CA AB560

Requires parties to groundwater adjudication actions to submit proposed settlement agreements to the State Water Resources Control Board for a nonbinding advisory determination before filing with the court.

Board must provide its nonbinding advisory determination to parties within 120 days of receiving the proposed settlement agreement.

Board's determination must include findings on whether the settlement agreement is consistent with the existing groundwater sustainability plan and how it would affect small and disadvantaged groundwater users.

Court is not bound by the board's nonbinding advisory determination and may enter judgment as it sees fit.

Board must consult with the Department of Water Resources before making its advisory determination.