This bill appropriates additional funds to the Department of Water Resources for fiscal year 2026, totaling $31,097,700, which includes specific allocations for personnel costs, operating expenditures, and capital outlay. Notably, the bill authorizes the addition of four full-time equivalent positions to the department. It also facilitates the transfer of $716,000 from the Revolving Development Fund to the Aquifer Planning and Management Fund, and $30 million from the General Fund to the Water Management Fund, both intended for aquifer monitoring and water projects, respectively.

Furthermore, the bill establishes guidelines for the use of the appropriated funds, emphasizing the prioritization of projects that support aquifer health, water storage, and infrastructure improvements. It mandates that funds be allocated equitably across board districts, specifically designating 50% of the water project funds for board districts 3 and 4 to support a stipulated mitigation plan. The bill also includes provisions for reporting requirements and declares an emergency, making the act effective from July 1, 2025.