Creating the water fund for our future, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
The bill forms a Joint Committee for the Oversight of the Water Fund for Our Future, which is tasked with receiving expenditure applications from state departments, including the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health Services. This oversight committee will recommend how the funds can be allocated for various activities focused on clean water, thereby influencing how state laws will manage water-related crisis responses and funding allocation. Moreover, the bill allows the committee to suggest transfers to a rapid response account for emergency situations, enhancing the state's preparedness for such events.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1183 proposes the establishment of a new nonlapsible trust fund known as the 'Water Fund for Our Future.' The fund will be initiated with a one-time transfer of $250,000,000 from the state's general fund. This initiative addresses critical needs related to water resource management, particularly in responding to natural disasters and public health emergencies, by creating mechanisms for timely financial support for remediation and assistance to affected individuals.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding AB1183 is its method of funding and budgetary flexibilities. Critics may raise concerns about the use of significant general fund money specifically for this initiative while others may argue for the necessity of its preventive measures against water-related emergencies. The stipulation that any objections to funding requests must be recorded and made public adds a layer of transparency to the decision-making process, which may be seen as both a safeguard and a potential bureaucratic hurdle.
Regulating and addressing PFAS, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures and emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Grants for testing privately owned wells and providing education, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)