CA SB565

Expands exemptions from state fee requirements to include fees for official services related to water diversion and use statements filed with the State Water Resources Control Board.

Authorizes the board to order persons and entities diverting water to submit technical and monitoring reports; allows inspection of facilities with owner consent or a warrant to ensure compliance with water use requirements.

Increases civil penalties for unauthorized water diversion: up to $1,000 per day for first violations (or economic benefit of violation if diversion exceeds 1,000 acre feet), and up to $5,000 per day for subsequent violations; penalties deposited in Water Rights Fund.

Establishes rebuttable presumption that water use did not occur unless included in a timely-filed statement of diversion and use; requires annual fees for filing such statements and change petitions.

Creates new civil liability provisions for violations of reporting requirements ($500/day), cease and desist orders, and permit/license terms; requires board to establish reduced penalty schedule for small farms with de minimis violations.