CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Bill
No. 659

Introduced by Senator Ashby

February 16, 2023

An act to add Section 114 to the Water Code, relating to groundwater.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


SB 659, as introduced, Ashby. Groundwater recharge: minimum requirement.
Existing law establishes the Department of Water Resources within the Natural Resources Agency. Existing law provides that it is the policy of the state that groundwater resources be managed sustainably for long-term reliability and multiple economic, social, and environmental benefits for current and future beneficial uses.
This bill would establish that it is the policy of the state to recharge groundwater by a minimum of 10 million acre-feet of water annually. The bill would require the department to promulgate regulations necessary to implement this policy.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 Section 114 is added to the Water Code, to read:

114.
 (a) It is the policy of the state to recharge groundwater by a minimum of 10 million acre-feet of water annually.
(b) The department shall promulgate regulations necessary to implement this policy.