California Assembly Bill ACA15

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/7/22

Caption

Local government: counties: employees of elected officers.

Impact

If ACA15 is enacted, it would significantly alter the existing framework for local government operations within California. The amendment would grant elected county officials increased autonomy in employee management, contrasting with the current requirement that forces these decisions to be made by the governing body. This shift aims to streamline operations within county offices, as officials would no longer need to defer to a broader body for personnel decisions, which proponents argue could lead to improved governance at the local level.

Summary

Assembly Constitutional Amendment No. 15, introduced by Assembly Member Kiley, seeks to amend the California Constitution regarding the governance of local counties. The bill proposes modifications to Sections 1 and 4 of Article XI, which primarily dictate how counties appoint and compensate their employees. It allows elected county officers, aside from those on the governing body, to have greater authority over the hiring and tenure of employees within their respective offices, thereby decentralizing some powers historically held by county governing bodies. This change is designed to provide elected county officials with more direct control over their workforce, potentially enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness.

Contention

The proposed amendment has sparked debate among stakeholders concerning the balance of power within local government. Supporters believe that giving elected officials more authority over staffing will lead to more accountable and tailored governance, enhancing local responsiveness. Conversely, critics worry that this could undermine collective oversight provided by governing bodies and may lead to potential cronyism or nepotism in employment practices. There are concerns that the amendment might not address the need for checks and balances in employee appointments and could lead to inconsistencies in how counties govern their internal structures.