SB 351

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law declares that the protection of the public interest in the development of the water resources of the state is of vital concern to the people of the state and that the state shall determine in what way the water of the state, both surface and underground, should be developed for the greatest public benefit. Existing law establishes the Department of Water Resources, and within the department, the California Water Commission. Existing law establishes the State Water Resources Control Board for the purposes of providing for the orderly and efficient administration of the water resources of the state. This bill, the Water Innovation Act of 2021, would create the Office of Water Innovation at the California Water Commission for the furtherance of new technologies and other innovative approaches in the water sector. The bill would require the office, by December 31, 2023, to take specified measures to advance innovation in the water sector. The bill would make findings and declarations regarding the need for water innovation. The bill would further create the Water Innovation Fund, with all moneys available, upon appropriation, to the department, the state board, or other state agencies for the furtherance of water innovation. The bill would require the Department of Finance to develop a standardized agreement to allow for voluntary donations to the fund by any person, educational institution, government entity, corporation or other business entity, or organization.