Legislation to Bring Transparency to Gubernatorial Appointments Vetoed by Governor

(SACRAMENTO) – On Sunday, legislation to bring transparency to Governor appointed State Board and Commission seats was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. SB 782, authored by Senator Monique Limón, is a priority for the bipartisan California Legislative Women’s Caucus, LGBTQ Caucus, California Latino Legislative Caucus, and the California Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. For four years, similar legislation has received bipartisan, unanimous support from both houses. 

SB 782 would have required the Office of the Governor to issue an annual report with demographic information of individuals appointed to the statewide four hundred and twenty (420) boards and commissions. There are currently no formal mechanisms to evaluate the diversity of the appointments to state boards and commissions, which serve as the voice of the people, often becoming the first step towards greater public service. 

“I am disappointed that Governor Newsom has once again vetoed legislation that has received broad, bipartisan support in the State Legislature four years in a row,” said Senator Monique Limón. “Currently just three regions in our state make up the majority of appointments, leaving out critical voices from other areas. SB 782 is a step towards ensuring board members and commissioners reflect the multitude of experiences our communities face, and critical voices are not left out of state service.” 

A recent report has shown that not only are a majority of appointed members not from diverse backgrounds, but just shy of 40% of appointees come from two regions in California – Los Angeles and the Bay Area. 

"While we appreciate the Governor's public acknowledgement of the value of this report, this veto delays a larger effort to drive transparency and advance representation in our Government. As the biggest appointment entity in the state, SB 782 was the Governor's opportunity to lead by example and call on other appointment entities to follow suit,” said Helen Torres, CEO of HOPE. “We know the work to advance transparency continues and are heartened by Governor Newsom’s commitment to expand reporting of appointed positions to the state legislature in addition to the Governor's office. We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to make this vision a reality and are committed to uplifting the voices of all of California’s diverse communities in this process."

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Monique Limón represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Buellton, Carpinteria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Solvang, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Port Hueneme. She currently serves as the Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management, and Chair of the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee.