Agriculture and Water Resources

Farm Labor
Pests and Pesticides
General Agriculture
Water Resources

Farm Labor

SB 584* (Chesbro-D) Primary health care services: rural areas

Among other things, revises existing law regarding health program grants for seasonal, agricultural and migratory workers and for underserved rural health areas, and authorizes the State Department of Health Services to grant funds for health services development projects for up to three years to eligible, private, nonprofit, community-based primary care clinics.

Chapter 744, Statutes of 1999

SB 672 (Escutia-D) Health: migrant and seasonal worker families

Requires the State Department of Health Services, in cooperation with the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, to establish a grant program to provide outreach and health services to children of migrant and seasonal workers and their families, as specified.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 805* (McPherson-R) Migrant farm labor centers

Authorizes the State Department of Housing and Community Development to grant extensions for migrant farm labor centers, as specified, and appropriates $60,000 for this purpose.

Chapter 308, Statutes of 1999

SB 984 (Polanco-D) State holidays: Cesar Chavez Day

Provides that March 31, known as "Cesar Chavez Day," could be either the Monday or Friday following that date, is a judicial holiday, and a required paid holiday for school, community college, and state employees.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 1303* (Solis-D) Unemployment compensation benefits: freezing weather

Increases from $25 to $200 the amount of earnings that an Unemployment Insurance recipient may keep before benefits are reduced because of those earnings. Applies to individuals laid off as a direct result of freezing weather in December, 1998, and whose continued unemployment is due to the freezing weather. Sunsets on August 7, 1999.

Chapter 9, Statutes of 1999

SJR 7 (Baca-D) Cesar E. Chavez: commemorative stamp

Urges the United States Postal Service Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend to the United States Postal Service the issuance of a United States postal commemorative stamp honoring Cesar E. Chavez.

(In Senate Rules Committee)

AB 113* (Florez-D) Disasters

Among other things, establishes the Agricultural Economic Disaster Act of 1999 and declares the intent of the Legislature that financial assistance received by local agencies for costs incurred as a result of an agricultural disaster not be used to supplant federal assistance that is otherwise available in the absence of state assistance.

Authorizes the Governor to allocate funds in the event of an agriculture-related disaster to fund a farmworker housing grant program, a mortgage or rent subsidy program lasting not more than 60 days, to contract with local agencies for temporary housing of migratory farmworkers and for other local emergency projects, as specified.

(In Assembly Consumer Protection, Governmental Efficiency and Economic Development Committee)

AB 555* (Reyes-D) Farm labor vehicles

Requires the State Labor Commissioner to provide the California Highway Patrol (CHP) with a list of all registered farm labor vehicles, and requires any peace officer stopping a farm labor vehicle to determine whether the vehicle is registered. Requires the CHP, in cooperation with local farm bureaus, to educate farmers and farm labor contractors regarding certification requirements. Provides that the willful violation of the provisions relative to the operation of a vehicle that is operated as a farm labor vehicle will be a misdemeanor.

Chapter 556, Statutes of 1999

AB 1111* (Aroner-D) Social services

Among other things, expands the eligibility criteria for unemployment benefits provided to eligible individuals who have been laid off from work or have been unable to commence work due to the freezing weather conditions in December 1998 by eliminating the requirement that the county of residence have an unemployment rate in excess of 13%. This bill was used as a Budget trailer bill.

Chapter 147, Statutes of 1999

AB 1165* (Florez-D) Farm labor vehicles

Requires all farm labor vehicles to have certified safety restraints for the driver and all passengers, and requires all farm labor vehicles to be inspected and certified by the California Highway Patrol.

Chapter 557, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is AB 602 (Florez-D), which is in the Senate Transportation Committee.

AB 1172* (Frusetta-R) Preventive health care tax credit: agricultural workers

Authorizes a tax credit equal to 25% of certain preventive health care costs provided to the taxpayer's employees who are farmworkers and who meet specified criteria.

(In Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee)

AB 1303 (Florez-D) Farm labor contractors

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the State Department of Industrial Relations to fund specific disciplinary actions against farm labor contractors and also requires the State Labor Commissioner to implement on undercover "sting" operation to identify certain improper practices by farm labor contractors.

(In Senate Public Safety Committee)

AB 1338 (Reyes-D) Farm labor contractors: licenses

Revises license renewal procedure for farm labor contractors and provides for continuing education.

(In Assembly Labor and Employment Committee)

AB 1505 (Ducheny-D) Farmworker housing

Requires local general plans' housing elements to identify adequate sites with public services and facilities for housing for agricultural employees to meet the city or county's regional share of farmworker housing.

Chapter 967, Statutes of 1999

AB 1580 (Florez-D) Housing: farm labor strategy

Requires the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to develop a strategy for the development of farm labor housing and to establish a task force to assist in the development of the strategy. Requires HCD to report to the Legislature by July 1, 2000 on the strategy.

(In Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee)

Pests and Pesticides

SB 204* (Lewis-R) Red imported fire ants

Appropriates $9.5 million to the State Department of Food and Agriculture (DFA) for efforts to control and eradicate Red Imported Fire Ants in California, as specified. Requires the DFA to report to the Legislature on the progress of its efforts no later than June, 2000.

Chapter 1010, Statutes of 1999 - Item Veto

SB 828 (McPherson-R) County agricultural commissioners: credit card costs

Allows a county agricultural commissioner to impose a surcharge, as specified, when a person is paying a pest control registration or services fee with a credit card.

Chapter 889, Statutes of 1999

SB 1010* (Kelley-R) Pesticides: electronic marketing

Requires the State Department of Pesticide Regulation, not later than December 31, 1999, to conduct a study and submit to the Legislature a report as to whether the electronic marketing of pesticides through the Internet interferes with the performance of its duties prescribed by state law, and to include in that report recommendations with regard to any changes in statutes or regulations that may be necessary to ensure the integrity of the pesticide laws of the state.

(In Senate Rules Committee)

AB 299 (Thomson-D) Suisun Mosquito Abatement Demonstration Program

Creates the Suisun Marsh Wetland Enhancement and Mosquito Demonstration Program and appropriates $140,000 from the General Fund to the State Department of Fish and Game for allocation to the Suisun Resource Conservation District to conduct a wetland management demonstration program.

(In Senate Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee)

AB 693 (Machado-D) Structural pest control: solicitation by unlicensed persons

Authorizes unlicensed individuals to solicit pest control work on behalf of a registered pest control company.

Chapter 257, Statutes of 1999

AB 736 (Thompson-R) Pest control: glossy-winged sharpshooter

Appropriates $2,200,000 from the General Fund to the State Department of Food and Agriculture for the purpose of researching and developing methods of eradicating the glossy-winged sharpshooter insect.

(In Assembly Agriculture Committee)

AB 1168 (Frusetta-R) Noxious Weeds Management Program

Creates the Noxious Weed Management Account for the purpose of managing and eradicating noxious weeds. Authorizes the State Department of Food and Agriculture to establish an oversight committee to monitor the bill's provisions and report to the Legislature through 2005. Appropriates $50,000 from the General Fund for the fiscal years 1999-2000, 2000-2001, and 2001-02.

Chapter 961, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is AB 737 (Oller-R), which is in the Assembly Agriculture Committee.

AB 1228* (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Agriculture: plant and animal pest control

Extends from July 1, 1999, to July 1, 2000, the responsibility of the State Department of Food and Agriculture to develop work plans for the allocation of funding appropriated in the State Budget Act for local assistance for agricultural plant and animal pest and disease prevention. Specifies that, of the amount appropriated in the State Budget Act to the department for this purpose, $5,500,000 will be utilized solely for high-risk pest exclusion activities until July 1, 2000. Continues indefinitely the authorization for county agricultural commissioners to enter into mutual aid agreements with other counties to carry out prescribed crop, inspection, and pest management programs.

Chapter 890, Statutes of 1999

AB 1232* (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Pierce Disease research

Appropriates $750,000 each year for three specified fiscal years from the General Fund to the Secretary of the State Department of Food and Agriculture for the purpose of funding, on a competitive basis, Pierce Disease research. Specifies that the appropriation for each year will become operative only upon an annual commitment during that year of at least $250,000 in private contributions from the California viticulture and enology industry. Also requires the secretary to appoint an advisory task force consisting of scientific experts, including, but not limited to, university researchers and agricultural representatives, for the purpose of advising the secretary on research to control and eradicate Pierce Disease. Sunsets on January 1, 2005.

Chapter 627, Statutes of 1999

AB 1243 (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Pesticides: agricultural products: marketing

Allows the State Department of Pesticide Regulation to extend the current maximum three-year probability on the licensing of all brokers and applicators, etc., to a flat three-years that also applies to forms in which an offender has any ownership interest greater than 10%; allows continuous appropriation and remittance of overpaid licensing, certification, and other fees, as specified.

Chapter 609, Statutes of 1999

AJR 4 (Maldonado-R) Poisonous and noxious weeds

Urges all government agencies to stop using nonnative plant material and encourages the use of certified weed-free straw or California-grown rice straw in any of their programs within California.

Resolution Chapter 70, Statutes of 1999

General Agriculture

SB 229* (McPherson-R) Income and bank and corporation taxes: irrigation

Allows a 15% credit for the cost of purchasing and installing a water conserving irrigation system on agricultural land in California, and is only operative for tax years beginning 1999 through 2003. The irrigation system must be certified to provide water conservation or savings of at least 10% in comparison with the amount used on the land in the prior year. The maximum credit a taxpayer may claim with respect to a parcel will be the lesser of $1,000 per acre or $1,000,000. Any amount of credit which exceeds the tax for a year may be carried forward and credited against future years' tax; but the carryover credit will be disallowed if the taxpayer disposes of the land.

(In Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee)

SB 282 (Kelley-R) Utility service rates: rural areas

Requires the California Energy Commission to report on various activities related to reducing energy costs and improving competitive opportunities for California agriculture and other rural energy customers. Also requires the California Public Utilities Commission to include specified related information in its annual work plan.

Chapter 322, Statutes of 1999

SB 386 (Leslie-R) Foreign marketing

Continuously appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to the State Department of Food and Agriculture (DFA) to conduct foreign market research, personnel training and other DFA duties related to the state's Agricultural Export Program.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

SB 403* (Kelley-R) Taxes: credits

Extends the tax credit for water pollution control mechanisms purchased in enterprise zones to include agricultural drain water treatment facilities.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 419 (Speier-D) Dairy products

Requires, until January 1, 2002, the State Department of Food and Agriculture over the next two years, to conduct statewide monthly retail milk price surveys and a public information program that provides the survey's findings, and to report to the Legislature by June 30, 2001 on the program.

Chapter 682, Statutes of 1999

SB 431* (Alarcon-D) 51st District Agricultural Association

Allows the 51st District Agricultural Association to use sale proceeds to lease land on a long-term basis for the new site of the Valley Fair, and to make improvements to the leased site.

Chapter 174, Statutes of 1999

SB 649 (Costa-D) Open-space subventions: farmland security zone contracts

Requires that the state make open-space subvention payments during a portion of the period of non-renewal of farmland security zone (FSZ) contracts, increases the amount of those payments for some lands, and specifies criteria and procedures for cancellation of FSZ contracts.

Chapter 1019, Statutes of 1999

SB 831 (Baca-D) Agricultural land

Allows for automatic approval of specified land transfers (i.e. Williamson Act contracted land to be rescinded while placing other land under a conservation easement) between landowners and multiple cities and counties.

Chapter 994, Statutes of 1999

SB 956 (Hayden-D) Packaging and labeling

Declares that a livestock, poultry, or fish product is adulterated if its appearance is altered or modified through coloring, marinade, or any other substance so as to conceal age or fitness for human consumption. Allows labeling of meat and fish products to continue to indicate a date though which the product is assured to be wholesome, while wholesomeness will be defined as healthful and fit for human consumption as of the date of sale. Once placed on the packaging, expiration or sell-by dates could not be modified. Also requires the State Department of Food and Agriculture to adopt regulations to ensure that fish products are not adulterated.

(Failed passage in Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee; reconsideration granted)

SB 971 (Baca-D) County milk commissions

Modifies, until January 1, 2005, residency requirements dictating who may serve on a county milk commission. The practical effect is that the Board of Supervisors with the only remaining county milk commission (Los Angeles County) could appoint citizens of an adjacent county to serve on its commission.

Vetoed by the Governor

SB 1186 (Ortiz-D) Rice straw

Requires the State Air Resources Board, in consultation with the State Department of Food and Agriculture, to prepare and submit to the Legislature recommendations for ensuring consistency and predictability in the supply of rice straw for cost-effective uses that are an alternative to burning.

Chapter 640, Statutes of 1999

SB 1274 (Costa-D) Animal rendering

Adds to the definition of "agriculture processing activity, operation, facility or appurtenances thereof" rendering plants and collection centers required to be licensed under the provisions of the bill, as specified.

Chapter 329, Statutes of 1999

SB 1284 (Bowen-D) Milk fat and milk solids

Allows milk products to be sold in this state that meet national nutritional standards but not those of California, if the products include a statement to this effect and are labeled in 20 point type "not fortified with milk solids." The milk product packaging will also be required to have a chart comparing the product's nutrients and their values to the applicable California counterpart.

(Failed passage in Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee; reconsideration granted)

AB 47 (Cardoza-D) Williamson Act: cancellation fees

Requires Williamson Act cancellation fees, which are currently paid into the General Fund, after funding various programs supported by the Soil Conservation Fund, to be deposited instead into the Agricultural Land Stewardship Program Fund beginning July 1, 2001. Ensures Williamson Act cancellation fees are only used to fund direct grants for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements.

Vetoed by the Governor

AB 113* (Florez-D) Disasters

Establishes the Agricultural Economic Disaster Act of 1999 and declares the intent of the Legislature that financial assistance received by local agencies for costs incurred as a result of an agricultural disaster not be used to supplant federal assistance that is otherwise available in the absence of state assistance. Requires that the State Emergency Plan be revised to respond to agriculture-related disasters and requires the Director of the Office of Emergency Services to prepare a model agricultural economic disaster preparedness and response local ordinance.

(In Assembly Consumer Protection, Governmental Efficiency and Economic Development Committee)

AB 114* (Florez-D) Disaster relief: freeze

Provides disaster tax relief to business taxpayers, individual taxpayers and relief to local agencies whose property tax revenues were reduced as a result of a freeze or any other related casualty that occurred in areas of California that were declared disasters areas in the winter of 1998-99.

Chapter 165, Statutes of 1999

AB 260 (Wright-D) Exposition Park Authority and California Science Center

Reorganizes the 6th District Agricultural Association, which will be known as the Exposition Park Authority, with a board consisting of nine members appointed as specified. Specifies the duties and responsibilities of the board. Provides that the California Science Center will be governed by a nine-member board of directors who will be appointed by the Governor. Specifies that the California Science Center, through its board and executive officers, will have jurisdiction only over those matters directly pertaining to the management and operation of the California Science Center. Requires the California Science Center, through its board and executive officers, to coordinate museum events and activities with the park manager of the Exposition Park Authority.

(In Senate Governmental Organization Committee)

AB 287* (Strickland-R) Tax credit: donation of agricultural products

Authorizes a tax credit against the net tax of a taxpayer in an amount equal to 10% of the fair market value at wholesale of agricultural products donated during the taxable year to a nonprofit charitable organization or food bank. Prohibits a taxpayer from claiming this credit and a charitable deduction for the same contribution. Allows unused credits to be carried forward until exhausted. Requires the Franchise Tax Board to report to the Legislature by November 30, 2004 on the number of credits claimed annually. Sunsets on December 31, 2005.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

AB 593 (Strom-Martin-D) Certified farmers' markets

Makes numerous revisions to the State Department of Food and Agriculture's regulatory structure for certified farmers' markets and extends the department's oversight through January 1, 2005, and revises the state fee structure of the program.

Chapter 833, Statutes of 1999

AB 659 (Wiggins-D) Point-of-sale stations

Enacts the Retail Price Accuracy Act of 1999, and requires a retail establishment to pay a customer a specified amount of money if that establishment operates a point-of-sale station and is notified that as a result of a completed retail sales transaction a customer was charged a price for an item that is greater than the advertised, posted or quoted price, as prescribed.

(Failed passage in Senate Judiciary Committee; reconsideration granted)

AB 805* (Strom-Martin-D) Certified Farmer's Market Nutrition Program

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund in order to obtain a 70% federal fund match of $1,167,000 to expand the Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Program and Certified Farmer's Market Nutrition Program by a total of $1,667,000. Provides coupons to approximately 60,000 more women to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vetoed by the Governor

AB 950 (Wiggins-D) Local agency formation commissions: agricultural land

Establishes a preference that Local Agency Formation Commissions guide development away from open-space lands of statewide significance and prime commercial rangeland.

(In Senate Local Government Committee)

AB 1093 (Strom-Martin-D) Highway access restrictions: exemptions

Expands the portion of Highway 101 in the north coast area upon which livestock carriers may operate longer truck tractor-semitrailer combinations, and allows them to operate without a State Department of Transportation permit, as specified.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

AB 1130 (Ashburn-R) Fruits, nuts, and vegetables: standards

Extends until January 1, 2005, the requirement for the Secretary of the State Department of Food and Agriculture to create an industry-funded standardization program for fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

Chapter 240, Statutes of 1999

AB 1171 (Frusetta-R) Agricultural commodities: labeling

Establishes a process for informing consumers of the country of origin of foreign-grown perishable agricultural commodities at grocery establishments, as specified.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

AB 1173 (Frusetta-R) Slaughter provisions: additions

Adds American bison, Asian water buffalo, and fallow deer to existing slaughter provisions of the State Department of Food and Agriculture and authorizes the preparation, inspection and marking of carcasses for transportation and/or sale.

(In Assembly Agriculture Committee)

AB 1213 (Strom-Martin-D) Certified farmers' market certificates

Revises the mandatory state certificate fee that each certified producer is required to pay from $10 to $25, and requires this fee to be paid until January 1, 2004, rather than until January 1, 2000.

(In Assembly Agriculture Committee)

AB 1228* (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Agriculture: plant and animal pest control

Extends from July 1, 1999, to July 1, 2000, the responsibility of the State Department of Food and Agriculture to develop work plans for the allocation of funding appropriated in the State Budget Act for local assistance for agricultural plant and animal pest and disease prevention. Specifies that, of the amount appropriated in the State Budget Act to the department for this purpose, $5,500,000 will be utilized solely for high-risk pest exclusion activities until July 1, 2000. Continues indefinitely the authorization for county agricultural commissioners to enter into mutual aid agreements with other counties to carry out prescribed crop, inspection, and pest management programs.

Chapter 890, Statutes of 1999

AB 1229 (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Agricultural land conservation: districts

Makes technical adjustments to the California Farmland Conservancy Program.

Chapter 503, Statutes of 1999

AB 1238 (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Eggs

Redefines "eggs for export and interstate commerce"; directs the State Department of Food and Agriculture to establish plant identification numbers, and deletes the sunset date on ambient temperature requirements for specified eggs.

Chapter 197, Statutes of 1999

AB 1243 (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Pesticides: agricultural products: marketing

Makes specified changes to the Food and Agricultural Code relating to avocado inspection, marketing orders, and organic foods. Also makes changes to the Health and Safety Code relating to organic foods.

Chapter 609, Statutes of 1999

AB 1249 (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Produce dealers and agents of farm products processors

Revises the State Department of Food and Agriculture's application process for denied and renewal licenses of produce dealers and processors of farm products and their agents.

Chapter 198, Statutes of 1999

AB 1251 (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Animal diseases

Requires the State Veterinarian, instead of the Secretary of the State Department of Food and Agriculture, subject to the state administrative adjudication provisions of the Government Code, to impose a quarantine upon a population of domestic animals or food products from animals, as specified. Strengthens the conditions under which swine can enter California, provides for revocation or denial of marketing licenses and creates a fine of $100 per animal for each violation.

Chapter 447, Statutes of 1999

AB 1258 (Strom-Martin-D) Public health: agricultural homestay establishments

Provides for the regulation of agricultural homestays, as defined, and expands the definition of "restricted food service transient occupancy establishment" to include an agricultural homestay.

Chapter 180, Statutes of 1999

AB 1261* (Assembly Agriculture Committee) California Sheep Commission

Prevents wool shorn prior to the implementation of the California Sheep Commission from being assessed under programs of the new trade group.

Chapter 29, Statutes of 1999

AB 1435* (Briggs-R) Agriculture: Navel and Valencia oranges

Authorizes the State Department of Food and Agriculture to impose a maximum of two mill (0.2 cents) assessment per carton of Navel or Valencia oranges prepared for market to fund a department-administered state orange crop estimating service and an acreage survey.

Chapter 507, Statutes of 1999

AB 1459 (Wiggins-D) Agricultural products: processors licensing: fees

Modifies the form of a State Department of Food and Agriculture report, due to the Legislature by June 1, 2000, on the schedule of license fees imposed on agricultural product processors.

Chapter 143, Statutes of 1999

AB 1470 (Cardoza-D) Milk: market milk: equalization pools

Requires, beginning January 1, 2000, dairy processing plants receiving market milk to elect, on an annual basis, to receive market milk. Requires milk used to produce Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 milk products, to be market milk and pooled, except for dairies producing manufacturing milk that were in business prior to December 31, 1998 may be used to produce selected Class 2 and Class 3 products. Encourages the State Department of Food and Agriculture to review and prepare an economic analysis of the Gonzalves Milk Pooling Act and to report to the Legislature by February 1, 2000.

(In Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee)

AB 1474 (Cardoza-D) License fees and taxes: highway access limits: exception

Permits the use of livestock carriers, as specified, on Highway 101 until January 1, 2001, and exempts tribally owned vehicles from license fees except for registration fees.

To enrollment

AB 1477 (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Agriculture: nursery stock

Raises the license fee cap not to exceed $180 and acreage fee cap from $500-$900 for nursery producers and sellers, exempts licensees of cut flowers and ornamental products from acreage fees. Sunsets on July 1, 2005.

Chapter 450, Statutes of 1999

AB 1480 (Cardoza-D) Williamson Act: agricultural conservation easement

Clarifies the criteria which must be met in order to place Williamson Act contracted land under an agricultural easement.

Vetoed by the Governor

AB 1512 (Briggs-R) Produce: mislabeling

Requires the obliteration of incorrect or unauthorized labels or markings prior to commercial reuse of containers and does not require the obliteration of old markings or labels by a grower employing a used container solely to transport, and not for display or sale, that grower's own agricultural products to or from, or both to and from, a certified farmers' market.

Chapter 452, Statutes of 1999

AB 1582 (Florez-D) Grape crusher processors: grape concentrate: reporting

Adds information on the total tonnage of grapes purchased and crushed that will be marketed as grape concentrate to the data that must be provided by grape processors to the State Department of Food and Agriculture so that the department can compile the annual Grape Crush Report.

Chapter 199, Statutes of 1999

AB 1641* (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Tax credit: agricultural prunings: biomass conversion

Provides a tax credit of $30 per ton for the cost of transporting agricultural prunings to a biomass conversion facility. The credit will take effect beginning in tax year 1999 and will sunset at the end of the 2008 tax year. Excess credit amounts could be carried forward for up to ten years.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

AB 1645 (Assembly Agriculture Committee) Agricultural education

Requires the State Department of Education to establish a non-mandatory agricultural education program for kindergarten and grades one through twelve.

Chapter 965, Statutes of 1999

ACR 6 (Reyes-D) Agriculture: frost damage

Requests that the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) cooperate with public utilities to establish payment deferral programs for citrus growers, and further requests that PUC authorize utilities to recover (from ratepayers) the programs' administrative costs and uncollected deferred payments.

Resolution Chapter 9, Statutes of 1999

ACR 56 (Wiggins-D) Winemaking Families and Grape Growers Appreciation Day

Commends the family vintners and grape growers of this state and designates the day of May 17, 1999, and the third Monday in May of each year thereafter, as California Family Winery and Grape Growers Appreciation Day.

