CA AB460

Requires the State Water Resources Control Board to adjust civil and administrative penalties annually on January 1 beginning in 2026 based on California Consumer Price Index inflation, with amounts rounded to the nearest $10, $100, $1,000, or $5,000 depending on penalty size.

Increases civil penalties for violating cease and desist orders to $2,500 per day for most violations, or $10,000 per day during critically dry years or state emergency declarations.

Increases civil liability for violating permit terms, licenses, certificates, registrations, board orders, or floodwater diversion conditions from $500 to $1,000 per day.

Establishes enhanced penalties of up to $10,000 per day plus $2,500 per acre-foot of water diverted for violations of board-adopted curtailment orders.

Exempts inflation adjustments from standard regulatory procedures and requires the board to report to the Legislature on implementation.