AB 213, authored by Assemblywoman Gloria Romero and sponsored by the California State Student Association, would expand the board’s membership to 25.

Former Sacramento State ASI President Gary Davis supported and lobbied for the second student position. Davis wrote the position statement for the CSSA, which eventually became the bill.

"Students should be excited," Sacramento State CSSA Representative Shaun Lumachi said. "We now have the opportunity for better representation for the students of the CSU system."

The original bill, which would have given both student trustees a vote, was opposed by the CSU and amended to allow a vote for only the senior student trustee.

Supporters of the bill say that a second student trustee is necessary to ensure equitable representation of the 350,000 CSU students. The population is projected to grow to 440,000 by 2010.

Legislative opposition cited concerns that faculty and alumni would want second trustees, and questioned the advantage of a second student trustee if it diminished the voting power of both trustees.

Davis said that a major advantage would come with the ability for the student trustees to attend more subcommittee meetings. He said trustee subcommittees tend to be a driving force behind much of the legislation the board passes. Having a second member would allow student trustees to "effectively advocate to the committees, where many decisions are essentially made," Davis said.

Another advantage of the staggered terms is that there will always be a veteran, Davis said. Most trustees serve an eight-year term, giving them the advantage of having time to learn how the system works. Student trustees barely have time to learn the ropes before the end of their two-year term, Davis said. Now there will always be one student representative who already knows the system.

Secretary of Education Gary Hart supports the appointment of a second student. In a letter sent to Assemblywoman Romero, Hart wrote that the staggered terms would provide student trustees "the opportunity to become more familiar with the salient issues and Board procedures – while increasing his or her credibility with the Board – before casting a vote." He also pointed out that, should a student trustee resign, the other trustee could fill his position and maintain student representation.

Davis said he believes the Governor will sign the bill.

"With Gov. Davis’ style, if a representative close to the Governor’s office writes a letter of support, it’s almost as good as a done deal."

If the bill is signed, it will go into effect with the appointment of a second trustee, probably in July of 2000.