SB 1439: Local government: omnibus bill.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

(1)Existing law, the Joint Exercise of Powers Act, authorizes 2 or more public agencies, by agreement, to form a joint powers authority to exercise any power common to the contracting parties, as specified. Existing law requires a joint powers agreement to state the purpose of the agreement or the power to be exercised, and to provide for the method by which the purpose will be accomplished or the manner in which the power will be exercised. The act grants the agency the common power specified in the agreement and authorizes the agency to exercise that power in the manner provided in the agreement. Existing law authorizes a governing body that satisfies certain conditions to delegate its functions to an advisory body.

This bill would define the terms “advisory body,” “policy formation,” “program development,” and “program implementation” for purposes of that provision. The bill would state that these definitions do not constitute a change in, but are declaratory of, existing law.

(2)The California Constitution requires the state to provide a subvention of funds to reimburse the local government for the costs of a new program or a higher level of service, with specified exceptions, when the Legislature or a state agency mandates a new program or higher level of service on any local government, including school districts. Existing law, in the event that revised claiming instructions are issued by the Controller between November 15 and February 15, provides a local agency or school district filing an annual reimbursement claim with 120 days following the issuance date of the revised instructions to file a claim.

This bill would instead apply that provision if the revised claiming instructions are issued by the Controller between October 19 and February 15.

(3)Existing law requires specified county officers, including the public administrator, to be elected by the people. Existing law authorizes the boards of supervisors of specified counties to provide, by ordinance, that the public administrator be appointed by the board. Existing law also authorizes the boards of supervisors of specified counties, by ordinance, to appoint the same person to the offices of public administrator and public guardian, and to, at any time, separate the consolidated offices of the district attorney and public administrator, as specified.

This bill would apply those provisions to the County of Merced.

Sponsors

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 716, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 716, Statutes of 2026.
3. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
4. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
5. September 4, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.
6. September 4, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.
7. August 27, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 5988.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
8. August 27, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
9. August 26, 2026Ordered to special consent calendar.
10. August 26, 2026Ordered to special consent calendar.
11. August 24, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
12. August 24, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.