Metropolitan water districts: proxy vote authorizations.

Assembly Member Irwin's proposal to modify metropolitan water district board operations would establish a proxy voting system for agencies with single representatives while preserving existing multi-representative allocation methods. Under the measure, representatives from agencies entitled to only one board seat could designate another agency's representative to vote on their behalf when unable to attend meetings.

The bill outlines specific parameters for proxy authorizations: they must be documented in writing and filed with the district secretary one business day before meetings, remain valid for no more than one week, and cannot confer officer positions to proxy holders. Representatives would be limited to assigning six proxy authorizations annually. The measure maintains current provisions allowing member agencies to appoint additional representatives based on property tax valuations, with one extra seat permitted for each 5% of district-wide assessed value within agency boundaries.

To preserve accountability, the legislation applies all existing conflict of interest requirements to proxy holders. Any conflicts affecting either the original representative or their proxy would restrict voting on affected items. The bill also preserves minimum representation levels in place since January 2019, ensuring no reduction in existing agency board seats.