Bill > AB929

This bill amends the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act to provide special protections for managed wetlands and small community water systems serving disadvantaged communities. The bill introduces new defined terms, including "managed wetland" (which refers to specific types of flooded areas that support wildlife and ecosystem services) and "small community water system" (water systems serving up to 3,300 connections or 10,000 people). The legislation prohibits groundwater sustainability agencies from imposing extraction allocations or fees on small community water systems and managed wetland extractors, as long as their water use remains at historical levels. If these entities increase their groundwater extraction above historical amounts, the agencies can then regulate or charge fees for the additional usage. The bill also requires groundwater sustainability plans to include specific considerations for the water supply and economic impacts on managed wetlands and small community water systems serving disadvantaged communities. Notably, these provisions are set to expire on January 1, 2029, reflecting a temporary approach to addressing the unique water needs of these specific users. The bill is part of a broader effort to protect wetland habitats, support disadvantaged communities, and ensure sustainable groundwater management in California.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB929