Bill > AB1441

This bill establishes a Citizens Redistricting Commission in Merced County to replace the current Board of Supervisors' role in redrawing county supervisorial district boundaries. The commission will consist of 11 members who must meet specific qualifications, including being a county resident, having voted in recent elections, and having no recent political connections to local government. Members will be selected through a complex process that ensures geographical representation, political diversity, and independence from political influence. The commission must conduct at least five public hearings across the county's five existing districts, post draft maps for public review, and ultimately create new district boundaries that comply with legal requirements. Commission members are prohibited from running for or holding political office for several years after their service, and they are required to be impartial and transparent in their decision-making. The bill aims to create a more independent and representative redistricting process by removing direct political control from the Board of Supervisors and establishing a citizen-led commission with strict selection criteria and public engagement requirements. The legislation is specific to Merced County and includes provisions for potential state reimbursement of implementation costs.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1441