SB 848 Summary

• Enacts the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality, and Water Supply Act of 2014, authorizing $7.5 billion in state general obligation bonds (reduced from $10.5 billion) to be submitted to voters at the November 4, 2014 statewide general election.

• Allocates bond funds across five main categories: $2.35 billion for safe drinking water projects (including $70 million for emergency water supplies in disadvantaged communities), $2.3 billion for water quality projects, $850 million for Delta ecosystem and levee protection, $2 billion for statewide water system operational improvements, and remaining funds for general purposes.

• Establishes funding programs for water infrastructure improvements, groundwater contamination prevention and remediation, water recycling and desalination projects, stormwater capture, watershed restoration, and water conservation efficiency projects.

• Authorizes the Legislature to redirect unencumbered proceeds from four previous water bond acts (1986, 1988, 1996, and 2000) for eligible projects under the new act.

• Creates the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality, and Water Supply Finance Committee to oversee bond issuance and establishes the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality, and Water Supply Fund of 2014 to receive and distribute bond proceeds.