In the cycle of political life, this week represents one of quiet counting in the California Legislature. This week, bills live or die.

Legislation proposed in the Assembly or Senate must be approved by the full chamber by Friday. Bills that haven't cleared close to deadline typically are controversial. So opponents and proponents are busy counting legislative allies before the votes.

We've been watching three bills related to water policy that deserve to stay alive, make it to the desk of the governor and become law:

Protecting taxpayers from floods: Because of recent court decisions, California taxpayers face billion-dollar liabilities whenever local governments allow homes in floodplains partly protected by state-owned levees. Assembly Bill 3050, by Assemblyman Dave Jones, D-Sacramento, would require local governments to assume joint liability with the state when they approve new development in such areas.

Attorney General Bill Lockyer supports the bill, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a late supporter, at least in concept. Unfortunately, developers and cities have mounted an intense lobbying campaign against AB 3050, and GOP lawmakers voted against it en masse last week. Even more disturbing was the unexplained absence of Democrats Rudy Bermudez, Ron Calderon, Edward Chavez, Joe Coto, Gloria Negrete McLeod, Simon Salinas and Alberto Torrico, who chose to duck and cover instead of taking a stand.

The Assembly may vote again on AB 3050 this week. If Schwarzenegger can lean on some Republican moderates, and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez makes sure that certain Democrats don't take another pass, this important bill may have a fighting chance.

Show us the flood protection: A companion bill to AB 3050 is one by Lois Wolk, D-Davis, that would ensure that state and local governments make steady progress on upgrading levees. Like AB 3050, it would only affect areas slated for future development. It would require the state Reclamation Board to certify that such areas actually have one-in-100-year flood protection and that state and local agencies have a plan for doubling that protection within 10 years.

If it passed, Wolk's Assembly Bill 1899 would go a long way toward reducing the flood threat faced by many Central Valley suburbs, including parts of Yuba, Sacramento and San Joaquin counties. That, in turn, would reduce the potential liability faced by all parties, making everyone sleep easier.