CA SB583

Establishes the Salton Sea Conservancy as a state agency within the Natural Resources Agency to operate, maintain, and manage restoration projects under the Salton Sea Management Program and to acquire and manage land, property rights, easements, and water rights in the Salton Sea region.

Creates a 15-member voting board of directors (plus 7 ex officio nonvoting members) by January 1, 2026, with appointed representatives from state agencies, local counties, water districts, the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, and nongovernmental organizations focused on environmental justice and fish and wildlife habitat.

Authorizes the Conservancy to expend funds, award grants and loans, enter into partnerships with tribes and nonprofit organizations, acquire real property from willing sellers, and accept funding from federal, state, and local sources.

Creates the Salton Sea Conservancy Fund and states the Legislature intends to support it through authorized bond proceeds and allocations from the Salton Sea Lithium Fund.

Bill becomes operative only if the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 is approved by voters on November 5, 2024.