Assembly Member Rogers' legislation extends emergency water regulations for the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds until permanent instream flow requirements take effect, modifying the standard one-year limit on emergency water regulations adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board.

The measure maintains existing emergency regulations for these watersheds, specifically Article 23.5 requirements operative since December 2023, until the Board establishes permanent rules. Under current law, emergency water regulations expire after one year unless renewed due to ongoing drought conditions. The bill exempts these watershed-specific regulations from standard time limitations while preserving existing enforcement mechanisms, including daily fines up to $500 for violations. Civil penalties collected under these regulations continue flowing to the Water Rights Fund for water conservation activities.

The bill's findings indicate that the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds face distinct circumstances requiring specialized regulatory treatment beyond general water statutes. This determination aligns with Article IV, Section 16 of the California Constitution regarding the necessity of special statutes for specific jurisdictions.