Resolution Chapter 30, Statutes of 1999

ACR 65 (Machado-D) California Pear Day

Declares August 11, 1999 as California Pear Day.

Resolution Chapter 69, Statutes of 1999

ACR 81 (Reyes-D) California Grown Certified Farmers' Market

Recognizes August 1999 as California Grown Certified Farmers' Market Month.

Resolution Chapter 98, Statutes of 1999

AJR 1 (Florez-D) Disaster area: cold storms

Memorializes the President of the United States to declare the affected portions of California as a federal natural disaster area as a result of the cold storms and consequent frost damage that occurred in December 1998.

Resolution Chapter 2, Statutes of 1999

HR 12 (Cardoza-D) National Agriculture Week

Honors the men and women of California agriculture for their dedication and productivity by observing March 14 through March 20, 1999, as National Agriculture Week and Saturday, March 20, 1999, as National Agriculture Day.

Adopted by the Assembly

HR 32 (Strom-Martin-D) Industrial hemp

Finds and declares that industrial hemp is a vital, sustainable, renewable resource for building materials, cloth, cordage, fiber, food, fuel, industrial chemicals, oil, paint, paper, plastics, seed, yarn, and many other useful products; that the domestic production of industrial hemp can help protect California's environment, contribute to the growth of the state economy, and be regulated in a manner that will not interfere with the enforcement of marijuana laws; that the Legislature should consider action to revise the legal status of industrial hemp to allow for its growth in California as an agricultural and industrial crop; that the Legislature should consider directing the University of California, the California State University, and other state agencies to prepare studies in conjunction with private industry on the cultivation, processing, and marketing of industrial hemp.

Adopted by the Assembly

Water Resources

SB 60 (Hayden-D) Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Prohibits the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) from using public funds for political research; requires MWD to establish an Office of Ethics which will adopt rules that seek to avoid ethical abuses; and requires MWD to place increased emphasis on environmentally sound, cost-effective water conservation programs.

Chapter 415, Statutes of 1999

SB 90 (Alarcon-D) Parks and recreation: grants: urban river park projects

Establishes the Alarcon California River Parkways Act of 1999 for the purpose of directly improving the quality of life in California by providing important recreational, open-space, wildlife, educational, flood control, and water quality benefits to communities in the state. Authorizes the Secretary of the State Resources Agency to award grants from specified moneys deposited in the Alarcon California River Parkways Fund, which the bill creates, to state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations for feasible river parkway projects, as provided. Requires the secretary, in awarding those grants, to give priority to projects that accomplish specified objectives.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

SB 177 (Peace-D) San Francisco Bay: public utilities

Among other things, expands the environmental factors that should be considered by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission when considering permit applications to place fill in the Bay.

Chapter 774, Statutes of 1999

SB 216 (Solis-D) San Gabriel and Lower L. A. Rivers and Mountains Conservancy

Establishes the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy as a state agency within the State Resources Agency for the purpose of acquiring and managing public lands within the San Gabriel River and Lower Los Angeles River watersheds for open-space, recreational and educational uses, and wildlife protection; and for the purpose of preserving these rivers consistent with flood control projects.

Chapter 789, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is AB 1355 (Havice-D) which became Chapter 788, Statutes of 1999.

SB 223 (Kelley-R) Infrastructure financing: Salton Sea Authority

Allows the Salton Sea Authority, a joint powers authority, to form the Salton Sea Infrastructure Financing District (IFD), as if it were a city. Permits the Salton Sea IFD to depart from existing law as specified.

Chapter 53, Statutes of 1999

SB 227 (Alpert-D) Water quality: nonpoint source pollution

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board to develop a program to implement a nonpoint source pollution management plan, as specified.

Chapter 560, Statutes of 1999

SB 257 (Ortiz-D) Flood protection

Adopts and authorizes a specified flood protection project in the Natomas and North Sacramento areas of the City of Sacramento and the counties of Sacramento and Sutter, at an estimated cost to the state of the sum that may be appropriated by the Legislature for state participation, upon the recommendation and advice of the State Department of Water Resources or the Reclamation Board, as prescribed. Specifies related matters in connection with that project.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 289 (Kelley-R) Flood control

Authorizes a project for flood control on the Santa Ana River at Norco Bluffs in accordance with a prescribed report by the Chief of Engineers of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, at an estimated cost to the state of the sum that may be appropriated for state cooperation by the Legislature, upon the recommendation and advice of the State Department of Water Resources. Requires the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to carry out the project and to give prescribed assurances to the Secretary of the Army in connection with the project.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 290 (Kelley-R) County water agencies: indebtedness

Requires any proposal by a county water authority to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire rights, privileges, or services by contract, the compensation of which is payable over a period that exceeds 40 years, to be approved by the voters of that authority. Also subjects a proposal to lease, purchase, or otherwise acquire rights, privileges, or services by contract, the compensation of which is payable over a period that exceeds 20 years, but is not more than 40 years, to referendum.

Chapter 97, Statutes of 1999

SB 293 (Johannessen-R) Rock Creek/Keefer Slough Flood Control Project Study

Appropriates $400,000 from the State General Fund to the State Controller to be allocated, as specified, to the State Reclamation Board and the State Department of Transportation for their respective costs in connection with the Rock Creek/Keefer Slough Flood Control Project Study. Makes findings and declarations regarding flood control problems and the study.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 314 (Kelley-R) Metropolitan water districts

Provides that, for the purposes of the Metropolitan Water District Act, any water purchased at the uniform rate or rates established by a district for domestic or municipal uses and used for beneficial purposes within that district will be deemed to be water for domestic and municipal uses and not surplus water.

Chapter 46, Statutes of 1999

SB 387* (Alpert-D) Oil spill prevention

Authorizes the Oil Spill Prevention Response (OSPR) administrator to establish a lower standard of financial responsibility for "marine construction vessels" and "nontank barges", as defined, instead of requiring these vessels to comply with the statutory requirement to demonstrate the ability to pay at least $300 million in damages from a spill. The specific amount of financial assurance to be provided for these vessels is to be determined by the OSPR administrator based on the quantity of oil that can be carried by the nontank barge or marine construction vessel and the risk of spill into marine waters; the amount cannot be less than the expected costs from a reasonable worst-case oil spill from the vessel. Delays the deadline for compliance with the financial responsibility requirements for marine construction vessels and nontank barges from January 1, 1999, to January 1, 2000. The changes made by the bill will remain in effect only until January 1, 2001, and as of that date will be repealed, on which date existing law will again become operative.

Chapter 687, Statutes of 1999

SB 390 (Alpert-D) Water quality

Revises the authority of regional water quality control boards to waive waste discharge requirements; requires enforcement of conditions for waivers; requires public hearings as a condition of waiver renewal; revises liability provisions; and eliminates the cap on waiver fees charged by the board.

Chapter 686, Statutes of 1999

SB 394 (McPherson-R) Aquatic nuisance species

Extends, by four years to January 1, 2004, the sunset on the State Department of Fish and Game's Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention and Control program that is intended to monitor and prevent the introduction of these species via vessel ballast water exchanges.

Chapter 185, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is AB 703 (Lempert-D), which became Chapter 849, Statutes of 1999.

SB 478 (Escutia-D) Water projects

Authorizes the State Department of Water Resources (DWR) to make loans to local agencies to develop cost-effective water conservation projects and make grants for feasibility studies of these projects. Authorizes the DWR to make loans in economically disadvantaged areas and grants in severely economically disadvantaged areas for infrastructure restoration and repair projects.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 496 (Sher-D) Wild and scenic rivers: South Yuba River

Includes within the California Wild and Scenic River system the South Yuba River from Lang Crossing to its confluence with Kentucky Creek.

Chapter 1016, Statutes of 1999

SB 506 (Peace-D) Water conveyance facilities: transfers

Deletes from existing law the requirement that the owner of a water conveyance facility determine the amount and availability of unused capacity. Includes additional conditions for granting the use of the water conveyance facility.

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

SB 520 (Johnson-R) Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Requires the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, on or before February 1, 2000, and each February 1 thereafter, to submit a report to the Legislature which includes a description of complaints and other communications submitted to the district from member agencies that allege unethical, unauthorized, or illegal activities by the district against any member public agency or the public in the previous calendar year. Sunsets January 1, 2005.

