State Air Resources Board: membership: removal: regulations: review.

Senator Hurtado's proposal to modify California's Air Resources Board operations introduces new oversight mechanisms and transparency requirements while establishing additional economic analysis protocols for major regulations. The legislation would authorize the Legislature to remove board members through a concurrent resolution adopted by majority vote, citing dereliction of duty, corruption, or incompetency as grounds for dismissal.

For proposed regulations that would impose costs exceeding $10 million on California consumers, the bill requires the Air Resources Board to obtain an independent economic analysis from the Legislative Analyst's Office. The analysis must evaluate cost-effectiveness and distributional effects, with the board required to publish a response addressing these findings at least 30 days before adopting any regulation.

The measure also implements new transparency protocols, mandating that the board publish all final resolutions, supporting documents, and proposed regulations on its website 72 hours before any vote. Once published, these materials cannot be amended before the vote occurs. The bill maintains the board's current 14-member structure while adding two non-voting legislative representatives - one appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules and another by the Assembly Speaker.

These provisions would apply to the board's full regulatory scope, including its role implementing California's greenhouse gas reduction programs under existing state law. The Legislative Analyst's Office would need to develop new analytical capabilities to fulfill its expanded role examining the economic implications of major air quality regulations.