Plain English Breakdown
The bill status shows it passed both chambers but was held in committee on August 29, 2025; final enactment depends on further action not shown.
Stopping Water Releases from U.S. Dams Based on False Reasons
This law bans releasing stored water from reservoirs owned and operated by the United States in California if the release is based on a lie about why or how the water will be used.
What This Bill Does
- Prohibits releasing stored water from U.S.-owned reservoirs in California under false pretenses.
- Defines 'false pretenses' as knowingly, designedly, and intentionally making a false statement about the purpose of the released water.
- Allows the State Water Resources Control Board to issue an interim relief order to stop these releases.
- Authorizes the Attorney General to sue for court orders to stop violations.
- Sets a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day for anyone who breaks this rule.
Who It Names or Affects
- Operators of reservoirs owned and operated by the United States in California
- The State Water Resources Control Board
- The Attorney General
Terms To Know
- False pretenses
- Knowingly, designedly, and intentionally making a false or fraudulent statement about the purpose of releasing water.
- Interim relief order
- A temporary command from the State Water Resources Control Board to stop an action immediately while a case is reviewed.
Limits and Unknowns
- Penalties apply to the United States only if federal law allows it.
- The bill states that no state reimbursement is required for local agencies regarding this act.
- The text does not specify which specific reservoirs are covered beyond those owned by the U.S.