Tulare Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Act.

Assembly Member Macedo's legislation establishes the Tulare Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency to manage groundwater resources within portions of Tulare County's Tule Subbasin. The agency would operate as one of California's exclusive local groundwater management bodies under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

The bill creates a five-member governing board comprising representatives from the Hope Water District, Ducor Water District, Tulare County, and two agricultural stakeholders nominated by the Tulare County Farm Bureau. This board would develop and implement a groundwater sustainability plan for territory including lands within the Hope and Ducor Water Districts, with authority to adjust boundaries through public proceedings.

To fulfill its groundwater management responsibilities, the agency may conduct technical studies, adopt regulations, and impose fees on groundwater extraction and related activities. The legislation requires coordination agreements with other local agencies managing portions of the Tule Subbasin to ensure aligned sustainability efforts. The board may exempt operators extracting below specified groundwater amounts from certain requirements.

The bill amends the Water Code to designate the Tulare Basin agency among California's exclusive groundwater management entities, while preserving its ability to opt out of this role. If enacted, board members must be selected by November 2026, after which the agency can begin developing its sustainability plan and implementing management strategies.