Current Legislation

On July 25, IRWD's sponsored bill, AB 741, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. Authored by Assembly Member Jared Huffman of Marin County, this bill expands existing law to allow property owners to voluntarily enter into agreements with local wastewater agencies for loans for needed sewer improvements on their properties. Orange County Senator Tom Harman and Assembly Members Don Wagner and Jeff Miller were co-authors of this legislation along with Northern California Assembly Member Fiona Ma.

This new law will:

• Help private property owners finance the cost of converting from a septic system to a community sewer system and the replacement or repair of damaged sewer laterals. 
• Protect water quality, the environment and public health from contamination caused by leaking septic tanks, eroding pipes and other aging sewer infrastructure.

Many communities in California face threats from aging infrastructure. Converting septic systems to sewer systems and replacing and repairing damaged sewer laterals helps protect water quality, the environment, and public health and safety. As enacted into law, AB 741 will provide additional flexibility to wastewater agencies and voluntary options for willing property owners for financing these sewer improvements.

The full text of AB 741 and additional information and updates can be found by visiting the California State Legislature's website.