CA SB904

Authorizes special taxes for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District to be imposed through qualified voter initiative, requiring a minimum tax rate of one-quarter of 1 percent and expenditures consistent with rail transit purposes.

Requires the boards of supervisors in Sonoma and Marin counties to call special elections on tax measures proposed by the district's board or voter initiatives, with the district reimbursing counties for incremental election costs.

Increases the contract threshold for district purchases of supplies, equipment, and materials from $40,000 to $75,000, allowing contracts to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the bidder offering best value at the district's discretion.

Requires the district to obtain minimum of 3 quotations for purchases exceeding $10,000 but not exceeding $75,000, and expands workers' compensation coverage requirements to include federal and state laws.

Removes obsolete references to the North Coast Railroad Authority and deletes a restriction limiting commuter stations in Sonoma County north of Healdsburg to incorporated areas only.