SB 565 Headed for Vote on Assembly Floor

An ACWA-opposed bill on water rights may be heard on the Assembly floor this week. SB 565 (Pavley) would establish several new penalty provisions and investigative powers for the State Water Resources Control Board. It would also reduce or eliminate existing due process and property rights protections for water rights holders.

SB 565 includes provisions that failed passage last year in the face of widespread opposition. The provisions are inconsistent with language enacted as part of the comprehensive water package in November 2009.

The bill is opposed by a coalition of water agencies, business groups, and agricultural organizations.

ACWA’s alert on SB 565 can be accessed here.