CA AB44

Authorizes public agencies to permit property owners to finance distributed generation renewable energy sources and energy/water efficiency improvements through voluntary contractual assessments under the Improvement Act of 1911

Prohibits property owners from participating in contractual assessment programs if total annual property taxes and assessments would exceed 5% of the property's market value at time of approval

Defines "permanently fixed" renewable energy systems to include those attached via power purchase agreements or leases if the agreement meets specified criteria, including system maintenance obligations and automatic transfer of rights with property ownership

Requires public agency reports to include criteria for underwriting requirements and safeguards to ensure total annual property taxes and assessments do not exceed 5% of property market value

Specifies that power purchase agreements must identify the public agency as a third-party beneficiary until the assessment lien is paid and prohibit amendments without agency consent