Senator Umberg proposes SB 249 to boost voter turnout through election consolidation

In a recent meeting held by the San Bernardino County Office of Education, two significant legislative proposals were discussed that could impact local governance and voter engagement.

The first proposal, Senate Bill 249, aims to enhance voter turnout by consolidating elections for the County Board of Education with statewide general elections. This bill seeks to eliminate the requirement that a county must have four consecutive years of low voter registration to qualify for this consolidation. By placing the County Board of Education elections on the same ballot as statewide elections, the hope is that a larger pool of candidates will encourage more residents to vote. If passed, this change would take effect on January 1, 2026, simplifying the election process and potentially increasing participation in local governance.

The second proposal, Assembly Bill 1390, addresses the compensation of county board members. Currently, compensation ranges from $60 to $1,500 per month, depending on the county's classification. This bill proposes to increase these amounts significantly, allowing tier 1 counties to offer up to $3,000 per month and tier 2 counties up to $2,000. This adjustment aims to better reflect the responsibilities of board members and attract qualified individuals to serve in these roles.

Both bills, if enacted, could lead to more engaged and representative local governance in San Bernardino County. The discussions at the meeting highlighted the importance of these legislative changes in fostering a more active electorate and ensuring fair compensation for those who serve in educational leadership positions. As these proposals move forward, they will be closely monitored for their potential impact on the community.