Lawmakers stripped the Board of Equalization of power. Now they’re fighting to join it

California's Board of Equalization, once stripped of governing power in 2017, is now a sought-after position for state lawmakers. Three current lawmakers are competing for seats in the board's four geographic districts, with candidates including state Sen. Shannon Grove and incumbent Sally Lieber. The board, established in 1879, now focuses on taxpayer appeals and property tax equalization after losing tax collection responsibilities.