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Senate Bill 1081, introduced by Senator John Laird, seeks to ease a $258,000 fine on San Juan Bautista from the State Water Resources Control Board. The bill allows communities with fewer than 3,000 residents to apply such fines toward wastewater treatment projects.

This initiative aims to support areas facing financial strain due to outdated facilities. Currently, exemptions apply only to communities with low income or high unemployment. The bill responds to the city's efforts to comply with regulations while managing infrastructure costs, especially as it transitions to a new $18.7 million sewer project. Communities must show progress in resolving treatment plant issues within five years to qualify for the exemption.