Assembly Bill 655, the California-Mexico Border Relations Council Oversight Act, is signed into law

SACRAMENTO, CA — Assembly Bill 655 by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) has been signed by Governor Newsom, advancing a proposal to expand representation on the California-Mexico Border Relations Council to include a State Senator and State Assemblymember from a border district.

“AB 655 ensures that border communities have a voice in cross-border policymaking,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “By including a State Senator and State Assemblymember from a border district, the California Mexico Border Relations Council will have representation with firsthand knowledge of regional needs. This will help create policies that are not only informed by but also beneficial to the diverse communities that make up California’s unique border region. I would like to thank Governor Newsom for his support on this measure.”

Currently composed of state agency leaders, the CA-MX Border Relations Council coordinates cross-border policy efforts on issues ranging from trade and environmental protection to emergency management. AB 655 aims to bring local voices to the table by adding legislative members who represent California’s border communities— vital regions to the state's economic and cultural relationship with Mexico.

Border communities represent nearly 3 million Californians and represent $33.5 billion in annual cross-border trade between California and Mexico. AB 655 has received support from the City of San Diego, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other regional leaders who have highlighted the need for a more locally informed governance. 

The next California-Mexico Border Relations Council meeting will be held on September 12, 2025 at 1PM at the San Diego Water Quality Control Board. AB 655 will take effect on January 1, 2026.