Chapter 524, Statutes of 1999

SB 552 (Kelley-R) Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Requires the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, on or before February 1, 2000, to submit to the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature a report that describes all deficiencies noted in a prescribed audit and the actions that the district has taken, or is taking, to correct each of those deficiencies. Requires the district, on or before February 1, 2000, and each February 1 until January 1, 2005, or as otherwise prescribed, to submit to the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature a specified report concerning the district's Inland Feeder Project.

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

Similar legislation is SB 553 (Kelley-R), which is in the Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.

SB 553 (Kelley-R) Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Requires the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to submit to the Legislature an annual progress report on the Inland Feeder Project. Incepting February 1, 2000, the report is to include a description of progress, a log of expenses, and variations between budgeted and actual costs. Costs for the report are not to exceed $50,000.

(In Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee)

SB 554 (Kelley-R) Flood control

Adopts and authorizes the project for flood protection measures on the Whitewater River in Riverside County in accordance with prescribed plans.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 598* (Costa-D) Safe drinking water

Enacts the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, and Flood Protection Act, subject to appropriation by the Legislature for specified water projects and programs, and places before the voters on the March 7, 2000 ballot a $1.765 billion State General Obligation Bond measure to finance these projects and programs for safe drinking water, clean water, water conservation, and flood protection.

(On Assembly Inactive File)

SB 604 (Costa-D) Flood control

Adopts and authorizes a specified flood protection project for the Arroyo Pasajero River in the County of Fresno at an estimated cost to the state of the sum that may be appropriated by the Legislature for state cooperation, upon the recommendation and advice of the State Department of Water Resources, as prescribed.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 626 (Chesbro-D) Lake County Flood Control and Water Conservation District

Authorizes the Lake County Board of Supervisors to modify and dissolve zones within the Lake County Flood Control and Water District, as specified.

Chapter 89, Statutes of 1999

SB 631 (Kelley-R) Urban water man. plans & cty sanitation & sanitary districts

Deletes the list of water demand management measures required to be described in urban water management plans and replaces them with new updated requirements that reflect the changes in the Best Management Practices Memorandum of Understanding developed between the Environmental Water Caucus and the California Urban Water Conservation Council. The proposed changes will make the Water Code section consistent with the Best Management Practices Memorandum of Understanding.

Vetoed by the Governor

SB 635 (Sher-D) Primary drinking water standards

Requires the State Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to prepare and publish an assessment of the risks to public health posed by each contaminant for which the State Department of Health Services proposes a primary drinking water standard and requires the risk assessment to contain an estimate of the level of the contaminant in drinking water that is not anticipated to cause or contribute to adverse health effects, or that does not pose any significant risk to health, that will be known as the public health goal for the contaminant. Requires that the office publish, rather than adopt, specified goals and extends the date by which the goal for the remaining drinking water contaminants shall be published to December 31, 2001.

Chapter 777, Statutes of 1999

SB 680 (O'Connell-D) Land and water conservation

Provides an income tax credit, subject to specified future Budget Act appropriations, for donations of various forms of property to the state, local governments or nonprofit organizations that provide benefits to wildlife habitat, open space, and agricultural land preservation.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

Similar legislation is AB 841 (Briggs-R) which is in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

SB 709 (Senate Budget And Fiscal Review Committee) Waste discharge requirements and penalties

Makes various revisions to the water board enforcement Budget trailer bill (AB 1104, Migden-D), which requires dischargers to complete and implement a pollution prevention plan, as specified.

Chapter 93, Statutes of 1999)

SB 750 (Johnston-D) Delta Protection Act

Defines the term "local government" to mean the Counties to Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo, and the Cities of Sacramento, Stockton, Tracy, Antioch, Pittsburg, Isleton, Lathrop, Brentwood, Rio Vista, and West Sacramento. Provides for one additional city (Oakley) within the primary zone and any other cities that may be incorporated in the future in the primary zone. The City of Oakley has been created in Contra Costa County, which is partially within the primary zone.

Chapter 422, Statutes of 19991

Similar legislation is AB 1584 (Machado-D), Chapter 725, Statutes of 1999.

SB 754 (Hayden-D) Los Angeles River

Creates a 13-member Los Angeles River Conservation and Restoration Commission, and requires the commission to prepare a scope of work for the development of a plan for the conservation and restoration of the Los Angeles River watershed by January 1, 2001. Authorizes the commission to review and offer advice regarding the extent to which state-funded projects meet the multiple objectives for the river set forth in the bill.

Vetoed by the Governor

SB 807* (Senate Agriculture And Water Resources Committee) Water

Makes a number of revisions to law relating to specified water districts.

Chapter 173, Statutes of 1999

SB 832 (Senate Public Safety Committee) Water district security officer

Corrects an erroneous statutory reference in the Water Code that incorrectly provides that a water district security officer has the power and authority of a peace officer, as specified in existing law.

Chapter 853, Statutes of 1999

SB 849 (McPherson-R) Flood control: San Lorenzo River

Authorizes the project for flood control on the San Lorenzo River, in accordance with a prescribed final report, and as authorized by a prescribed federal act at an estimated cost to the state of the sum that may be appropriated for state cooperation by statute, upon the recommendation and advice of the State Department of Water Resources. Requires the City of Santa Cruz to carry out the project and to give prescribed assurances to the Secretary of the Army in connection with the project.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 854 (Costa-D) Flood control

Requires a flood management project that receives financial assistance under the State Water Resources Law of 1975 or the Flood Control Law of 1946 to meet prescribed requirements prior to state authorization. Revises requirements relating to the payment of prescribed nonfederal costs for projects authorized by the Legislature after June 30, 2001, and for specified small flood management projects for which prescribed findings are made after June 30, 2001. Makes related legislative findings and declarations and a statement of legislative intent.

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

SB 855 (Haynes-R) Recycled water

Allows customers to request their retail water suppliers to enter into an agreement, or to adopt recycled water rates for delivery of recycled water to the customer. The retail water supplier will be required to submit an offer to the customer for recycled water service within 120 days that includes a price term. Requires a retail water supplier that has not previously established recycled water rates to establish such rates either by contract with the customer, or by ordinance or resolution within 120 days from the date of the customer request.

Chapter 173, Statutes of 1999

SB 885 (Costa-D) Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: moneys

Authorizes the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank to issue taxable or tax-exempt revenue bonds and deposit the proceeds into the fund or use the proceeds to refund bonds issued. Requires the revenue bonds to be payable from, and secured by, revenues and assets of the fund, and prohibits the bonds from being deemed to constitute a debt or liability of the state, as specified.

(In Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee)

SB 960 (Costa-D) Groundwater

Allows local agencies to exclude wells that supply single-unit dwellings when calculating the average well yield of the groundwater basin, and thereby increases the number of groundwater basins for which local agencies can develop groundwater management plans. Modifies the definition of groundwater basins for the purposes of adopting groundwater management plans

(On Senate Unfinished Business File)

SB 970 (Costa-D) Water rights

Enacts the Water Rights Protection and Expedited Short-Term Water Transfer Act of 1999, as specified, and clarifies certain definitions in existing water transfer law, crediting of water transfers dedicated to instream uses, and streamlines the administrative process for approval or denial of water transfers by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Chapter 938, Statutes of 1999

SB 989 (Sher-D) Pollution: groundwater: MTBE

Requires development of a timetable for eliminating the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether in motor vehicle fuel at the earliest possible date, and seeks to protect groundwater supplies by specifying increased monitoring and containment requirements for certain tanks. Increases financial assistance for upgrading underground tanks, and requires multimedia evaluation of new specifications for motor vehicle fuel.

Chapter 812, Statutes of 1999

SB 1006 (Costa-D) Drinking water: water softening and conditioning devices

Authorizes local agencies to limit the availability of self-regenerating residential water softeners or prohibit the use of this category of water softeners.

