California Assembly Bill AB1827

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/24
• Refer: 1/29/24
• Report Pass: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/8/24
• Report Pass: 4/25/24
• Engrossed: 5/20/24
• Refer: 5/21/24
• Refer: 5/29/24
• Report Pass: 6/26/24
• Enrolled: 8/20/24
• Chaptered: 9/22/24
• Passed: 9/22/24

Caption

Local government: fees and charges: water: higher consumptive water parcels.

Impact

The implications of AB 1827 could have significant effects on how local water agencies manage their fee structures. By enabling the allocation of costs based on water usage demand and allowing for automatic adjustments in fees when wholesale charges increase, the bill aims to ensure the sustainability of water resources and equitable cost distribution among consumers. Additionally, it reinforces the authority of local governments to manage water resources effectively in response to variances in demand, benefitting both the agencies and the consumers they serve.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1827, introduced by Papan, aims to amend Section 53750.6 of the Government Code concerning local government fees and charges related to water services. The bill allows local agencies to impose or increase fees that reflect the incrementally higher costs of water service associated with increased water usage demand, maximum potential water use, or projected peak water usage for specific parcels. This legislation seeks to clarify the conditions under which such fees can be set, aligning them with established legal precedents of Proposition 218, which governs local assessments and property-related fees in California.

Sentiment

The reception of AB 1827 has been largely supportive, with acknowledgments from local government agencies and environmental groups who view it as a necessary step to ensure that water services remain viable amid changing consumption patterns. However, some stakeholders express caution about the potential for increased fees and the need for transparency in how these fees are calculated. They emphasize the importance of maintaining public involvement and oversight in any adjustments made to water service charges.

Contention

A point of contention surrounding AB 1827 lies in the balance between local autonomy in setting water fees and the concerns of residents over potential financial burdens. Critics argue that while the bill seems to empower local governments, it may also create scenarios where fees could rise significantly without adequate public input. Therefore, discussions have emphasized the importance of ensuring that communities feel fully informed and engaged in the processes governing their local water services to avoid any unwarranted financial impact.