safety, prevent water loss, maintain water system infrastructure, and support water conservation goals. The bill also acknowledges that water theft typically occurs by commercial actors seeking to profit and that the costs of such theft ultimately burden ratepayers. Importantly, the law includes an exception for firefighting and emergency response personnel who may use fire hydrants during active incidents, ensuring that public safety is not compromised by the new regulations.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB394