On October 10, 2025, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 394 (SB 394) into law. This legislation is designed to strengthen existing legal protections for utility service providers against utility theft, particularly water theft resulting from the unauthorized use or tampering of fire hydrants. Under existing California law, a utility provider may bring a civil action for damages against any person who diverts, attempts to divert, or aids in utility theft. In certain cases, such as where a device was used to steal the utility, or when a meter is tampered with, there is a rebuttable presumption that the party who controls the premises or receives the direct benefit of the utility is liable for damages.