SB 782 (Limón) Transparency in Gubernatorial Appointments
Our work to Ensure Transparency in Gubernatorial Appointments
Since 2021, HOPE has partnered with Senator Monique Limón and sponsored legislation to require demographic reporting on Gubernatorial appointments. Previous iterations have passed through the Legislature but have unfortunately been vetoed.
In response to the latest veto in October of 2023, HOPE embarked on an analysis of the demographic data of gubernatorial appointees made publicly available via press release posted on the Governor’s website. While the Governor has achieved near gender parity in the appointments made by his office in 2023 and has made strides in appointing more people of color, HOPE’s analysis shows that diverse voices remain underrepresented. White Californians continued to hold the plurality of these positions at 52%, while Latinos (17%), Black (11%), AAPI (8%), and Native American Californians (2%) collectively make up 39%. The report highlights that more needs to be done to ensure our boards and commissions reflect the diversity of our state and demonstrates the impact that demographic reporting can have on identifying representation gaps in leadership.
Given these findings, Senator Limón reintroduced legislation this year, in the form of SB 782, to continue this crucial transparency work. Despite being a caucus priority for the Latino, LGBTQ+, AAPI and Women’s legislative caucuses and receiving bipartisan support in the Legislature, Governor Newsom has once again vetoed SB 782. In his veto message, Governor Newsom acknowledged the importance of the increased accessibility that public reporting would provide, affirming that this goal can only be realized by also requiring reporting on legislative appointments. He has committed to supporting legislation next year that includes the same transparency requirements for appointments by both the Administration and the Legislature.
HOPE remains committed to advocating for transparency and equity in appointments and will continue working to ensure that all communities have a voice at decision-making tables.
Read the Press Release
SB 782 (Limón)
SB 782 requires the Governor’s Office, on or before January 1, 2027 and annually thereafter, to report the aggregate demographic information of individuals appointed by the Governor. The bill requires the report to be published on the Governor’s website and for the Governor’s office to maintain an updated website with information on all state boards and commissions, including vacancies, current membership list, and frequency of meetings.
California Gubernatorial Appointments Report
In an effort to shed light on the demographic landscape of California’s gubernatorial appointments, HOPE’s comprehensive analysis provides crucial insights into the diversity and representation within the Governor’s appointed boards, commissions, and task forces in 2023. While the Governor achieved near gender parity in the appointments made by his office in 2023, our analysis shows that diverse voices remained underrepresented, particularly Latino and AAPI Californians. White Californians continued to hold the plurality of these positions at 52%, while Latinos, Black, AAPI, and Native American individuals make up 39% combined.
Key Dates
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Assembly Appropriations Committee
Since the bill has a fiscal impact, it is on the Assembly suspense file. The suspense hearing will be on August 15th which will determine whether SB 782 moves forward in this legislative session.
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Assembly Floor
If approved by the Appropriations committee, SB 782 will advance to the Assembly floor. The bill needs to be approved by at least 41/80 Assemblymembers and sent to the Senate for their approval.
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Senate Floor
Both houses need to vote on the same bill in its final form. Since SB 782 was amended in the Assembly, the Senate will need to vote to concur on those changes. This will be the last step before it is sent to the Governor’s desk.
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Governor’s Desk Deadline
The bill needs to be sent to the Governor’s desk by August 31. He then has 30 days to take action on the bill.
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Signature
Last day for the Governor to sign or veto any legislation. We’re hopeful to secure his signature this year!
Words of Support
“To ensure California’s leadership reflects its greater population, the collection of gubernatorial appointee demographic data is a critical step to achieving gender, racial, and ethnic equity on boards and commissions. The annual report will serve as a tool to shed light where gaps in representation exist, encourage outreach to communities of interest, and address any barriers. Increasing the diversity of California’s board and commission members will ensure we reflect the rich diversity of California’s population, creating a stronger state, and more equitable communities.”
“CAUSE’s partnership with HOPE has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of our diverse communities. Since the beginning of 2020, our joint efforts have highlighted the priorities and perspectives of Californians through the California Community Poll and have revealed the shared values that unite us. This collaboration has paved the way for new strategies to advance the rights of our communities, and we are proud to be members of the California Like Me Coalition in support of SB 782, to ensure our leadership truly reflects the people of California.”
“It isn’t just important that we know if Black, Brown, API, or other communities are appropriately represented in gubernatorial appointments; it’s essential. At the moment, there’s no way to know. That has got to change if we are to live up to our reputation as a bastion of progressive policies. This one should be low-hanging fruit.”
“Our democracy and our governance is more impactful when it reflects our communities. Currently, there’s no way for the public to see if they are represented in gubernatorial appointments. Accurate data plays a critical role in comprehending our current situation and evaluating our progress toward a more equitable society.”
“SB 782 is a vital step toward equitable representation within our state’s leadership. By requiring the Governor’s office to annually report demographic information on gubernatorial appointees, we can accurately assess and address gaps in representation. This is especially critical for the AAPI community, which is often viewed as just one singular group, despite its rich diversity. This legislation ensures the voices of all our communities are heard and represented.”
“As one of the most diverse states in the country, it is important that California’s diversity is reflected at all levels of our government. I applaud Senator Limón for leading this effort to better examine diversity in leadership.”
SB 782 is a Priority Bill for the California AAPI, Latino, LGBTQ, and Women’s Legislative Caucuses
We're All for Greater Demographic Transparency in CA Leadership!
