As California prepares for future cycles of water scarcity, the Legislature continues to prioritize enhancing regulations to address critical water supply needs, secure the rights of diverse water holders, and protect essential environmental resources. On September 22, 2024, Governor Newsom signed AB 460 into law, a bill that significantly increases fines for unauthorized water diversions and other violations of state orders related to water use. AB 460 was introduced in response to limitations in existing California Water Code provisions that capped the maximum fines for violations of appropriative water diversions and uses to $500 per day.