California Lawmakers Take Aim At Water Board Corruption

California lawmakers approved a bill taking aim at corruption in the water sector. 

"The legislation, which now goes to the governor, would bar elected water board members throughout California from accepting campaign contributions of more than $250 from donors with business pending before their boards," the Los Angeles Times reported. 

The bill also prevents board members from voting if they took in such a donation the year before. The effort is aimed at "reining in political corruption occurring in near-invisible water boards like the Central Basin Municipal Water District," the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported. 

The legislation, Assembly Bill 1728, amends the state's Political Reform Act to include local government agencies "formed pursuant to provisions of the Water Code. The bill would revise the definition of 'license, permit, or other entitlement for use with respect to proceedings before a local government agency formed pursuant to the Water Code to apply to all contracts that are not competitively bid," the legislation said. 

The legislation was inspired by a recent scandal. Ron Calderon, an indicted state senator, and his brother Tom, a former assemblyman, face charges in a federal corruption case, the Los Angeles Times reported. Both have pleaded not guilty. 

"Tom Calderon once worked as a consultant to the Central Basin Municipal Water District and earned $12,000 a month, according to [court testimony]. Allegations…claim his contract was paid through a $2.75 million secret slush fund created by the district," the report said. 

For more on policy and politics, check out Water Online's Regulations & Legislation Solution Center. 

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