CA AB2414

Desert Healthcare District must file a resolution with Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission by January 5, 2017 to expand into the East Coachella Valley region, including Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, and unincorporated areas.

Expansion requires voter approval through a countywide election conducted by Riverside County; the commission must complete proceedings and direct the election within 150 days and cannot disapprove the application.

Upon expansion, the district's board of directors increases from 5 to 7 members, with 2 new members appointed from the annexed territory; by January 1, 2020, the district must divide into 7 voting districts for electing board members by district.

District must pay election costs and any application fees; expansion may be conditioned on voter approval of special taxes or benefit assessments to support services in the annexed territory.

Legislature declares the expansion necessary due to unique health care needs and limited access to services in the eastern Coachella Valley, an underserved population with higher prevalence of preventable disease.