(a) Actions by the state board to implement this chapter, including the adoption or development of any plan, handbook, guidelines, reporting and audit requirements, or forms, are exempt from Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) Actions by the state board to implement this chapter, including entering into contracts for services or equipment, are exempt from Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 10290) of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code. The state board may award a contract under this chapter on a noncompetitive bid basis as necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter.

(c) The state board shall coordinate with the Department of Community Services and Development in allocating funding under this chapter to community water systems that are publicly owned utilities providing electric and water services.

(d) The state board may use its authority granted pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 116270) to implement the requirements of this chapter. For purposes of Article 7 (commencing with Section 116525), Article 8 (commencing with Section 116625), and Article 9 (commencing with Section 116650) of Chapter 4, a violation of any requirement imposed in connection with funding under this chapter or the associated program is a violation of Chapter 4.

(e) This chapter satisfies the requirement for subsequent legislation in Provision 2 of Item 3940-062-8506, Provision 3 of Item 3940-162-8506 of Section 2.00 of the Budget Act of 2021, and implementation of Item 3940-162-8506 of Section 2.00 of the Budget Act of 2023.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 51, Sec. 16. (SB 122) Effective July 10, 2023. Inoperative July 1, 2026, pursuant to Section 116773.8. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 116773.8.)