California Judicial Branch

This document commemorates the Judicial Council of California's 100th anniversary (1926-2026) by detailing its history and evolution in advancing access to justice. It outlines the council's mission and seven strategic goals: Access, Fairness, Diversity, and Inclusion; Independence and Accountability; Modernization of Management and Administration; Quality of Justice and Service to the Public; Education for Branchwide Professional Excellence; Branchwide Infrastructure for Service Excellence; and Adequate, Stable, and Predictable Funding for a Fully Functioning Branch.

The council meeting addressed various fiscal and operational matters, including the allocation of Access to Visitation Grant Program funding, the distribution of Equal Access Partnership Grant funds, and the allocation of Court Modernization Funding. Discussions also covered the Pretrial Pilot Program's report to the Legislature, the approval of requests for Trial Court Trust Fund allocations, and final one-time reductions for fund balances above the cap. Additionally, the council approved COVID-19 backlog funding, established 2021 legislative priorities, and accepted a report on voice-to-text language services. Several information-only items were presented, ranging from education plan reports to various statutorily required reports to the Legislature regarding court finances and operations.

The council meeting addressed a variety of administrative and policy matters. Key discussion topics included the adoption of a new Building Official Policy, the establishment of California Environmental Quality Act objectives and procedures, and the approval of updated criminal jury instructions. The council also deliberated on the reallocation of funding for court-appointed juvenile dependency counsel, authorized technical form changes related to federal poverty guidelines, and amended rules concerning public access and the publication of jury instructions. Furthermore, the meeting featured presentations on technical rules and forms, approved base funding floor process updates, and allocated funds for audio equipment upgrades in support of legislative mandates. Informational reports were received regarding facility modifications, education requirement compliance, court reporter fees, and quarterly investment results.

The Judicial Council discussed various administrative and policy items, including the distribution of children's waiting room funds during temporary closures, the appointment of a representative to the Board of State and Community Corrections, and approval of the judicial branch workers' compensation program for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics also included the creation of new advisory positions, updates to civil jury instructions, guidelines for video remote interpreting, and various rules and forms revisions. Additionally, the council reviewed financial reports, including interpreter program expenditures, and accepted a report on data and information governance policy concepts.

The Judicial Council meeting covered numerous agenda items regarding rules and forms implementation. Key topics included the allocation of court reporter funding, the adoption of California Trial Court Facilities Standards, and the distribution of funds for the Equal Access Fund related to CARE Act legal representation and IOLTA-Formula grants. Additionally, the Council discussed revisions to criminal jury instructions, funding allocations for the Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, and extensive amendments to rules of court and forms concerning appellate procedures, civil case management, debtor's examinations, protective orders, and probate conservatorship and guardianship matters.