Chapter 969, Statutes of 1999

SB 1008 (Leslie-R) Water quality

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board, in consultation with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (LRWQCB), on or before July 1, 2000, to either (1) rescind certain water quality standards and control measures set forth in the LRWQCB's plan for the Lake Tahoe Basin, or (2) modify those standards and measures for the purpose of making them identical to the requirements set forth in the area waste treatment management plan that is implemented by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency pursuant to specified provisions of the Clean Water Act. Prohibits the LRWQCB from prescribing waste discharge requirements for discharges associated with construction activities that are subject to regulation by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

(In Senate Environmental Quality Committee)

SB 1062 (Poochigian-R) The California Water Plan

Requires the State Department of Water Resources to include a discussion of strategies to meet the future water needs of the State. Makes related legislative findings and declarations.

Chapter 210, Statutes of 1999

SB 1070 (Escutia-D) Resources: Los Angeles River and San Gabriel River

Adopts and authorizes the project for flood control in the Los Angeles County Drainage Area, as specified, at an estimated cost to the State of the sum that may be appropriated by the Legislature for state cooperation, upon the recommendation and advice of the State Department of Water Resources. Requires the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to carry out the project and to give prescribed assurances to the Secretary of the Army in connection with that project. Requires the Secretary of the State Resources Agency to consult with appropriate federal agencies to assess the desirability, feasibility, and costs of modifying the flood control project to include prescribed multipurpose features and requires the Secretary to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature, no later than March 1, 2000, concerning the results of the consultation.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 1088 (Poochigian-R) Watershed management

Enacts the California Watershed Planning Act, which will authorize a local agency and a state agency if certain requirements are met, to undertake a watershed management program pursuant to the act. Requires the state agency or local agency undertaking the watershed management program to provide a general public notice and assemble a stakeholder planning team consisting of specified members. Prescribes procedures for the adoption of the program and requires the agency adopting the program to consider protests to the adoption and implementation of the program. Requires state and local projects to be consistent with a watershed management program adopted pursuant to the act.

(In Senate Environmental Quality Committee)

SB 1107 (Sher-D) Operator certification program: water distribution systems

Revises state law addressing drinking water system operators to meet recently established national standards. Expands existing certification requirements to include distribution operators, establishes new educational, experience, and staffing requirements, requires that operators take continuing education courses to maintain their certification, and authorizes fees to support the certification program.

Chapter 755, Statutes of 1999

SB 1127 (Brulte-R) Property tax revenue shifts: water districts

Temporarily exempts the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency from the 1992 Educational Refund Augmentation Fund property tax shift and requires payback of the exemption, with interest.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 1130* (Costa-D) Flood control

Authorizes a project for flood control on the Tule River, Success Reservoir Enlargement Project, as specified, at an estimated cost to the state of the sum that may be appropriated by the Legislature for state cooperation, upon the recommendation and advice of the Reclamation Board. Authorizes the parties to the Tule River Improvement Joint Powers Agreement, in lieu of the Reclamation Board, to carry out the design and construction of the Success Reservoir Enlargement Project and to give prescribed assurances to the Secretary of the Army in connection with that project. Appropriates $230,000 from the General Fund to the State Department of Water Resources to pay the Reclamation Board's share of pre-construction engineering and design costs relating to the project.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

SB 1147* (Leslie-R) Resources: bonds: parks, water, clean air, and coast

Enacts "cleanup" provisions to AB 18 (Villaraigosa-D and Keeley-D), Chapter 461, Statutes of 1999, the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act.

Chapter 638, Statutes of 1999

SB 1187 (Ortiz-D) Flood damage: claims

Creates the 1986 Flood Damages Fund in the General Fund to pay plaintiffs in the case of Akins v. State of California in the event of a settlement or judgment in their favor.

(In Senate Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee)

SB 1281* (Chesbro-D) State Department of Boating and Waterways

Appropriates $69,751,030 from the General Fund to the Director of the State Department of Boating and Waterways for allocation for the 1999-2000 fiscal year to local port and harbor agencies and state and local agencies for purposes of meeting local matching share requirements for federal navigation projects, as specified. Expresses legislative intent with respect to the funding of projects of specified local port and harbor agencies and state and local agencies in the period extending from July 1, 2000, to June 30, 2004, inclusive.

(In Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee)

SB 1316* (Mountjoy-R) Water replenishment districts

Effective September 15, 1999, prohibits water replenishment districts from being an issuer of bonds, certificates of participation, financing leases, installment sales or purchase agreements, or other evidences of that indebtedness. Defines a water replenishment district as an issuer of a bond, certificate of participation, financing leases, installment sales or purchase agreements if the district is directly or indirectly responsible for the debt service.

(In Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee)

Similar legislation is AB 1700 (Floyd-D), which is in the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.

SJR 8 (Solis-D) Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin

Memorializes the President and Congress of the United States to enact legislation to make available necessary funds to implement groundwater remediation in the Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin.

Resolution Chapter 66, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is AJR 5 (Margett-R) which is in the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.

AB 18* (Villaraigosa-D) Bond: parks, water, and coastal protection act

Enacts the Villaraigosa-Keeley Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 which, if adopted, authorizes, for purposes of financing a program for the acquisition, development, improvement, rehabilitation, restoration, enhancement, and protection of park, recreational, cultural, historical, fish, and wildlife, lake, riparian, reservoir, river, and coastal resources, general obligation bonds in the amount of $2 billion. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the bond act to the voters at the November 7, 2000, general election.

Chapter 461, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is SB 56 (Hayden-D) which is in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Follow-up legislation is SB 1147 (Leslie-R) which became Chapter 638, Statutes of 1999; SB 413 (Burton-D) which is in the Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee, SB 530 (Costa-D) which is in the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, and AB 564 (Machado-D) which is in the Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee.

AB 237 (Machado-D) Recycled water

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board to administer a grant program related to recycled water and conduct an assessment of the impacts to water quality from salinity discharges.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

AB 303 (Thomson-D) Groundwater

Enacts the Local Groundwater Management Assistance Act which authorizes the State Department of Water Resources to use money in the Local Groundwater Assistance Fund, which is created by the bill, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist local public agencies by awarding grants in order to carry out groundwater monitoring and management activities. Requires the department to award the grants based on the recommendations of a technical advisory panel, the members of which will be appointed by the Secretary of the State Resources Agency.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

AB 332 (Oller-R) Mammoth Community Water District

Authorizes the Mammoth Lake Community Water District to construct, maintain, and operate geothermal facilities to provide space heating within the boundaries of the district. Allows the district to finance the facilities through the same mechanisms as are currently authorized for its other water facilities. Does not authorize the district to distribute geothermal water outside its current district boundaries.

Chapter 166, Statutes of 1999

AB 372 (Havice-D) Flood control: Los Angeles County Drainage Area

Adopts and authorizes the flood control project in the Los Angeles County Drainage Area as authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 1990. Requires the state share of the nonfederal costs of the project shall not exceed 60%. Requires the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to give assurances to the federal government that the local cooperation required by federal law will be furnished in connection with the flood control project.

(In Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee)

AB 446 (Oller-R) Recycled water: Lake Tahoe Basin

Authorizes the use of recycled water for fire suppression within the Lake Tahoe Basin at the discretion of a fire incident commander if the commander determines that severe harm to life, property, or the environment may occur if the recycled water is not used. Makes related legislative findings and declarations.

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

AB 503 (Pescetti-R) Oil spill contingency plans: grants

Allows Delta jurisdictions along the channels used by commercial shipping into the ports of Stockton and Sacramento to apply for grants pursuant to the Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act to create, revise or update their oil spill contingency plan element.

Chapter 613, Statutes of 1999

AB 511 (Wayne-D) Nonpoint source pollution

Requires the California Coastal Commission to modify its polluted runoff plan in a manner that is consistent with the State's nonpoint source pollution program and measures prescribed by federal law intended to reduce this pollution in the coastal zone. The commission will be required to report annually on progress made in implementing the plan. Makes policy changes relating to new development and nonpoint source pollution in the coastal zone.

(On Senate Inactive File)

AB 516 (Wayne-D) Public water systems

Presents, for display purposes only, a framework for presenting a $100 million California Safe Drinking Water Bond Act to the voters on the March 2000 statewide ballot. The proceeds, to be deposited and utilized in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Law of 1997, will be used by the State Department of Health Services to provide grants and revolving loans to public water systems for matching federal money to support infrastructure improvements and related actions in order to meet safe drinking water standards.

