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Committee approves SB 697 to allow digital tools in stream adjudications; refers bill to Judiciary
Summary
SB 697 would let the State Water Resources Control Board use modern technology and digitized data during stream adjudication and field investigations; the committee passed the bill as amended and sent it to the Judiciary Committee.
Senator Laird presented SB 697, a bill intended to streamline the stream-system adjudication process by permitting the State Water Resources Control Board to use modern technology in cases when in-person visits are currently required. The measure would allow digitized gauges, remote data and other electronic tools to supplement in-person fieldwork and preserve the board’s authority to conduct field investigations when necessary.
Laird said the bill responds to long travel distances, increasing availability of real-time data and the digitization of stream-gauge records. She noted stakeholders’ concerns were addressed through committee amendments and that those parties removed a prior letter of concern.
Assemblymember Tongapaugh asked whether the measure could be used to alter pre‑1914 water rights; Laird replied directly that it would not, saying the bill does not touch pre‑1914 water rights but instead provides procedural flexibility for investigations. Committee members expressed support for the efficiency gains while preserving field investigation authority.
The committee voted to pass SB 697 as amended to the Judiciary Committee. The clerk recorded ayes from most members; one member (Tongupa) was announced as not voting on the roll call. The chair said the bill will be left open for any additional action and moved on to subsequent agenda items.
SB 697 will be considered in the Judiciary Committee, where legal and procedural implications for adjudication processes and stakeholder concerns will be reviewed further.
