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Committee advances SB 650 to add appeal timelines and severability language to Delta Reform Act
Summary
SB 650 would add an appeals timeline, clarify who may file appeals and insert a severability clause into the Delta Reform Act; supporters described the changes as procedural and not meant to affect conveyance projects.
Senator Cabaldon presented SB 650 to the committee as a narrow, noncontroversial package of technical changes to the Delta Reform Act intended to improve due process and preserve enforceability of the Delta plan.
The bill would (1) establish an appeals timeline not currently in law, with a longer-than-normal timeline because the Delta’s issues often generate controversy; (2) clarify that persons eligible to file appeals include local governments (identified by the sponsor as a frequent source of appeals); and (3) insert a severability clause into the Delta Reform Act to protect the enforceability of the Delta plan if portions are challenged in court.
Oscar Villegas, identified as a Nolo County supervisor speaking in a personal capacity, said the bill is about “good governance, and due process,” and emphasized that it was not intended to streamline, advance or impede any Delta conveyance projects. Villegas noted his long experience with the Delta Protection Commission and with state government and urged support for SB 650.
Supporters included the Delta Stewardship Council (represented at the hearing by a supporter), Contra Costa Water District, and the Association of California Water Agencies. Senator Cabaldon and the witnesses described the bill as procedural: setting clearer timelines and restoring legal durability to the Delta plan rather than changing substantive project-level approvals.
No witnesses testified in opposition. With a quorum present, the committee recorded a do-pass referral of SB 650 to the Judiciary Committee. The clerk called the roll and multiple members recorded “aye.” The bill was reported out of the committee and the roll was left open briefly for additional members to record votes.
Sponsors characterized SB 650 as a low-controversy measure that clarifies appeal rights for local governments and adds a severability clause to reduce the risk that legal challenges could nullify the Delta plan’s enforceability.
