An act to amend Section 116760.41 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to water, and making an appropriation therefor.
Summary
SB 1313 would expand the allowable uses of California’s Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and its special accounts so those moneys may be used for projects that address perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, so long as the projects are consistent with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The bill is aimed at helping public water systems finance treatment infrastructure and related projects to reduce PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies, including recycled water systems.
The measure also states legislative findings and intent emphasizing environmental justice, public health, and equitable access to safe water. It recognizes that PFAS contamination can create disproportionate burdens on communities, including small and disadvantaged communities, and that water suppliers are often responsible for treatment even though they did not cause the contamination. The bill authorizes the State Water Resources Control Board to implement the change through updates to its policy handbook rather than through formal rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Impact
SB 1313 would amend Health and Safety Code Section 116760.41 to expressly make PFAS-related drinking water projects eligible for funding from the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and its special accounts. Because the bill expands the purposes for which a continuously appropriated fund may be spent, it creates an appropriation. It also clarifies that the new authority does not expand any broader state obligation to provide resources under the chapter and allows the State Water Resources Control Board to implement the change through handbook updates exempt from APA rulemaking.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment appears supportive. The bill received a unanimous 7-0 vote for do pass as amended, with a recommendation to re-refer to Appropriations and place it on the consent calendar. The bill’s findings and purpose language frame it as a public health and environmental justice measure, suggesting broad policy support for addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water.
Contention
There is little visible opposition in the available record, but the main policy issue is fiscal: the bill makes a new appropriation by expanding eligible uses of an existing continuously appropriated fund. Any concern would likely center on funding availability, prioritization of projects, and whether the state should direct more revolving-fund resources toward PFAS treatment versus other drinking water infrastructure needs. The bill also explicitly limits its scope by stating it does not create a new state funding obligation, which may reflect an effort to address budget concerns.
An act to amend Sections 19982, 19991, and 19992 of, and to add Sections 19992.1 and 19992.2 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to housing, and making an appropriation therefor.