Wastewater surveillance.

The definition of 'Cal-SuWers network' was split into two separate definitions: (a) the 'Cal-SuWers program' is the CDPH-administered surveillance program, and (b) the 'Cal-SuWers network' is a broader concept that includes both data from the Cal-SuWers program AND data generated by participating wastewater programs not administered by the department. This creates a legal distinction between the state-run program and the wider data-sharing network.

A new sentence was added to the Cal-SuWers program definition stating that 'Laboratory analysis is performed at the department or through contracts with qualified laboratories,' clarifying the lab infrastructure arrangement.

Testing requirements were narrowed by adding the qualifier 'as appropriate for public health use' before listing pathogens, toxins, and other indicators. A new sentence was added stating that testing shall be conducted by the department or other monitoring programs in the Cal-SuWers network, clarifying who performs the testing.

The coordination provision no longer requires the department to act 'through the regional public health office.' The department may now coordinate directly with health care providers, local health departments, and emergency response agencies without that intermediary step.

Sample collection obligations were narrowed. The department is now required to work only with facilities 'participating in the Cal-SuWers program' (the CDPH-administered portion) rather than all participating local health departments and wastewater treatment facilities more broadly. A 'Subject to subdivision (b)' qualifier was added, tying collection duties to the voluntary participation requirement.

The bill was reformatted from the official enrolled document layout to a web-based display format, adding website navigation elements, a digest key (Vote: MAJORITY, Appropriation: NO, Fiscal Committee: YES, Local Program: NO), and explicit author/coauthor attribution (Senator Hurtado, Senator McNerney, Assembly Member Arambula). No changes to the statutory language itself.

Removed subsection (b) that authorized the department to adopt guidelines for timely reporting of wastewater surveillance data to health care facilities and providers (for early clinical detection), local health departments and state public health agencies (for epidemiological investigations and interventions).

The remaining public communication provision (website with real-time data visualization, educational materials, and regular updates) was renumbered from subsection (b) to subsection (b) after the removal of the reporting guidelines section above it.

New Section 1 adds legislative findings and declarations establishing policy rationale, including references to avian influenza affecting over two-thirds of California's dairy herds and 90 percent of poultry flocks, gaps in rural and tribal areas, and the need to maintain surveillance infrastructure for future outbreaks.

The definition of 'Cal-SuWers network' was broadened from a network of partners contributing data to a dashboard into a 'statewide wastewater surveillance program administered by the State Department of Public Health, in coordination with local health departments, wastewater utilities, academic institutions, and other partners.'

A new definition of 'wastewater surveillance' was added: the collection and analysis of wastewater samples to detect pathogens, toxins, and other public health indicators to provide early warning for infectious disease outbreaks and environmental health threats.

Participation in the Cal-SuWers network from local health departments and wastewater treatment facilities is now explicitly voluntary. Counties still must establish at least one surveillance site, but the broader network participation is opt-in.

The department may now utilize external funding sources in addition to existing noncontinuously appropriated funds, including private donations, grants, and moneys from other wastewater epidemiology or federal programs.

New provisions require the department to maintain the Cal-SuWers network, work with participants to collect samples, arrange testing by qualified laboratories, and may consult or contract with nonprofits, academic institutions, and other entities to support the network.

The department may adopt guidelines for timely reporting of wastewater surveillance data to health care facilities, local and state public health agencies, and the general public through a publicly accessible website that must provide real-time data visualization, educational materials, and current information.

The department is authorized to coordinate with health care providers, local health departments, and emergency response agencies for early intervention, outbreak response, and public health planning - a new coordination role not in the introduced version.

Removed the requirement that each county establish and maintain at least one wastewater surveillance site (former Section 25249.21).

Removed the mandatory requirement that the department and counties share wastewater surveillance data with health care providers for early intervention (former Section 25249.23).

Added that coordination with health care providers, local health departments, and emergency response agencies shall occur through the regional public health office.

Removed the requirement that the department expand the Cal-SuWers network to include all counties and prioritize underserved and high-risk areas including septic-reliant areas and tribal lands (former Section 25249.22).

Changed the bill's status from a state-mandated local program to non-mandated, removing the fiscal note language about state reimbursement and the separate reimbursement section (former SEC. 2).

Added 'epidemiological investigations' to the list of purposes for which wastewater surveillance data should be used, alongside early intervention, outbreak response, and public health planning.

Changed the definition of the Cal-SuWers network from a description focused on contributing partners generating dashboard data to a broader description as a statewide program administered by the department in coordination with multiple partner types.

Restructured the public communication provision from a sub-item under reporting guidelines into its own standalone subsection with explicit requirements for real-time data visualization, educational materials, and currency of information on a publicly accessible website.