ACWA-Sponsored SB 323 Advances to Assembly Floor by ACWA Staff Jun 23, 2021 Water News ACWA-sponsored SB 323 passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and is headed to the Assembly floor. SB 323, authored by Senator Anna Caballero (D–Salinas), would provide financial stability for public agencies by creating a 120-day statute of limitations for challenges to new water and sewer rates. This would provide public agency water and sewer service rates the same protections already afforded to fees and charges that fund other essential government services. ACWA Legislative Advocate Kristopher Anderson and Irvine Ranch General Manager Paul Cook testified during the committee hearing in support of the bill. “Simply put, this bill strikes a balance between protecting the rights of ratepayers and allowing public water and sewer agencies to avoid unnecessary financial uncertainty,” Anderson said, noting that the bill would require agencies to inform customers of this new legal protection prior to the adoption of a new rate structure. Nearly 100 ACWA member agencies have joined a coalition in support of the bill as it has moved through the Legislature, and several voiced support during the hearing. If the bill is approved by the full Assembly, it will go back to the Senate floor, then to the Governor for signature. The bill so far has received broad bi-partisan support throughout the legislative process.