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AB 399 ensures impacted residents get to vote on detachment proposals
East County News Service
October 17, 2023 – 
The Water Ratepayers Protection Act of 2023 (Assembly Bill 399) was signed Friday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, adding affordability safeguards for residents and businesses in the San Diego County Water Authority’s service area. The legislation, introduced by Encinitas Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and sponsored by the City of San Diego, expands voting requirements should agencies seek to withdraw or “detach” from the Water Authority.
Under the new law, a majority vote in both the separating district and the County Water Authority would be necessary to complete a detachment as of Jan. 1, 2024. The action comes after the Fallbrook and Rainbow water districts sought to leave the County Water Authority; the County Water Authority filed a lawsuit against the Local Agency Formation Commission for approving the agencies’ request to get cheaper water from Riverside.
“This is a simple matter of fairness,” said Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz. “The people whose rates would increase if a water district leaves the County Water Authority should have a say. It’s gratifying that the state Legislature and the governor added these important protections for disadvantaged communities, working families, farmers, and others across San Diego County.”
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