Farmers say they lost water rights without certified notice; committee approves Bennett bill to strengthen notice

Assemblymember Bennett presented AB 2,125 as a targeted change to the notification process for groundwater adjudications, arguing judges should receive documentation (such as return receipts) showing who was actually served so a judge can weigh whether additional notice is needed.

Several Ventura County farmers testified they did not receive certified notice and thus lost allocations: Daryl Smith said he did not receive formal notice and alleged he lost his right to pump water; Doug Holmesy said he and his wife only learned after a neighbor told them and described high legal costs pursuing appeals. Testimony emphasized the livelihoods at stake.

Supporters, including the California Chamber of Commerce, said they supported the bill's intent but needed time to review amendments. Committee members praised the author for responding to constituent harm and suggested the bill could be strengthened to place initial burden on notifiers to show proof of service when receipts are missing.

The committee moved the bill (as amended) to appropriations, with members signaling they may seek further strengthening as the bill advances.