County of Merced Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Assembly Member Soria's proposal to establish an independent Citizens Redistricting Commission in Merced County mirrors existing redistricting bodies in eight other California counties. The 11-member commission would assume responsibility for adjusting supervisorial district boundaries following each federal census.

The legislation outlines specific membership requirements to ensure geographic and political diversity. Each commissioner must be a county resident, maintain consistent party registration for five years prior to appointment, and have voted in at least one of the previous three statewide elections. The selection process involves multiple stages: the county elections official screens initial applications, creates a pool of up to 60 qualified candidates, and conducts a random drawing to select five members - one from each existing supervisorial district. These initial appointees then select six additional members through public meetings.

Commission operations would follow strict transparency and public engagement protocols. Before drafting district maps, the body must hold at least five public hearings over 30 days, with sessions in each supervisorial district. Draft maps require posting online and two additional hearings. The legislation mandates live translation services for hearings when requested by language minority communities comprising 3% or more of county voting-age residents. Members face restrictions on outside communications about redistricting matters and must comply with conflict of interest requirements. After serving, commissioners cannot hold elective office for five years or appointive positions for three years.

The board of supervisors must provide funding, staffing and redistricting data access. While the Commission on State Mandates will evaluate potential reimbursement for county costs, the bill requires no direct state appropriation. The final redistricting plan, due by the standard map adoption deadline, remains subject to voter referendum.