The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009.

Senator Cabaldon's modifications to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act establish new requirements for Delta Stewardship Council membership and formalize procedures for challenging council decisions. The legislation adds Delta-specific knowledge as a qualification for council appointees, while maintaining existing requirements for diverse expertise and statewide perspective.

The bill expands appeal rights regarding Delta Plan consistency certifications to include state and local public agencies, alongside existing stakeholders. Appeals must now contain specific factual allegations detailing how proposed actions conflict with the Delta Plan. The council may request additional information from appellants and dismiss appeals if requested documentation is not provided. A new severability clause ensures that invalidation of individual Delta Plan provisions does not affect other components that can function independently.

The legislation creates a formal framework for legal challenges to council decisions, requiring claims to be filed within 90 days. Challenges to Delta Plan adoption or amendments must proceed under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1085, while appeals of consistency determinations fall under Section 1094.5. These provisions establish clear timelines and procedures for stakeholders seeking to contest council actions through the courts.