BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code ? 84308 Applies: Yes ? No ?
(If "YES" Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code ? 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt Recommended Positions on State Legislation: AB 514 (Petrie-Norris) Emergency Water Supplies, *AB 532 (Ransom) Water Rate Assistance Program, *SB 31 (McNerney) Water Quality: recycled water, and Other Legislation Which May Require Urgent Consideration for a Position by the Board.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
A. Adopt a position of "Support" on: AB 514 (Petrie-Norris) Emergency Water Supplies;
*B. Adopt a position of "Support" on: AB 532 (Ransom) Water Rate Assistance Program;
*C. Adopt a position of "Support" on: SB 31 (McNerney) Water Quality: recycled water.
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SUMMARY:
AB 514 (Petrie-Norris) Emergency Water Supplies (I-02/10/2025)
Position Recommendation: Support
Priority Recommendation: 3
Article X of the California Constitution and Division 1, Chapter 1 of the California Water Code establish general state policy regarding the state's powers over water. These general policies outline fundamental principles for water use. They establish that all water in the state belongs to the people, and that the right to its use may be acquired by appropriation under the law. Water should be put to beneficial use, and waste or unreasonable use must be prevented. Domestic use is the highest priority, followed by irrigation. Additionally, every person has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
AB 514 is a re-introduction of last year's SB 1218 (Newman) which Valley Water supported, but did not get out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. AB 514 would add several general state policies in the Water Code as follows: "encourage, but not mandate, the development of emergency water supplies by local water suppliers, and to support their use during times of drought or unplanned service or supply disruption." The bill's fact sheet states that the purpose ...
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