In all controversies involving any damage to any and all water rights of any land which is heretofore or hereafter tax-sold or tax-deeded to the State, the State disclaims any interest in the controversy and authorizes the district within which the land is situated to make a final settlement of the controversy.

The damages claimed in a controversy defined by this article are those occurring prior to the execution of the tax deed to the State.

The money collected in the settlement pursuant to this article shall be paid into the treasury of the district for district purposes and be apportioned to any funds the board deems advisable.

The settlement of a controversy defined by this article shall be upon terms satisfactory to the district.

The tax title of the State to the land involved remains wholly unimpaired by proceedings had pursuant to this article.

An action to determine the validity of the Quantification Settlement Agreement defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1 of Chapter 617 of the Statutes of 2002, or any action regarding a contract entered into that implements, or is referenced in, that Quantification Settlement Agreement, may be brought pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 860) of Title 10 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.