CA AB278

Removes requirement that election ordinances describe district boundaries and numbers; instead requires the legislative body to prepare a proposed map after the ordinance passes.

Requires public hearings when cities change from at-large to district-based elections or when adjusting district boundaries.

Extends authority to adopt district election ordinances without voter approval to cities of any population size, not just those with fewer than 100,000 people.

Requires newly incorporated cities using district elections to ensure districts comply with the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 and are as nearly equal in population as possible.