CA AB1563

Requires counties to forward all permit requests for new groundwater wells, well enlargements, and reactivation of abandoned wells to the groundwater sustainability agency before approval, rather than merely considering such requests.

Prohibits approval of new or altered well permits in critically overdrafted basins unless the permitting agency obtains written verification from the groundwater sustainability agency that extraction would be consistent with the applicable groundwater sustainability plan and would not decrease the likelihood of achieving sustainability goals.

Requires permitting agencies to determine that proposed wells will not interfere with existing nearby wells or cause subsidence damaging nearby infrastructure, and to post well permit applications on their internet website for at least 30 days before approval.

Exempts domestic wells producing less than 2 acre-feet annually, public water supply systems, state small water systems, well maintenance, pump alterations, well replacements with equivalent capacity, and adjudicated basins from these requirements.

Specifies that no state reimbursement is required because local agencies have authority to levy service charges and fees sufficient to fund the mandated program.