CA AB1438

Revises and updates the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Act, replacing obsolete references to the State Department of Public Health with the State Water Resources Control Board and updating national accreditation standards (TNI - The NELAC Institute) for environmental testing laboratories

Establishes procedures for suspension or revocation of laboratory certifications and accreditations, including notice requirements, hearing processes, and the right to petition for reconsideration within 30 days of an order or decision

Authorizes the State Water Resources Control Board to require laboratory owners to provide information, records, standard operating procedures, quality control data, and employee qualifications within 15 days of a request

Modifies public water system permit procedures to allow applicants to petition for reconsideration of deputy director decisions rather than appeal, and establishes hearing processes for permit suspension or revocation with temporary suspensions limited to 15 days before a hearing must be held

Sets civil penalties for laboratory violations at up to $1,000 per day for violations and up to $250 per day for failure to correct violations after citation, with criminal penalties of up to $25,000 per day and one year imprisonment for knowingly making false statements