SB 1414 – San Bernardino County Independent Redistricting Commission
 




Who Should Draw Political District Lines: Politicians or the People?


Right now, elected officials in San Bernardino County can still have the final say over the district maps that determine who they represent.

SB 1414 would establish a truly independent redistricting commission so that community members—not elected officials—are responsible for drawing supervisorial district boundaries.

Because voters should choose their representatives—not the other way around.


The Issue


In 2020, San Bernardino County voters approved Measure J, taking an important step toward increasing public participation and transparency in the redistricting process.

Measure J created a citizen advisory commission to review proposed district maps and gather public input. However, the commission's role is advisory only. Members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, and the Board retains final authority over the district maps.

While Measure J improved transparency, the final decisions remain in the hands of elected officials whose districts are directly affected by the outcome.

An independent process helps strengthen public confidence that district boundaries are being drawn based on communities and representation—not political considerations.


The Solution


SB 1414 creates a fully independent redistricting commission for San Bernardino County supervisorial districts.

Under the bill, commissioners would be selected through an independent application and screening process designed to limit political influence and ensure broad community representation.

The commission would conduct its work through a transparent public process, including public hearings and opportunities for community input. However, unlike the current system, the commission's final map would not be subject to approval or modification by the Board of Supervisors.

SB 1414 would ensure that the people responsible for drawing district boundaries are independent from the elected officials who ultimately run for office within those districts.


A Proven Model


Independent redistricting commissions are already used successfully throughout California to promote fairness, transparency, and public trust.

Several counties, including Riverside, currently use independent commissions. Additional counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Kern, Fresno, Sacramento, and San Luis Obispo, will implement independent redistricting commissions beginning with the 2030 redistricting cycle.

SB 1414 would bring San Bernardino County in line with this growing statewide standard and ensure the Inland Empire continues moving toward more independent and community-driven representation.


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