CA SB52

Requires charter cities with a population of at least 2,500,000 people to establish an independent redistricting commission if their charter does not already have one meeting specified criteria.

Commission must consist of 21 members and 2 alternates selected through a transparent process designed to be independent from city council influence and representative of city diversity.

Establishes eligibility requirements for commissioners including residency, civic engagement, analytical skills, impartiality, and prohibits those with recent ties to elected officials, political parties, or campaign contributions of $500 or more.

Requires the commission to adopt city council district boundaries following each federal decennial census using criteria that minimizes division of communities of interest and prohibits partisan gerrymandering.

Commissioners are subject to restrictions on political activities during and after service, including bans on endorsing candidates, accepting certain employment, and running for office within specified timeframes.