Bill would open boards to people without full legal status

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Immigrants living in California without full legal status could serve in some appointed offices under a bill sent to Gov. Jerry Brown.

The measure passed Friday by the state Senate would let people over 18 who lack authorization to live in the country serve on government boards and commissions.

Sen. Ricardo Lara says the bill would overturn laws designed to exclude immigrants from civic life. The Bell Gardens Democrat says it will let more people from diverse backgrounds serve their communities.

The measure does not allow people who lack work authorization to hold paid appointments.

Some immigrants living in California have work authorization but not legal status under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.