Senator Limón’s Legislation to Bring More Transparency to State Appointments Signed by the Governor

(SACRAMENTO) – On Monday, Senator Monique Limón and equity advocates celebrated the signing of Senate Bill 702 to bring more transparency to state-appointed Boards and Commissions. This policy has received broad, bipartisan support five years in a row before finally receiving a signature from Governor Newsom.   

“Today, California is taking the necessary steps to bring transparency to our state boards and commissions and ensure that no matter who our governor is, the people will have the opportunity to know who is representing them,” said Senator Monique Limón. “I am proud that 119 state elected officials, from both sides of the aisle, believe this legislation helps identify applicants and ensure those appointed to leadership positions in the state reflect every region of California.”

"We thank Governor Newsom for signing this landmark legislation into law and fulfilling his 2025 commitment to advance transparency at every level of government," said Helen Torres, CEO of HOPE.  "Since 2021, HOPE has worked alongside Senator Limón and her staff to champion this issue, and her steadfast leadership and advocacy made this victory possible. We are deeply grateful for her commitment and thank the Legislature for their bipartisan, unanimous call to action to get this signed. SB 702 will help ensure Californians from all communities have a voice at the decision-making table, laying the foundation for a more inclusive, representative, and resilient democracy in our state.”

A recent report on state appointment demographics showed that there were large disparities in representation for major regions throughout the state, including the Central Valley, Northern Coast, Foothills, and parts of Southern California. Over the last four years, Senator Limón has authored similar legislation targeting an expansion of opportunities for these regions by requiring an updated public website with information on all state boards and commissions, including vacancies, current membership list, and frequency of meetings. 

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Monique Limón represents the 21st Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Buellton, Carpinteria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Solvang, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme, Blacklake, Callender, Grover Beach, Los Berros, Nipomo, Oceano, Woodlands. She currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Vice Chair of the Central Coast Caucus, and Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector.