California Assembly Bill AB1066

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/21
• Refer: 3/4/21
• Report Pass: 3/29/21
• Refer: 3/30/21
• Report Pass: 4/14/21
• Refer: 4/15/21
• Report Pass: 4/21/21
• Refer: 4/21/21
• Refer: 5/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 6/3/21
• Refer: 6/7/21
• Refer: 6/16/21
• Report Pass: 6/24/21
• Refer: 6/24/21
• Report Pass: 7/7/21
• Refer: 7/7/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/2/21
• Chaptered: 10/8/21
• Passed: 10/8/21

Caption

Priority inland water-contact recreation sites: water quality monitoring.

Impact

The legislation represents a significant step towards bolstering water quality monitoring for California's inland water bodies. By requiring the council to propose a definition for priority recreation sites by December 31, 2023, alongside recommendations for a comprehensive monitoring program, AB 1066 aims to establish clear and effective standards. This will not only influence local regulations around public water bodies but also elevate statewide standards for water quality, particularly in areas frequented by vulnerable communities having limited access to safe recreational facilities.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1066 is focused on prioritizing the safety and quality of water in inland recreational areas by implementing a monitoring system. The bill mandates the California Water Quality Monitoring Council to form a working group that will assess water recreation hazards at designated priority water-contact recreation sites. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the public health safety standards surrounding aquatic recreational activities, where bodily contact with water is involved, through systematic data collection and risk assessment.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 1066 is generally supportive among public health advocates and environmentalists, who view it as a necessary measure for ensuring safe recreational waters. However, potential contention may arise from interpretations of how these regulations will impact local communities—specifically regarding the monitoring cost implications and resource allocation. There is an underlying concern about the need to balance rigorous safety standards without placing excessive burdens on local agencies.

Contention

Debates surrounding AB 1066 are likely to reflect broader issues of environmental justice, particularly the emphasis on protecting overburdened communities who may disproportionately face water quality issues. While the bill has provisions for equity-based criteria in identifying priority sites, stakeholders may discuss how effectively these criteria are implemented in practice, ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard and adequately addressed.