Metropolitan water districts: alternate representative.

Assembly Member Irwin's proposal to modify Metropolitan Water District board representation would allow member agencies with single representatives to designate alternates for board meetings when their primary representative cannot attend. The measure maintains existing board composition requirements while creating a temporary mechanism for continuous agency participation through 2030.

Under the proposed changes, member agencies entitled to one board representative may appoint an alternate who can participate in meetings when the primary representative is absent. These alternates must be designated through formal notice to the district at least five business days before any meeting they plan to attend. While alternates would have standard voting privileges, they would be prohibited from serving as officers during meetings. Member agencies choosing to utilize alternates would bear any additional costs associated with their participation.

The bill preserves the current framework allowing agencies to appoint additional permanent representatives based on their share of district-wide assessed property value, with one additional seat permitted for each 5% increment. It also maintains the minimum representation guarantee established in 2019, which prevents reducing any agency's existing board seats. These provisions work in parallel with the new alternate system to balance consistent representation with established governance structures.