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Bill

AB 1469

Disaster preparedness: public water systems.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gregg Hart

AB 1469 mandates California public water systems develop disaster preparedness plans with backup supplies and emergency protocols to maintain service during natural disasters.

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Bill Summary · AB 1469

Legislative bill overview

AB 1469 requires California's public water systems to develop and maintain comprehensive disaster preparedness plans that address supply disruptions, infrastructure damage, and emergency response protocols. The bill establishes standards for backup water supplies, communication procedures, and coordination with local emergency management agencies during declared disasters.

Why is this important

California faces recurring drought, wildfire, and earthquake risks that can severely disrupt water delivery to millions of residents. Without mandatory preparedness requirements, water systems may respond inconsistently to emergencies, leaving vulnerable populations without access to safe drinking water during critical periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Smaller water systems may struggle to fund backup infrastructure, redundant supplies, and emergency equipment required under the bill
  • Regulatory burden: Critics may argue prescriptive state mandates limit local flexibility to tailor plans to regional conditions and existing capabilities
  • Funding mechanisms: The bill's fiscal impact on ratepayers and whether state/federal funding assistance is provided remains unclear from available information

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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