Marin County staff briefed the Board of Supervisors Sept. 30 on Proposition 50, a special-election statewide measure that would temporarily allow the California Legislature to redraw congressional districts for elections from 2026 through 2030, rather than the independent citizens redistricting commission.

Talia Smith, the county's legislative director, told the board Prop. 50 was placed on the Nov. 4 special-election ballot by the Legislature and governor in direct response to actions by the Texas Legislature to redraw maps mid-cycle. "Proposition 50 will temporarily, from the elections in 2026 through 2030, hand authority from the independent commission that currently draws congressional district maps to the legislature," Smith said.

Smith described two components: a temporary transfer of mapmaking authority and a symbolic call urging Congress to require fair, independent redistricting commissions nationwide. She said the state provided $250 million to cover local election costs associated with the special election and that the proposition would not change state legislative district boundaries.

Board deliberation and action: Staff recommended the board consider a support resolution. Supervisors discussed national implications and recent federal budget and program risks; several cited HR 1 (a hypothetical federal bill described during the meeting) and the potential for changes in congressional control to affect federal programs Marin relies on. Supervisor Milton Peters moved and the board seconded support for staff's recommendation; the board approved supporting Prop. 50.

Public comment: Members of Indivisible Marin and other organizations urged board support; speakers in the chambers and on Zoom described the measure as a temporary response to what supporters called a partisan power grab by other states and asked the board to weigh in ahead of the special election.

What happens next: The board voted to receive the informational report and directed staff to proceed consistent with the adopted legislative platform and the recommendation to support Prop. 50 during the special election cycle.