Metropolitan water districts: proxy vote authorizations.

Assembly Member Irwin's proposal to modify Metropolitan Water District board voting procedures would allow single-representative member agencies to designate proxy voters when their representatives cannot attend meetings. The measure creates a temporary framework, lasting until January 2030, for agencies to maintain their voting presence without expanding their formal representation.

Under the proposed system, representatives from single-representative agencies could authorize proxies from other member agencies to vote on their behalf at specific board meetings. These authorizations must be documented in writing and submitted to the board secretary one business day before the designated meeting. The bill places key limitations on proxy voting - proxies cannot assume the original representative's officer positions, and agencies can only use proxy voting for up to six board meetings per calendar year. All existing conflict of interest requirements would apply equally to both the original representative and their designated proxy.

The legislation maintains current provisions allowing member agencies to appoint additional representatives based on property tax valuations while preserving minimum representation levels established in 2019. After January 2030, these proxy voting provisions would sunset, reverting board procedures to their previous form unless renewed by future legislation.