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Sen. Reyes’ bill to create independent redistricting commission for San Bernardino County advances from subcommittee
Summary
The subcommittee advanced SB 1414, authored by Sen. Reyes, to create an independent redistricting commission in San Bernardino County; supporters said it would bolster public trust while some county representatives warned of high implementation costs and urged amendments.
Sen. Reyes, author of SB 1414, told the Assembly subcommittee that the bill would create an independent redistricting commission for San Bernardino County and accepted the committee’s amendments. "SB 1414 builds on this local measure by creating a truly independent redistricting commission to provide citizens with an opportunity to draw lines independent of those who would otherwise benefit," she said.
Skye Allen, executive director of Inland Empire United, testified in support and described extensive community outreach during the 2030 Census and local redistricting process. "Independent redistricting commissions are already used successfully in several California counties," Allen said, urging the committee to protect community voice and limit political interference.
Daniel Connolly of Common Cause echoed the author and called the independent-commission model "proven," warning that politicized mapmaking by elected officials can undermine fair outcomes.
Opponents raised process and cost concerns. Meg Snyder, representing Acxiom Advisors on behalf of San Bernardino County, said the county’s advisory process conducted extensive public meetings and that "in absent evidence our existing process has failed, the need for this bill remains unclear." Snyder estimated comparable independent commissions cost roughly $1.2 million (Los Angeles) to $1.5 million (San Diego) during the 2021 cycle and said implementation here could exceed $2,000,000.
James Koos of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials and city representatives from Chino Hills, Upland and Hesperia also registered questions about the bill’s practical impacts and requested amendments.
During committee discussion, Assemblymember Tom Lackey said he has observed a "high functioning" Board of Supervisors in San Bernardino County and said he would not support the bill. Assemblymember Bennett moved to pass the bill as amended; the committee recorded a preliminary roll call (Pellerin, Bennett, El Hawari and Stephanie voting aye; Lackey voting no) and held the bill on call while absent members were reached. After absent members were tallied the committee reported the bill passed and referred it to the committee on local government.
The committee recorded the motion as "do pass as amended" and referred SB 1414 to the Committee on Local Government. The author and supporters said they will continue to work with stakeholders to address implementation concerns.
What happens next: SB 1414 was reported out of the subcommittee and will proceed to the Committee on Local Government, where members may consider further amendments and fiscal details.
