An act to amend and repeal Section 50906 of the Water Code, relating to reclamation districts.
Summary
AB 59 extends the authority of Reclamation District No. 108 to construct, maintain, and operate hydroelectric power facilities under Water Code Section 50906 beyond the prior sunset date of January 1, 2026. The bill preserves the existing framework that also applies to Reclamation District No. 1004 acting with the County of Colusa, including financing through time warrants, limits on who may buy or operate the power, and the requirement that electricity-sale proceeds be used to retire construction debt and support the district’s purposes.
The bill also adds new reporting requirements for Reclamation District No. 108. The district must report to the Assembly and Senate Committees on Local Government by January 1, 2031, and again between January 1, 2035, and January 1, 2036, on whether it has obtained permission from the Colusa Local Agency Formation Commission, whether it is using or plans to use the hydroelectric authority, the project’s status and financial information if applicable, and the reasons it is not currently using the authority if that remains the case. AB 59 also includes a standard state-mandated local program reimbursement clause if the Commission on State Mandates finds reimbursable costs.
Impact
AB 59 amends Water Code Section 50906 to remove the sunset on Reclamation District No. 108’s hydroelectric power authority and then repeals the prior version of the section, leaving the updated authority and reporting requirements in place. The bill affects only Reclamation District No. 1004 with the County of Colusa and Reclamation District No. 108, and it does not create a state appropriation. It may impose new local reporting duties, with potential reimbursement available if those duties are determined to be state-mandated costs.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported throughout the legislative process. It passed committee and floor votes unanimously at each recorded stage, including 8-0, 77-0, 7-0, 16-0, 40-0, and 79-0 votes. The lack of recorded opposition suggests general agreement with extending the district’s authority while adding oversight through reporting.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive controversy in the available record. The main policy issue is whether Reclamation District No. 108 should retain hydroelectric authority after the prior expiration date and under what conditions it should do so. The reporting requirements reflect a concern for accountability and implementation, particularly whether the district has obtained Colusa LAFCO approval, whether it is actually using the authority, and why it may not yet be doing so. No opposing arguments or divided votes are reflected in the provided materials.
Relating to the projects undertaken by a public improvement district, municipal management district, water control and improvement district, fresh water supply district, or municipal utility district.
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