Water Rate Legislation Could Conflict with California’s Constitution

Three bills related to water rates being considered by California’s Legislature could be unconstitutional, according to a coalition of taxpayer advocates, including the California-based Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. As sponsors of Proposition 218—passed by voters in 1996 requiring local officials to notify parcel owners of fee increases, hold a public hearing, and to abandon fees if a majority object—the taxpayers group argues the measures are in direct violation and should be rejected by lawmakers. Assembly Bill 1827, authored by Assemblymember Diane Papan, would allow water districts to charge higher rates for those deemed to use a disproportionate amount of water and who potentially use more during peak periods of use....