CA AB559

Increases the San Joaquin River Conservancy governing board from 15 to 16 voting members, adding one California Native American tribe member and one youth member (ages 18-26) appointed by the Governor.

Changes appointment process for county residents: Senate Committee on Rules appoints Fresno County resident and Speaker of the Assembly appoints Madera County resident from lists provided by county boards of supervisors, developed from nonprofit organization recommendations focused on outdoor recreation, conservation, environmental justice, or social justice.

Modifies leadership rotation: Chairpersons of Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District and Madera Irrigation District alternate appointments serving one 2-year term each, replacing the previous rotating chairperson role among local elected officials.

Requires voting board members to annually elect chairperson and vice chairperson, with chairperson limited to a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Changes board meetings from Ralph M. Brown Act to Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act governance and establishes state reimbursement procedures for any local agency costs mandated by the bill.