Citizens only for California boards and commissions, Jerry Brown says in veto

Undocumented immigrants and other non-citizens will not be allowed to serve on state and local boards and commissions, despite recent efforts to further integrate those living in California illegally into civic life.

Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday vetoed Senate Bill 174, which would have authorized the appointment of any California resident over the age of 18 to a civil office, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.

“I believe existing law — which requires citizenship for these forms of public service — is the better path,” Brown wrote in his veto message.

Sen. Ricardo Lara, the Bell Gardens Democrat who introduced SB 174, said the citizenship requirement for state posts originated with anti-Chinese immigrant discrimination in the 19th century and eliminating it would allow the state to better serve its diverse communities.