The California Assembly passed AB 2180 on a 41-17 vote Thursday, advancing a bill that would change how local water agencies set proportional rates and setting up a fight over Proposition 218 protections.
Assemblymember Ward, who carried the measure, argued on the floor that the bill would give water agencies a clearer legal framework for proportional rates, reduce litigation risk and prevent low-use customers from subsidizing costs tied to high-use users, according to the Assembly floor audio. Opponents, including Assemblymember Dmyo, said the bill would weaken Proposition 218 and could allow water agencies to overcharge ratepayers.
The vote makes AB 2180 a notable local-government finance development with potential implications for water agencies and customers, though the current record does not quantify any statewide fiscal effect or show the bill’s final Senate posture. The Assembly floor recording is available here.