(In Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee)

AB 528 (Papan-D) Revenue bonds: joint powers authorities

Authorizes, confirms, validates, and declares legally effective $200 million in revenue bonds issued in December 1997 by the California Transit Finance Authority and $200 million in revenue bonds issued in June 1998 by the WateReuse Association of California. Bars challenges to the issuance of those bonds or to the use of the bond proceeds based on the use of bond pools. Declares the Legislature's intent not to validate other bonds of this type and not to affect the State Attorney General's opinion 98-807.

Chapter 487, Statutes of 1999

AB 534 (Machado-D) CALFED Bay Delta Program

Prohibits a public agency, including a state or local agency, from expending any funds for the development of an isolated transmission facility that is recommended by the CALFED Bay Delta Program until the Legislature, by statute, specifically approves that option

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

AB 538 (Wayne-D) Public beaches: bacteriological standards

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in consultation with the State Department of Health Services and an advisory panel, to develop, by September 30, 2000, source pollution investigation protocols for use in conducting source investigations of storm drains that produce discharges exceeding existing bacteriological standards. Requires SWRCB to report, on or before March 31, 2001, to the Legislature on the methods by which source investigations of storm drain discharge events will be conducted.

Chapter 488, Statutes of 1999

AB 543 (Torlakson-D) Labeling

Requires plumbing pipe and fittings used for potable and wastewater piping systems to be labeled with the country of origin and manufacturer's name.

Vetoed by the Governor

AB 604 (Jackson-D) Nonpoint source pollution

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in consultation with any other state agencies with jurisdiction over nonpoint source pollution (NPS), by January 2002, to establish a program strategy and implementation plan and performance goals for targeted NPS management measures. Requires SWRCB to take the same action for the remaining NPS management measures by January 2002.

Vetoed by the Governor

AB 641 (Lempert-D) Water quality: enclosed bays and estuaries

Requires each Regional Water Quality Control Board to develop and submit a plan to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for cleaning and a schedule of proposed remediation activities to restore "toxic hot spots" no later than January 1, 2001; and requires SWRCB to submit a statewide plan to the Legislature no later than June 30, 2001. Requires both boards to recover costs for investigations of toxic hot spots, and authorizes both boards to assess fees and establish new penalties for violations of these provisions, as specified.

(On Assembly Inactive File)

AB 644* (Assembly Budget Committee) Delta levee maintenance

Among other things, provides for up to 5% of the funds appropriated in Item 3860-101-0001 of the Budget Act for delta levee maintenance may be used for repair and maintenance of roads damaged by flood control maintenance.

(On Senate Inactive File)

AB 680 (Lempert-D) Oil spill prevention: nonmarine waters

Provides that the fine and penalty provisions of the Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act be extended, in modified form, to cover all "waters of the State", instead of just "marine waters".

(On Senate Inactive File)

AB 703 (Lempert-D) Ballast water

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board to carry out a ballast water discharge management program in consultation with the State Department of Fish and Game, the State Lands Commission, and the United States Coast Guard, as specified.

Chapter 849, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is SB 394 (McPherson-R), Chapter 185, Statutes of 1999.

AB 710 (Calderon-D) Drinking water: perchlorate removal

Requires the State Department of Health Services to establish a demonstration project regarding the removal of perchlorate from drinking water, and appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the department for that purpose.

(In Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee)

AB 729 (Lowenthal-D) Los Angeles River: refuse and rubbish

Requires the State Coastal Conservancy to issue a grant, upon appropriation in the annual Budget Act, to the State Department of Public Works of the County of Los Angeles to purchase devices to collect surface refuse and rubbish illegally disposed in or near the Los Angeles River. This provision will not become operative unless and until an annual Budget Act includes an appropriation to the State Coastal Conservancy to fund a grant to the State Department of Public Works of the County of Los Angeles for the purposes set forth in the bill.

(In Senate Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee)

AB 730 (Dickerson-R) Watershed protection

Requires the Secretary of the State Resources Agency to carry out a watershed management and rehabilitation program to provide for the restoration of watersheds in the state, as prescribed. Declares the intent of the Legislature to annually appropriate an unspecified amount of money to the Resources Agency to carry out the program. Makes legislative findings regarding the environmental and economic benefits associated with the maintenance of healthy watersheds.

(In Assembly Natural Resources Committee)

AB 732 (Machado-D) Water-transfer clearinghouse

Requires the California Water Commission to appoint a task force, with prescribed membership, to review third-party impacts of water transfers and to investigate the establishment of a water-transfer clearinghouse, as prescribed. Requires the task force to report to the Legislature and the Governor regarding those matters, as specified, on or before December 1, 2000. Appropriates an unspecified amount from the General Fund to the California Water Commission for these purposes. Sunsets January 1, 2001.

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

AB 756* (Keeley-D) Budget Act of 1999: augmentation: water project

Among other things, appropriates $8,000 from the General Fund to the State Department of Fish and Game for the New Hogan Lake Conservancy, as specified. Appropriates $235,000 from the General Fund to the State Department of Water Resources (DWR) to pay the Reclamation Board's share of preconstruction engineering and design costs relating to the Success Reservoir Enlargement Project. Reappropriates $6,000,000 to the DWR for expenditure without regard to fiscal years or various local assistance projects.

Chapter 811, Statutes of 1999

AB 786 (Machado-D) San Joaquin River Agreement

States the intent of the Legislature to implement the Vernalis Adaptive Management Plan simultaneously with a comprehensive program to (1) improve water quality and water supply in the South Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and (2) increase dissolved oxygen concentration in the San Joaquin River.

(In Senate Rules Committee)

AB 793 (Maddox-R) Flood control

Transfers an unspecified amount from the General Fund to the Flood Control and Prevention Fund created by the bill for the purpose of reimbursing eligible local entities to pay for the state's share of nonfederal cost for authorized flood control projects, as specified. Appropriates $132 million from the General Fund to the State Department of Water Resources, without regard to fiscal years, for allocation to eligible local entities to pay for the state's share of the nonfederal costs of flood control and flood protection projects that have been adopted and authorized by the State, as specified. States that the appropriation shall be allocated on a pro rata basis to projects in the counties of Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Marin, Napa, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and Ventura.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

AB 807 (Keeley-D) Pajaro River Watershed Flood Prevention Authority

Creates the Pajaro River Watershed Flood Prevention Authority with the power to undertake flood prevention and control projects in the Pajaro River Watershed, and becomes inoperative on July 1, 2000, and sunsets on January 1, 2001, if certain conditions are met.

Chapter 963, Statutes of 1999

AB 909 (Machado-D) California Bay-Delta Commission

Creates the California Bay-Delta Commission for the purpose of carrying out the environmental restoration of the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Makes related legislative findings and declarations and a statement of legislative intent relating to that program.

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

AB 980 (Ducheny-D) Conjunctive use

Makes a legislative finding and declaration and a statement of legislative intent relating to the conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater.

(In Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee)

AB 982 (Ducheny-D) Water quality: total maximum daily loads

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to convene an advisory group or groups to assist in the evaluation of program structure and effectiveness as it relates to the implementation of the requirements of a specified provision of the federal Clean Water Act and applicable federal regulations. Requires SWRCB to report, on or before November 30, 2000, and annually thereafter until November 20, 2002, to the Legislature on the structure and effectiveness of its water quality program as it relates to that provision of the federal Clean Water Act. Requires SWRCB, on or before November 30, 2000, to assess and report to the Legislature on the state board's and the regional board's current surface water quality monitoring programs, as specified.

Chapter 495, Statutes of 1999

AB 1076 (Dickerson-R) Flood control

Authorizes projects for flood protection and integrated resource management in the Colusa Basin and requires the state to pay 70% of the nonfederal capital costs of these projects.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

AB 1103* (Lempert-D) Government

Among other things, provides that the funds in the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve Maintenance and Preservation Fund ($200,000 annually) will be continuously appropriated for purposes related to the maintenance and preservation of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Authorizes the appropriation of monies in the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund to the State Water Resources Control Board for boating-related water quality regulatory activities. This bill was used as a trailer bill to the 1999-2000 Budget.

