Legislators Offer Major Concessions to Advance High-priority Water Bills
As the June 6 house-of-origin deadline for legislation nears, legislators have committed to substantial amendments to advance water bills that Farm Bureau and other statewide organizations have opposed all year.
Senate Bill 601 by Sen. Ben Allen (D–Santa Monica)—one of the bills Farm Bureau has opposed most strongly this session—passed the Senate floor late Wednesday. The bill only moved forward after Sen. Allen agreed to remove a controversial provision that would have allowed individuals to file lawsuits alleging violations of state water quality laws. Known as a “private right of action,” this provision posed a serious threat to California’s farmers and ranchers by opening the door to abusive and costly shakedown lawsuits. Despite the amendment, Farm Bureau and other organizations remain opposed to SB 601 and will continue working against it in the Assembly.
Meanwhile, Assembly Bill 1146 by Assembly Member Diane Papan (D–San Mateo)—another bill opposed by Farm Bureau—is expected to pass the Assembly floor after significant amendments were made. The Assembly member agreed to remove most of the bill’s original language, including provisions that would have: granted the State Water Board authority to directly issue restraining or cease-and-desist orders to dam operators; allowed the board to fine dam operators and pass those fines on to water users; and limited the bill’s applicability to federal reservoir operators. With these changes, Farm Bureau and several statewide organizations will shift to a “neutral” position on AB 1146. However, local and regional water agencies are expected to remain opposed. Staff Contact: Alex Biering; abiering@cfbf.com
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