Regional park and open-space districts.

Assembly Member Wilson's proposal to modernize regional park district operations would modify how California's park and open-space districts manage property and administrative functions. The legislation adjusts voter approval requirements for land transactions, allowing districts to lease property for up to 50 years without voter consent, compared to the current 25-year threshold.

The bill revises property exchange protocols, permitting districts to complete land swaps with a two-thirds board vote rather than unanimous approval. The East Bay Regional Park District, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, and Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District would be authorized to exchange up to 80 acres annually, double their current limit. For the East Bay Regional Park District specifically, the bill permits accepting monetary compensation from public agencies when direct property exchanges prove unfeasible, provided those funds purchase new parkland.

For districts serving populations over 200,000, general managers could approve equipment and supply purchases up to $150,000 without board authorization, though this expanded authority excludes labor and services costs. The legislation also consolidates administrative roles, allowing boards to combine appointed positions and establish compensation levels. These changes aim to streamline operations while maintaining oversight through specific board approval requirements and spending limits.