Bill > AB1146

This bill adds new sections to California's Water Code to prohibit the release of stored water from United States-owned and operated reservoirs under false pretenses. Specifically, "false pretenses" is defined as knowingly and intentionally releasing water through fraudulent misrepresentation of its purpose or intended use. The State Water Resources Control Board is authorized to issue interim relief orders to stop such water releases and can initiate these proceedings on its own motion. The board can issue these orders quickly without extensive notice if there is an immediate risk to public health, safety, water users, or water ecosystems. Any person violating these provisions can be held civilly liable for up to $10,000 per day of violation, and these penalties can apply to the United States government to the extent allowed by federal law. The bill also allows the State Water Resources Control Board or the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief to prevent or stop improper water releases. Additionally, the bill modifies existing law to specify that these new provisions create a new type of potential violation with associated penalties. The bill includes a provision stating that no reimbursement is required for implementing these new regulations because they relate to creating or changing legal penalties.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1146