Governor Signs Cervantes Bill to Reform Local Government Transitions to District-Based Elections

(SACRAMENTO) – Assembly Bill 2123 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona)  was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown this week. AB 2123 would reform the existing process for local governments to transition to district-based elections by providing for a mutually agreed-to extension of up to 90 days to continue negotiations between local governments and potential plaintiffs.

“I am incredibly thankful to the Governor for signing this bill into law,” said Assemblymember Cervantes. “Assembly Bill 2123 will make it easier for cities in the Inland Empire and throughout California to navigate the transition to district-based elections. I am proud to bring our cities and voting rights organizations together to find a commonsense, bipartisan reform to the existing transition process.”

The bill is, in part, a response to pending litigation that the City of Norco is facing due to their at-large election system.

• However, as this legislation cannot affect ongoing or pending litigation, the bill would not affect the City of Norco directly.
• AB 2123 will apply prospectively to local governments beginning January 1, 2019.

AB 2123 is a consensus measure supported by the League of Cities, as well as voting rights organizations such as MALDEF, the ACLU, and Common Cause. You can find more information about the bill here.

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Sabrina Cervantes proudly represents the 60th District of the California State Assembly, which encompasses the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, and a portion of the City of Riverside.