Fabian Nunez is slated to give up the perks of power held by the office of Assembly Speaker when Karen Bass assumes the position next week. As promised several weeks ago, Nunez is introducing a three-piece constitutional amendment designed to reform the state legislature.

According to a presser released by his office earlier today, his proposal would:

1. Create a bi-partisan 17-member body to redraw legislative districts
2. A redux of Prop 93 minus the grandfather clause that protected incumbents
3. Prohibit campaign contributions to legislature and Gov. during budget period

Being a proposed constitutional amendment, this legislation requires two-thirds of both houses of the legislature for passage. In an environment wherein the Yacht party is only interested in exacerbating California’s structural budget deficit, the two-thirds bar will be difficult to obtain. Especially since he is no longer the powerful Speaker.

As for his redistricting proposal, it comes just as the Governor and Common Cause are set to announce they have collected the required amount of signatures to force a ballot measure on their own redistricting proposal.

Secondly, the new Prop 93 is a bit confusing. It purports to remove the incumbent protection clause which they believe tanked the ballot initiative, however, the new plan maintains that incumbents can still serve the full limits afforded them under current law. I suppose that’s a reasonable approach that can not be construed as self-serving.

Finally, the prohibition of campaign contributions from May 15th, when the Governor’s May Revision to the budget is released until a new budget is enacted. This plan is commendable but I must admit my cynicism. Special interests will be sure to continue to pour in money on May 14th and after the new budget is passed.

Not sure if we can take Nunez seriously with this effort, given Bass who he supported to assume his post has yet to embrace this far-reaching proposed constitutional amendment. Perhaps this legislative effort will be the true measure of his short public service which is scheduled to be term limited in the state assembly at the end of this year.