The amendment proposed in AB 3214 is largely considered nonsubstantive as it makes minor changes to the existing provisions without altering any fundamental policies or frameworks governing water rights in California. By clarifying the responsibilities of the board in relation to water appropriations, it aims to enhance efficiency in processing permits and can positively impact water management practices throughout the state. However, since it is a technical amendment, its overall impact on existing state laws may be limited.
Summary
Assembly Bill 3214, introduced by Assembly Member Fong, seeks to amend Section 1250 of the Water Code regarding water appropriations and permits. This legislative measure is particularly focused on the procedures of the State Water Resources Control Board, which oversees the water rights program in California. The primary objective of this amendment is to streamline the process by which the board considers and acts upon applications for water appropriations, ensuring that all relevant applications receive timely attention and management.
Contention
As this bill makes only nonsubstantive revisions and does not introduce new regulatory frameworks or changes to existing permissions, there has been minimal public contention regarding its provisions. Stakeholders within the water management community may express various opinions, but overall, the bill is not expected to provoke significant debate or opposition, primarily due to its focus on operational clarity rather than reformative changes to water law.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.