CA AB2453

Establishes the Paso Robles Basin Water District in San Luis Obispo County until January 1, 2019, with a nine-member board consisting of six directors elected by landowners (divided into large, medium, and small landowner classes) and three directors elected by registered voters.

Authorizes the district to develop and implement groundwater management plans, collect data, conduct investigations, and require conservation practices to control extractions from the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin aquifers.

Grants the district power to impose groundwater extraction charges and establish extraction allocations, with extraction surcharges up to $200 per acre-foot for water use exceeding allocations, intended to discourage excess groundwater use and achieve safe yield within 10 years.

Requires extraction facilities to register with the district, install waterflow measuring devices, and file semiannual groundwater extraction statements verified under penalty of perjury.

Makes intentional violations of the act a crime subject to fines up to $500, and establishes civil liability of up to $1,000 per day for violations.