CA SB394

Authorizes utilities to bring civil action against anyone who tampers with fire hydrants, fire hydrant meters, or fire detector checks, or diverts water from fire hydrants without authorization

Creates a rebuttable presumption of water theft violation when a person uses a fire hydrant, fire hydrant meter, or fire detector check without authorization and without paying for the water

Allows local agencies providing retail water services to adopt ordinances prohibiting unauthorized fire hydrant connections, with fines up to $2,500 for first violation, $5,000 for second violation, and $10,000 for third and subsequent violations

Removes the one-year timeframe requirement for escalating fines on third or additional water theft violations, allowing accumulated violations regardless of when they occurred

Exempts firefighting agencies and qualified insurance resources acting during active fire incidents from unauthorized connection provisions