Chapter 66, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is AB 928 (Brewer-D) which is in the Senate Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee.

AB 1104 (Migden-D) Water quality: waste discharge requirements and penalties

States Legislative intent that the State Water Resources Control Board review and resolve identified problems with its programs that protect the public health and environment. Declares that pollution prevention should be the first step in a hierarchy for reducing water pollution and allows the state and regional boards to require dischargers to develop pollution prevention plans. Establishes minimum penalties for serious violations of water pollution laws. This bill was a trailer bill for the 1999-2000 Budget, to make necessary statutory changes to implement the Budget relating to natural resources.

Chapter 92, Statutes of 1999

Follow-up legislation was SB 709 (Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee), Chapter 93, Statutes of 1999.

AB 1147 (Honda-D) Flood control

Adopts and authorizes a specified flood protection project for the Upper Guadalupe River in the County of Santa Clara, at an estimated cost to the state of the sum that may be appropriated by the Legislature for state cooperation, upon the recommendation and advice of the State Department of Water Resources, and in an amount not to exceed 60% of the nonfederal costs of the project, as specified.

(In Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee)

AB 1179 (Frusetta-R) Wetlands protection: legislative findings and declarations

Makes legislative findings and declarations relating to the importance of protecting and restoring wetlands in the state.

(In Assembly Rules Committee)

AB 1189 (Oller-R) California regional water quality control boards

States that the Governor may remove any member of a regional board for good cause. Requires each regional board to conduct an annual performance evaluation of its executive officer and assistant executive officer and requires the state board to adopt standards for that performance evaluation. Requires each regional board to prepare an annual report regarding water quality in its region, as prescribed, to consider at a public hearing the recommendations of concerned federal, state, and local agencies relating to water quality problems in its region, and to make specified findings. Requires the executive officer and assistant executive officer of a regional board to take appropriate action regarding water quality problems within the region identified pursuant to those provisions.

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

AB 1196 (Thompson-R) Water rights: Colorado River

Provides that no forfeiture, diminution, or impairment of the right to use the conserved water shall occur, except as agreed to, as specified, to any water redistribution effort that results in the reduced use of Colorado River water within the service area of the Imperial Irrigation District.

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

AB 1277 (Thomson-D) Local agency water supplies

Requires a local agency formation commission, before making any determinations with respect to any local agency that provides or will provide a domestic water supply, to request a copy of the agency's most recently adopted urban water management plan. Requires the commission to request the agency to assess whether the projected water demand within the territory proposed to be included in the agency's sphere of influence was included as part of the agency's most recently adopted urban water management plan, as defined. Prescribes other related matters for purposes of the bill.

(In Assembly Local Government Committee)

AB 1278 (Knox-D) Water quality: total maximum daily loads

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board, in coordination with the regional water quality control boards, to develop a statewide list of bodies of water that do not meet applicable water quality standards and to prepare total maximum daily loads that ensure that water quality standards are met.

(Failed passage on Assembly Floor; reconsideration granted; on Assembly Inactive File)

AB 1280 (Jackson-D) Oil and gas development: pipelines

Requires that all oil extracted under the sea must be transported by pipeline to onshore processing and refining facilities. States that the best achievable technology must be used to seal all closed or abandoned offshore wells.

(Assembly refuses to concur in Senate amendments; reconsideration granted)

AB 1355 (Havice-D) San Gabriel & Lower L. A. Rivers & Mountains Conservancy

Establishes the San Gabriel River and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy to acquire and manage public lands within the main San Gabriel Basin, the San Gabriel River and its tributaries, the Lower Los Angeles River and its tributaries, and the San Gabriel Mountains.

Chapter 788, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is SB 215 (Solis-D) which became Chapter 789, Statutes of 1999.

AB 1389 (Thompson-R) Habitat restoration

Authorizes a project for habitat restoration at Gunnerson Pond in Riverside County at a cost to the state of the sum that may be appropriated by the Legislature in an amount that the bill prohibits from exceeding 60% of the nonfederal costs of the project. Requires the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to carry out the project and give prescribed assurances to the Secretary of the Army in connection with the project.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

AB 1420 (Margett-R) Main San Gabriel Groundwater Basin

Appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to the State Water Resources Control Board for allocation to the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority to provide grants and loans to local agencies for groundwater remediation demonstration projects in the San Gabriel Groundwater Basin.

(In Assembly Appropriations Committee)

AB 1511 (Florez-D) Joint powers authority: mutual water company

Provides that a mutual water company may enter into a joint powers agreement validly entered into by public agencies but that no joint powers agreement will be construed to include a mutual water company within the definition of public agency or local agency under the Marks-Roos Local Bond Pooling Act of 1985.

Vetoed by the Governor

AB 1521 (Machado-D) Delta flood control, levee maintenance & recreation program

Appropriates $52 million from the General Fund to be allocated: (1) for special flood control projects in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ($25 million to the State Department of Water Resources (DWR); (2) for local assistance for maintenance and improvement of levees in that delta ($25 million to DWR); and (3) for a delta recreational program ($2 million to the State Department of Parks and Recreation.

(In Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee)

AB 1532 (Florez-D) Replenishment districts

Revises existing law governing replenishing districts to provide that, in the event an existing agency has existing facilities, rather than facilities, available and adequate to accomplish any part of the purpose of the district, the district shall investigate and determine the cost of contracting for the use of those facilities to accomplish that purpose through that existing agency.

(In Assembly Rules Committee)

AB 1581 (Lowenthal-D) Water: local port and harbor agencies and local agencies

Appropriates $12 million from the General Fund to the California Maritime Infrastructure Authority for allocation for the 1999-2000 fiscal year to specified port and harbor agencies and other agencies for the purposes of meeting local matching requirements for federal navigation projects.

(In Senate Appropriations Committee)

AB 1584* (Machado-D) Safe Drinking, Clean Water, Watershed & Flood Protection Act

Enacts the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection, and Flood Protection Act which, if adopted, will authorize, for purposes of financing a safe drinking water, water quality, flood protection, and water reliability program, the issuance of bonds in the amount of $1,970,000,000. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the bond act to the voters at the March 7, 2000, statewide direct primary election. Requires the Imperial Irrigation District, the Coachella Valley Water District, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to sign and adopt a prescribed quantification agreement on or before October 15, 1999, and, if the districts do not do so, requires the Governor or his sole designee to promulgate a quantification settlement by January 1, 2000, as specified. Imposes specified duties on the Governor with respect to the agreement or settlement.

Chapter 725, Statutes of 1999

Similar legislation is SB 2 (Chesbro-D) which is in the Senate Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee; SB 413 (Burton-D) which is in the Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee; SB 530 (Costa-D) which is in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee; AB 564 (Machado-D) which is in the Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee; and AB 1239 (Leonard-R) which is in the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.

AB 1593 (Villaraigosa-D) Wild and scenic rivers: South Yuba River

Provides that the provisions in SB 496 (Sher-D) which designate certain segments of the South Yuba River as scenic or recreational and include those segments within the California Wild and Scenic River System shall become operative on January 1, 2001.

Chapter 1017, Statutes of 1999

AB 1605 (Margett-R) Water quality: desalination

Appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to the State Department of Water Resources for disbursement to specified agencies and the University of California, to develop new and innovative technologies that reduce the cost of desalinating water from the Colorado River and other brackish water resources.

Vetoed by the Governor

AB 1637* (Assembly Revenue And Taxation Committee) Tentative minimum tax

Allows credits for personal exemption and credit for land and water conservation to reduce those taxes below the tentative minimum tax.

Chapter 930, Statutes of 1999

AB 1663 (Assembly Utilities And Commerce Committee) Energy conservation assistance

Among other things, extends the sunset date on the authorization for a program that allows state agencies to share benefits resulting from energy and water projects with the state until January 1, 2005.

Vetoed by the Governor

AB 1698* (Campbell-R) Santa Margarita Water District

Authorizes the Santa Margarita Water District to establish equity with regard to the manner in which the district's water and sewer bonds are repaid.

(On Senate Inactive File)

Index (in Bill Order)