There is a concerted effort underway to enact, prior to the end of the 2014 Legislative Session, significant changes to the groundwater management law. The two legislative vehicles are SB 1168 (Pavley) and AB 1739 (Dickinson). As most recently amended, the two bills mirror each other. Senator Pavley and Assembly Member Dickinson are working closely with each other and the Brown Administration on development of a comprehensive statewide measure.
Of key concern to counties has been the potential impact of groundwater management legislation on local land use authority. RCRC has taken an Oppose Unless Amended position on both bills, and has been actively seeking amendments. The most recent joint RCRC/CSAC letter on SB 1168 can be accessed here. The duplicate letter on AB 1739 can be accessed here.
SB 1168 passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee, and AB 1739 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 14, 2014. SB 1168 is now headed to the Assembly Floor, and AB 1739 is on its way to the Senate Floor. At least one more set of amendments to the bills are anticipated. RCRC will revisit our position upon reviewing the next set of amendments.
The text of SB 1168 and related information can be accessed here. The text of AB 1739 and related information can be accessed here.