Assembly bill may gain power for trustees

Student trustees could be doing more than just attending board meetings.

If approved, AB 447 would give student trustees the power to make motions and seconds, attend some closed sessions and cast votes.

Assemblyman Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) introduced the bill last month.

“Our student leaders are important and their voices should be more than just symbolic,” Williams said.

Student trustees currently attend board meetings, participate in discussions and report on student issues. They have no voting power and cannot influence policy.