This press release just came across my inbox: 

HARKEY BILL TO STREAMLINE GOVERNMENT,

UPHOLD CONFLICT OF INTEREST LAWS

SIGNED INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR

SACRAMENTO — Legislation by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, that would make county government operations more efficient by allowing other counties to hear and judge assessment appeals where a conflict-of-interest is involved, was signed into law today by Governor Schwarzenegger. 

“I am pleased that Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law my important legislation that will help county governments across California operate more efficiently and effectively for the taxpayers they serve,” said Harkey.  “The Governor recognized what Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature did – that county governments should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops when it comes to hearing certain assessment appeals.”

Assembly Bill 824 is an important government reform measure that will make government operations more efficient.  Right now, all 58 California counties have an appeals process for property assessments.  In some counties, the Board of Supervisors hears the appeal, while in others an Assessment Appeals Board appointed by the Board of Supervisors hears the cases.  

Currently, when a conflict of interest arises, such as an appeal involving the clerk of the board and their staff or the Assessment Appeals Board members themselves, a special alternate board must be formed to judge that individual appeal.  This can add significant delay to the resolution of these cases.  Additionally, members with little or no experience in assessment appeals are routinely appointed to these alternate boards.

AB 824 would make this process more efficient by allowing another county’s Assessment Appeals Board to review and issue judgment in cases where a conflict of interest exists.  This would allow for these appeals to be handled more efficiently, by an already assembled and functioning Appeals Board in another county, and cut down the time it takes to resolve these disputes.  The procedure would be optional and both parties would have to agree to participate. 

The bill is sponsored by the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, finding that it is both a practical and cost-effective way of handling assessment appeals when a conflict exists.

“My common-sense legislation will ensure that California’s conflict of interest laws are strictly upheld, while ensuring that affected taxpayers receive a decision on their appeals as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Harkey. 

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