Governor Signs Bill by Senator Rubio Aligning Local Water Authority Election Dates, Streamlining Reporting Requirements

SACRAMENTO, CA – Legislation by Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) aligning elections and streamlining reporting requirements for the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (SGBWQA) was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom today.

Senate Bill 413 reduces costs and increases efficiency at the SGBWQA by staggering the election process that currently overlaps with the city council elections and removes duplicative reporting requirements.

“This is a common-sense approach that will save local taxpayers money,” Sen. Rubio said. “It also keeps intact rigorous reporting requirements and oversight by the current local officials in place.”   

Previously, SGBWQA board elections for the two city council members that sit on the board were staggered with local city council elections held in odd-numbered years.  Cities now conduct their elections in even-numbered years, which overlaps with SGBWQA elections. It creates a problem if a candidate simultaneously running for city council and the SGBWQA board wins the SGBWQA election but loses the city council seat.

The SGBWQA is responsible for developing, financing, and implementing groundwater treatment programs in the San Gabriel Basin and is required to report activities every six months. Much of the information reported bi-annually is duplicative.

For more information about Senator Rubio, visit her website.