State Air Resources Board: board members: compensation.

Assembly Member Chen's proposal to restructure compensation for California's State Air Resources Board (ARB) members would eliminate existing pay disparities between district-appointed and other board members. The legislation modifies the Health and Safety Code to provide standard annual salaries to all ARB members, including those appointed from air quality management and air pollution control districts who currently serve without compensation.

The measure removes the current per diem payment system for elected officials serving on the board, which provides $100 per day up to $1,000 monthly for meeting attendance and official business. Under the revised framework, members appointed from specifically named districts would continue receiving expense reimbursements from their appointing districts, while those from unnamed districts would obtain reimbursements directly from the ARB. The bill maintains existing expense reimbursement protocols for actual and necessary costs incurred during official duties when not covered by other public agencies.

This compensation restructuring occurs within the ARB's current 14-member composition, which includes 12 governor-appointed members (six from air districts) confirmed by the Senate and two non-voting legislative representatives. While the legislation modifies member compensation, it preserves the board's existing appointment structure and voting arrangements.