Last year, a colleague and I conducted a state-mandated training course for directors of California mutual water companies pursuant to Assembly Bill 54. Given the interest level, we will offer two training courses this coming fall. Because mutual water companies are spread across the state, making travel to a central location impracticable for many directors, the training will be conducted by webinar on the following dates:
- Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 6:00 pm
- Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 6:00 pm
The training will be similar to last year, updated based on new developments in 2013, such as the adoption of Assembly Bill 240. If you are interested in attending the training or learning more, please call my assistant Gina Lane, at (805) 882-1470 or email her at glane@bhfs.com. I can also answer questions below. We look forward to meeting you.
Private Water Law 
Our directors took the training in 2012. Is it one time training or is it required annually?
Currently, it is a one-time requirement, so any director who took it last year does not need to do so again. Newly elected directors of a company will need to take the course, or those who were unable to do so last year. AB 240, which is pending before the Legislature now, would make it a requirement once every six years, but you would still be good for another five years, luckily.
Is a member who volunteers to be an “Alternate” also required to take the training?
Generally, there is no such thing as an “alternate” director. Directors are elected by the members of the corporation, and only one person is elected to each director seat. If you have someone who participates in the discussion at board meetings without being elected, that is fine, but they should not vote in board decisions. The state law does not require such an alternate to take the training, but if that person will participate regularly it may be useful so that they understand the laws and operations of the company and thus the context for topics that are being discussed.
When will the next sessions be?
Thanks for your interest. I normally offer two sessions in November and December of each year. That way we can capture the newest developments that come out of the Legislature, and normally take effect on January 1.