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SB 746

Water: Urban Water Community Drought Relief program: Small Community Drought Relief program: high fire hazard and very high fire hazard severity zones.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marie Alvarado-Gil

SB 746 creates drought relief and fire resilience programs targeting California's urban and small communities in fire-prone zones to improve water security and emergency preparedness.

Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
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Bill Summary · SB 746

Legislative bill overview

SB 746 establishes drought relief programs for California's urban water communities and small communities, with particular focus on areas designated as high fire hazard or very high fire hazard severity zones. The bill creates funding mechanisms and regulatory frameworks to help these communities manage water scarcity during drought conditions while addressing wildfire risk.

Why is this important

California faces recurring severe droughts and catastrophic wildfire seasons that disproportionately impact smaller communities with limited resources. These communities often lack the financial capacity to invest in drought resilience infrastructure or maintain adequate water supplies for fire suppression, creating compounding public safety and economic challenges.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation: How state funds are distributed between urban and small communities, and whether the formula fairly addresses the distinct needs of each group
  • Fire hazard zone prioritization: Whether designating funds specifically for high/very high fire hazard zones creates equitable access or leaves some communities underserved
  • Implementation burden: Whether small communities have sufficient administrative capacity to comply with new program requirements and reporting obligations
  • Water rights implications: How the program interacts with existing water rights frameworks and whether it affects agricultural or other water users

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

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