CA AB793

Creates the San Joaquin Valley Groundwater Conservancy as a state agency within the Resources Agency to manage groundwater and surface water resources in an eight-county region (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare).

Establishes a 15-member voting board composed of state officials, gubernatorial appointees, legislative appointees, and one representative from each of the eight counties, plus three non-voting federal liaison advisers.

Authorizes the conservancy to make grants and loans to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and tribal organizations for groundwater management, aquifer protection, water quality improvement, and water efficiency projects throughout the region.

Creates the San Joaquin Valley Groundwater Conservancy Fund in the State Treasury to receive appropriations, donations, grants, and other revenue for conservancy operations and projects.

Prohibits the conservancy from acquiring fee interests in real property by purchase, exercising eminent domain, or regulating land use or water rights of others.