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CaliforniaSB 6972025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Determination of water rights: stream system.

Sponsored By: John Laird (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Final report on water supply and claims

After investigations end and the claim deadline passes, the board prepares a report. It describes the water supply and lists each claimant’s water-right claim. This creates a clear record for the adjudication.

Broader rules for board water decisions

The law applies this chapter’s procedures to more board decisions, including information orders and public trust matters. This makes the same reconsideration and court review processes available for those actions. People involved in stream adjudications now follow one expanded set of rules.

Claimants face detailed checks and duties

If you filed notice to claim a water right, the board investigates your use in detail. It must consider all relevant information, including reports under Sections 1840 and 1841. Field inspections can occur after 30 days’ written notice, and you or an authorized agent must be present. You must provide all pertinent facts on your use and the basis of your right. After the investigation, the board mails you a blank proof-of-claim form and the factual findings to help you complete your claim.

New reporting orders and inspection powers

If earlier reports are not enough, the board can order anyone who diverts, uses, or claims water to submit technical or monitoring reports. You must respond within 75 days, and the order can require yearly updates while the case is pending. You can ask for more time for good cause, and the board cannot unreasonably deny it. The board must explain in writing why the information is needed and keep the burden in line with the benefit. It can require cost-sharing if separate reports would duplicate effort. The board may inspect property and get an inspection warrant when needed.

Nonfilers can claim after board review

The board investigates known water users who did not file a notice of intent. These users can be inspected without prior notice and do not have to be present if not notified. After the detailed review, the board sends them the findings and a blank proof-of-claim form. They can then file a claim on the same basis as timely filers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John Laird

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 1

Senate vote • 9/2/2025

Item 184 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 8/29/2025

Item 91 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 66 • No: 0

legislature vote • 8/20/2025

Vote in CX25

Yes: 13 • No: 0

legislature vote • 7/8/2025

Vote in CX13

Yes: 11 • No: 0

legislature vote • 7/1/2025

Vote in CX24

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Item 84 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 29 • No: 1

legislature vote • 4/22/2025

Vote in CS53

Yes: 11 • No: 0

legislature vote • 3/25/2025

Vote in CS55

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 422, Statutes of 2025.

    10/6/2025Senate

  2. Approved by the Governor.

    10/6/2025legislature

  3. Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.

    9/9/2025legislature

  4. Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 2410.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.

    9/2/2025Senate

  5. In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.

    8/29/2025Senate

  6. Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 66. Noes 0. Page 2793.) Ordered to the Senate.

    8/29/2025House

  7. Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

    8/21/2025House

  8. From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (August 20).

    8/20/2025House

  9. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (July 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    7/9/2025House

  10. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.

    7/3/2025House

  11. From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (July 1).

    7/2/2025House

  12. Referred to Coms. on W. P., & W. and JUD.

    6/5/2025House

  13. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.

    5/28/2025House

  14. Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 29. Noes 1. Page 1272.) Ordered to the Assembly.

    5/28/2025Senate

  15. Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

    5/13/2025Senate

  16. From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.

    5/12/2025Senate

  17. Set for hearing May 12.

    5/2/2025Senate

  18. May 5 hearing postponed by committee.

    5/1/2025Senate

  19. From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    5/1/2025Senate

  20. Set for hearing May 5.

    4/25/2025Senate

  21. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 0. Page 837.) (April 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    4/23/2025Senate

  22. Set for hearing April 22.

    4/3/2025Senate

  23. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 5. Noes 0. Page 532.) (March 25). Re-referred to Com. on JUD.

    3/25/2025Senate

  24. Set for hearing March 25.

    3/12/2025Senate

  25. Referred to Coms. on N.R. & W. and JUD.

    3/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Chaptered

    10/6/2025

    HTML

  • Enrolled

    9/4/2025

    HTML

  • Amended Assembly

    7/3/2025

    HTML

  • Amended Senate

    5/1/2025

    HTML

  • Introduced

    2/21/2025

    HTML

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