(

a) Actions by the state board to implement this chapter, including the adoption or development of any plan, handbook, guidelines, reporting and audit requirements, or forms, are exempt from

Chapter 3.5 (commencing with

Section 11340) of Part of Division of Title of the Government Code. (

b) Actions by the state board to implement this chapter, including entering into contracts for services or equipment, are exempt from

Chapter 2 (commencing with

Section 10290) of Part of Division of the Public Contract Code. The state board may award a contract under this

chapter on a noncompetitive bid basis as necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter. (

c) The state board shall coordinate with the Department of Community Services and Development in allocating funding under this

chapter to community water systems that are publicly owned utilities providing electric and water services. (

d) The state board may use its authority granted pursuant to

Chapter 4 (commencing with

Section 116270) to implement the requirements of this chapter. For purposes of

Article 7 (commencing with

Section 116525),

Article 8 (commencing with

Section 116625), and

Article 9 (commencing with

Section 116650) of

Chapter 4, a violation of any requirement imposed in connection with funding under this

chapter or the associated program is a violation of

Chapter 4. (

e) This

chapter satisfies the requirement for subsequent legislation in Provision of Item 3940-062-8506, Provision of Item 3940-162-8506 of

Section 2.00 of the Budget Act of 2021, and implementation of Item 3940-162-8506 of

Section 2.00 of the Budget Act of 2023.