CA AB1986

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board to issue a new notice and provide an opportunity for protests if it has not rendered a final determination on a water appropriation permit application within 20 years of filing

Exempts applications from the 20-year notice requirement if the application is canceled, denied, or if notice and protest opportunity were provided within the prior five years

Exempts applications where the board holds a hearing or conducts proceedings with at least 45 days' written notice and allows public participation as parties, including evidence presentation

Clarifies that the 20-year requirement does not limit the board's authority to issue notices at other times if changes in the project or circumstances warrant notice in the public interest or to provide fair protest opportunities