AB 2494: County of Kern Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Existing law requires the board of supervisors of each county, following each decennial federal census, and using that census as a basis, to adjust the boundaries of the supervisorial districts of the county so that the districts are substantially equal in population and comply with applicable federal law. Existing law specifies the procedures the board of supervisors must follow in adjusting those boundaries. Existing law establishes the Independent Redistricting Commission in the County of San Diego and the Citizens Redistricting Commission in the County of Los Angeles, which are charged with adjusting the supervisorial district boundaries for those counties.

This bill would establish the Citizens Redistricting Commission in the County of Kern, which would be charged with adjusting the boundary lines of the districts of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Kern. The commission would consist of 14 members who meet specified qualifications. The bill would require the commission to adjust the boundaries of the supervisorial districts in accordance with specified criteria and adopt a redistricting plan. By increasing the duties on local officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the County of Kern.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.