California-Mexico Border Relations Council.

Assembly Member Alvarez's proposal to expand the California-Mexico Border Relations Council would add a nonvoting legislative representative from an Assembly district bordering Mexico, complementing the council's existing membership of eight state agency leaders who coordinate cross-border programs and initiatives.

The bill authorizes the Speaker of the Assembly to appoint an Assembly member from a border district to serve as an ex officio member without voting rights. This appointee would join the current council composition, which includes directors and secretaries from state departments overseeing business, natural resources, environmental protection, health services, transportation, agriculture, housing, and emergency services. The council also includes a nonvoting representative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 9 office.

The appointed Assembly member would serve at the Speaker's discretion and participate in council activities to the extent compatible with their legislative duties. The Secretary for Environmental Protection retains the role of council chair under the legislation. The bill requires majority approval and fiscal committee review but involves no new appropriations or local program requirements.