CaliforniaVolunteers: Board of Commissioners.
The bill specifies that the Governor is responsible for appointing 25 voting members to the commission, with criteria established to include representatives from various sectors, including expertise in youth educational needs and community-based organizations. The intent is to create a balanced board that can effectively oversee and promote volunteerism and service activity across the state. By delineating clear roles and representation, AB 999 seeks to enhance the effectiveness and outreach of CaliforniaVolunteers in fostering a culture of service.
Assembly Bill 999, introduced by Assembly Member Ramos, aims to amend Section 8412 of the Government Code concerning the Board of Commissioners under CaliforniaVolunteers. This organization operates in compliance with the National and Community Service Trust Act, which provides a framework for national service programs. The bill principally addresses the composition of the Board of Commissioners, ensuring that it continues to meet the essential requirements of the federal act while making non-substantive changes to clarify its provisions.
While there are no significant points of contention noted in the bill, the structured composition of the commission aims to ensure diverse representation from different community segments, including labor, business, and educational sectors. However, critics might raise concerns about the political balance within the commission, as no more than 50 percent of the commission members can belong to the same political party. This provision seeks to promote bipartisanship and prevent political hegemony, which could be a focal point for discussions during legislative deliberations.