Determination of water rights: stream system.

Senator Laird's water rights adjudication bill revises how the State Water Resources Control Board investigates and determines water rights claims within California stream systems. The legislation modifies the Board's investigative authority by making field investigations optional rather than mandatory, while establishing new mechanisms for gathering water use information from claimants.

The bill creates a framework for the Board to issue information orders when initial data proves insufficient, requiring water users to submit technical reports and documentation of their claimed water rights within 75 days. These orders must include written justification from the Board explaining the need for additional information. The legislation also authorizes the Board to inspect properties where water is used or diverted, with the ability to obtain inspection warrants if needed.

For water users who have not filed notices of intent to claim rights, the Board maintains authority to investigate their water usage without advance notice or requiring their presence during field examinations. However, these users receive the same opportunities as other claimants to file proofs of claim once investigations conclude. The bill allows the Board to require cost-sharing among multiple entities when individual reporting would create duplicative efforts.