SB 1253: Salinas Reservoir: recreational use.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law, with certain exceptions, prohibits recreational use in which there is bodily contact with water in a reservoir in which water is stored for domestic use, and establishes water standards for those exempted reservoirs.

This bill would create an exception from the above-described prohibition for recreation in which there is bodily contact with water by a participant in the Salinas Reservoir if the water subsequently receives complete water treatment in compliance with all applicable regulations of the State Water Resources Control Board before being used for domestic purposes, the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District conducts a prescribed monitoring program, and the reservoir is operated in compliance with regulations of the board. The bill would require, 2 years after approval of the changed use of the reservoir to a body contact reservoir by the board’s Division of Drinking Water, and biennially thereafter, the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to file with the Legislature and the board a report on the recreational uses at the Salinas Reservoir and the water treatment program for that reservoir, as specified. By imposing a new requirement on the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would repeal its provisions as of January 1, 2032.

This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Salinas Reservoir.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. August 31, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 177, Statutes of 2026.
2. August 31, 2026Approved by the Governor.
3. August 21, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
4. August 17, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 5488.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
5. August 13, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
6. August 13, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 72. Noes 0. Page 6158.) Ordered to the Senate.
7. August 6, 2026Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
8. August 5, 2026From committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (August 5).
9. June 30, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (June 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
10. June 17, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on W., P., & W. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (June 16). Re-referred to Com. on W., P., & W.
11. June 10, 2026From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on E.S & T.M.
12. May 26, 2026Referred to Coms. on E.S & T.M. and W., P., & W.