Tule East Groundwater Sustainability Agency Act.

Assembly Member Macedo's legislation establishes the Tule East Groundwater Sustainability Agency to manage groundwater resources within portions of Tulare County's Tule Subbasin. The agency will develop and implement a groundwater sustainability plan for territories including the Hope Water District, Ducor Water District, and surrounding areas east of several irrigation districts.

A five-member board will govern the agency, comprising representatives from Hope Water District, Ducor Water District, Tulare County Board of Supervisors, and two members representing groundwater-dependent agricultural interests, with at least one representing socially disadvantaged farmers. Board members serve four-year terms, with alternates chosen through the same selection process.

The agency's initial boundaries encompass specified water districts and areas within the Tule Subbasin, with provisions for adjustments following public notice and coordination agreements with neighboring groundwater agencies. The board can adopt ordinances, conduct technical studies, and implement fees to fund sustainability programs, including plan development, enforcement, and administration.

The legislation amends the Water Code to designate the Tule East Groundwater Sustainability Agency as the exclusive local authority for groundwater management within its jurisdiction, while maintaining coordination requirements with other agencies in the Tule Subbasin. In cases of conflict between this act and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, SGMA provisions prevail.