AB 717: Water rights: appropriation: small restoration use.

This bill amends the Water Code to allow individuals to obtain a water right for a small restoration use, in addition to domestic, irrigation, or livestock stockpond uses. To obtain a restoration use, individuals must register with the state water resources control board and pay a registration fee. They must also apply the water to a reasonable and beneficial use with due diligence. The bill also requires individuals to contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife and obtain a restoration management permit if their use is approved. The permit must include any conditions required by the department. Additionally, the bill prohibits the authorization of a registration for certain stream segments until instream flow requirements are established by the board, following consideration of proposed streamflow requirements by the Director of Fish and Wildlife.