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SB 702

Legislative and gubernatorial appointments: report.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Alvarez and 12 co-sponsors

SB 702 boosts transparency in California's state appointments by requiring demographic data reporting, ensuring public oversight and promoting diversity in governance.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 423, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 702

Summary of SB 702: Legislative and Gubernatorial Appointments: Report

Bill Number: SB 702
Author: Limón
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 423, Statutes of 2025.
Introduced: February 21, 2025
Effective Date: January 1, 2027

Purpose and Intent

SB 702 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the appointment processes for state boards and commissions in California. The bill mandates the maintenance and publication of detailed information regarding gubernatorial and legislative appointments, including demographic data, to ensure public awareness and oversight.

Key Provisions

  1. Website Maintenance by the Governor's Office:

    • Starting January 1, 2027, the Governor's office is required to maintain an updated list on its website of:
      • Each state board and commission.
      • Membership lists.
      • Stated purposes and duties.
      • Meeting frequencies.
      • Any vacancies.

  2. Annual Reporting:

    • The Governor's office must publish an annual report by January 31, beginning in 2028, detailing:
      • Aggregate demographic information of appointments made in the previous calendar year.
      • This information must be presented in a way that protects the anonymity of the appointed individuals.

  3. Legislative Oversight:

    • The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the Assembly must also maintain a list of boards and commissions for which each house has appointment authority, including similar details as required for the Governor's office.
    • They are also required to publish annual demographic reports on legislative appointments, excluding ex officio appointments.

  4. Demographic Information:

    • The demographic data collected will include voluntarily reported information such as:
      • Ethnicity
      • Gender
      • Gender identity
      • Sexual orientation
      • Disability status
      • County of residence
      • Party affiliation
      • Military service
    • A disclaimer will accompany the data, clarifying that reporting is voluntary and may not reflect the full demographics of all appointments.

Impact

  • Transparency: This bill is expected to improve transparency in the appointment process, allowing the public to access information about who is appointed to state boards and commissions.
  • Diversity Tracking: By collecting demographic data, the bill aims to promote diversity and inclusion within state appointments, enabling better representation of California's population.
  • Accountability: The requirement for annual reports will hold the Governor's office and the legislature accountable for their appointment practices.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was approved by the Governor on October 6, 2025, and is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
  • The first report is due by January 31, 2028, with subsequent reports required annually.

This legislation represents a significant step toward enhancing the accountability and transparency of state governance in California, particularly regarding the composition and diversity of its appointed boards and commissions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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