Signed by Governor Sonny Perdue

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires any political subdivision of the state or local government authority to obtain the approval of the director of the Environmental Protection Division to impose more stringent outdoor water restrictions or be exempt from outdoor water restrictions imposed by the state.

Highlights:

-Allows a political subdivision or local government authority to impose more stringent restrictions on outdoor water use without the approval of the director if an emergency exists that immediately threatens the public health, safety, or welfare. These restrictions will only be valid for seven days, unless the director approves an extension (Sec. 1). -Allows a political subdivision or local government authority to appeal to the director to be exempt from fines, sanctions, or other penalties for failure to satisfy reduced water consumption or other permit requirements under its water withdrawal and operating permit, if its failure to do so resulted from its inability to impose more stringent restrictions. The political subdivision or local government authority must notify the director within 10 days following the discovery of such failure (Sec. 1). -Requires the director to render a decision within five business days of receiving an application from a political subdivision or local government authority requesting to increase or be exempt from water restrictions (Sec. 1). -Repeals the provisions of this Act relating to the ability of political subdivisions and local government authorities to impose more stringent water restrictions or be exempt from such restrictions on July 1, 2010 (Sec. 1). -Requires the board to adopt new rules and regulations on drought management no later than June 30, 2009 (Sec. 1). -Exempts public, private, and community swimming pools from being classified as an outdoor water use for the purpose of any outdoor water restrictions if failing to maintain the pool would create unsafe, unhealthy, or unsanitary conditions (Secs. 2 & 3). - This is a substitute bill sponsored by the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires any political subdivision of the state or local government authority to obtain the approval of the director of the Environmental Protection Division to impose more stringent outdoor water restrictions or be exempt from outdoor water restrictions imposed by the state.

Highlights:

-Requires the director to render a decision within three business days of receiving an application from a political subdivision or local government authority requesting to increase or be exempt from water restrictions (Sec. 1). -Exempts public, private, or community swimming pools from restrictions on surface and ground water, except during an emergency period of water shortage (Sec. 2-3). -This is a substitute bill offered by the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.

Full Bill Text