Transit districts: governing boards: compensation: nonvoting members.

Assembly Member Ward's proposal to reshape transit district governance in California establishes new requirements for board member compensation and expands board composition to include nonvoting representatives from key stakeholder groups. The legislation requires transit district board members to demonstrate regular use of public transit—either one hour or four trips monthly—to receive compensation for their service. This links board member pay directly to firsthand experience with the systems they oversee.

The measure also mandates the addition of two nonvoting members and four alternates to transit district governing boards. One nonvoting position would be filled by a transit user recommended by an advisory council, while the other would come from the labor organization representing the plurality of district employees. These nonvoting members would have rights to attend public meetings, receive materials, and place transit service and labor items on meeting agendas. The board chair must exclude nonvoting members from discussions involving labor negotiations, individual personnel matters, and privileged legal issues.

The appointment process requires board chairs to select from recommended candidates within 31 days. If recommendations are not received in that timeframe or nominees do not meet qualifications, the full board may appoint members by majority vote. The bill maintains existing requirements that board members obtain prior authorization and submit reports for travel expenses and other compensation claims. For any state-mandated costs imposed on local agencies, the measure provides for reimbursement through established statutory procedures.